It's nice to get outside the classroom and do something else. It makes such a difference being out of the classroom, seeing it in real life, having that understanding. They learn more in one day like this than doing a sequence of lessons.
We've been exploring the nature and we've been drawing what we see. I saw a fish, some ducks, a goose and a bird.
We've just been throwing sticks and then we've got to run to the other side to see if the stick goes under the bridge.
They've had hands-on experiences, doing fieldwork, doing investigations. The practical games and activities to bring it all to life so that we find that goes into their memory far better. Each child will take something away that's slightly different, some may take something to do with the environment, some that they enjoy learning about fish, some about the technology, but clearly being out of class is enjoyable for them as well.
It's that self -exploration, that independence, that again you see another side of the children that you don't see in the classroom. They're confident they want to have a go, they're engaged.
Today, I learned that the river states in Wales.
Today, I learned about all of the different rivers and how they join together.
We were the biggest vinegar makers for one vinegar factory, which I find mind-blowing.
My favourite thing was making the maps because I liked working together with my friends.
Being out in the fresh air, looking at nature, I feel very relaxed today, so the impact it must have on the children, they've all got on well with each other. They're all happy and engaged and that does make such a difference.
It was sort of relaxing, looking at the river and seeing some fish.
My favourite thing has been drawing because it makes me feel calm.
I think it's really good that young people get the opportunity to be outside. Having safe, enjoyable places to come to is so important. The very fact that so many children today have told me they haven't been down here before, it encouraged them to get out, to get walking, to get active, to come down to the river with their families.
