On Friday 21^stJune, following their study of vertebrate and invertebrate species in science, Class 4 took a trip to Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth.

At the aquarium, the children were able to explore and classify a range of vertebrate and invertebrate marine animals. Additionally, they met some non-aquatic creatures such as monkeys and iguanas. They observed the effects of animal conservation when they saw a rescued seal who was in rehabilitation after feeling the effects of ocean pollution and had a lot of fun with the various exhibits and displays on offer. At 11 o’clock, children were given a rock pool experience and absolutely blew the zoology expert away with their knowledge of echinoderms and other invertebrate animals. In fact, he was so impressed that children were given the rare opportunity to stroke the carnivorous, cannibalistic, ten-armed baby sun star as well as a common sea urchin! Following this, children had a splash-tastic time at the seal show.

After lunch, as there was still time left before their bus, the children journeyed down to Tynemouth Beach and explored the glorious, yellow sands. From digging to China, to collecting shells and seaweeds, to competing in a long jump competition, the children had a whale of a time!

On Thursday 20^thJune, Class 3 and Class 4 were given the opportunity to put their debating skills to the test in a mock House of Commons setting, led by an official member of parliament! Following an important assembly on our political system and democratic rights, children were spit into the ‘government’ and the ‘opposition’. They debated a range of ‘new laws’, including: a law that states children must spend two extra hours afterschool each work doing exercise and children should be limited to 2 hours of screen time a night. Although neither new law passed their democratic votes, children respected the views of each other and presented strong, well-considered points on both sides of the debate and had a wonderful time.

On Friday 14^th June, Class 4 experienced their final Thrills and Skills session of the year on a school trip to Stanley-Crook Forest.

Upon arrival, children were given numbers, roles and responsibilities. Once they had descended deep into the forest, the children came across a full, fast-flowing river and were faced with their first challenge – bridge building. Together the children collected timber, sticks, ferns and mosses as their materials and lay them over one another so that they could cross the river rapids. While normally this would be challenge enough, Class 4 had the additional obstacle of heavy rain and muddy, waterlogged riverbanks to navigate. Luckily, they did a fantastic job due to their effective teamwork.

Following this, children moved to a second forest area and were tasked with building dens. Again, they had to communicate, be resilient when designs weren’t effective and work well as a team to build a shelter that could protect them. While a competition of two teams, both dens were fantastic.

Finally, the children had a second opportunity to practise their ‘Cam and Conceal’ as they did in one of their very first Thrills and Skills sessions. In their camo-gear, the children hid in the long grasses, bushes and trees, becoming one with nature. They were hunted by their teachers but remained hidden even when residual water from the tree branches rained down on them when shaken by the crafty teachers. This final activity ended with a brilliant game of Red Light, Green Light which the children thoroughly enjoyed.