Done and dusted!

Finally back home and I just wanted to say an enormous well done to all the children that came on the trip to Dell Farm. They set an excellent example for the school and the staff there said it's a pleasure to have children like ours as it makes their jobs so much easier!

The final part of our adventure today saw us travelling to Ashridge where we had to build shelters in the forest there. Each shelter looked quite unique (although were all pretty rubbish as they let in loads of water!). We saw 2 separate herds of deer as well, which surprisingly didn't hang around for too long once they caught sight of us!

One side note which made me laugh- my group found a newt today next to a pond at Ashridge. It looked a bit dead, so I took a small stick and prodded it gently, making it waddle back into the water. I told the children that that particular newt was protected and could become extinct soon. Charlie looked at me and replied "Yeah, they're probably becoming extinct because people keep poking them with sticks." (Smart answer!)

I hope the blog has gone down well and that everyone enjoyed keeping up to date with our antics! Thanks for reading.

Mr Kelly

Last day!

We are all packed and ready to leave after lunch. This morning, we fed the animals and walked the ponies and donkeys around the farm. We also saw a chicken lay an egg! Some of the groups have already left for Ashridge ready to build their shelters. Happy birthday to Jemma today- her birthday treat was getting to let the pigs out for their breakfast!

Late one tonight!

Sorry it's so late...I've been a bit busy tonight running 3 hours worth of caving sessions! Which, I have to say, were thoroughly enjoyed by all the children (even the ones that were a bit unsure!). I'm sure they will be able to tell you all about their adventure on their return!

The weather continued its 'wetness' today, with some torrential downpours (luckily my group were on the indoor climbing wall at the time, so we were saved!) although I'm amazed at how the children simply don't care about the weather and are just making the most of being here.

Tomorrow we are off to Ashridge Forest to build our own shelters, which had better be pretty good if the weather carries on the way it's been recently. We will then head back to Dell Farm for lunch before travelling back to school. I shall try for one more update tomorrow, but may not have time.

Mr Kelly

Day 2...

It's currently free time on the farm, so the children are out playing a variety

of games, including the famous 'wellyball' as well as grooming the animals. We've just eaten a very filling lunch and are looking forward to this afternoon's activities.

Last night was one of the best first nights I've ever had here, and keeping to a long tradition, the boys were all asleep much, much quicker than the girls! (By the way, Mark's parents; if you're reading this, please ask him why I am now lacking a toe-nail on my big toe!).

This morning, after breakfast, we groomed the ponies and donkeys, plus fed the other farm animals. After breakfast, different groups did different activities- my favourite so far has been Dell Farm Fox, as the teachers got to chase the children round, firing water pistols at them!

This evening, the groups will get the opportunity to go into the famous caves at Dell Farm and only the bravest will be able to enter the 'Cave of Doom'! I shall keep you updated on this later- hopefully we won't lose any of the children in the caves!!

Bye for now

Mr Kelly

EVENING WALK

We have just returned from the evening walk and the children are in the dining room having their hot chocolate & flapjacks. We learnt about different animal habitats, did a bit of maths work and found out all about the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral (whilst getting wet of course!). Reece and Tahmida also had a lovely wedding ceremony in the Tree Cathedral...it was like the royal wedding all over again!

All children have been very well behaved and are looking forward to all of tomorrow's activities. I am 100% certain that they will sleep well tonight and not stay awake (well maybe 95% certain!).

I will update everyone again tomorrow, but for now, goodnight!

Zoo trip (wet, wet zoo trip!)

Well, I'm not sure if the children could be any more saturated than they are right now! It's rained for most of the day, but it didn't dampen our spirits- in fact, it was quite handy as I think we were the only people in the entire zoo!

We are now back at Dell Farm and the children are just being 'inducted' into the site and what they can expect fromtheir few days here. (They will be doing archery, climbing, caving, shelter building and an activity called Dell Farm Fox if all goes to plan and things aren't scuppered by the weather!)

Later tonight, we will be making beds, having dinner and then going on an evening 'habitat' walk around Whipsnade Downs. I shall try and post a couple more photos later on, but for now, goodbye!

Day one begins...

Hi everyone- welcome to Year 5's blog, showing what they've been getting up to at Dell Farm this week. I will try to update it regularly during our time here, so keep an eye out for any new posts. If any parents would like to leave a message for their child, please feel free and I shall try and pass it on. (Just click on the 'comments' link next to the little pencil at the bottom of a post to leave a comment).

Happy blogging!

Mr Kelly