Applying some of their experience from last weeks den building session, Year 6 created miniature Anderson Shelters, linking to their current topic of World War 2.
It was interesting to see the different ways the children approached this task, starting with a simple framework and building from there. Using a variety of materials to try and increase strength and stability, most built using layers to ensure density in the structure. Some dug down trying to replicate the traditional style of having some of the shelter underground. Most declared they had finished early on but then on reflection realised if the shelters were to withstand any potential bomb blast they would need to be much denser in construction. They were encouraged to imagine if a bomb happened near by, how would their structure explode, where were the weak points be and how could they be strengthened. There needed to be some kind of containment material to hold individual parts together. Carpet proved very successful, as did long thistle bushes cut and manipulated into a kind of matting. This made for a much more robust structure.
Principle 6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
Article 19 – We all have the right to be looked after and kept safe.
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- Stacking the wood horizontally onto diagonal supports made for a very robust structure.
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- Using uprights into the earth ensured stability.
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- Similarly a ‘lean to’ construction pushed into the ground, this may look flimsy but in fact the wide base gives stability.
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- Turf pieces were removed carefully so they can be easily replaced.
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- A layer of carpet is placed over the wooden frame.
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- Then thistle matting, woodchip and leaves to finish off.
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- Here the turf was peeled back then a willow frame was built underneath.
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- Logs placed at the side to hold the structure during a possible bomb blast.
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- A classic tripod to start the other materials were wrapped around for blast proofing.
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- Using natural geographoc features to locate the shelter cut down on work time.
