Forest School Tool Use in Key Stage 2 - Using a Billhook

 

This week KS2 had forest school. We enjoyed an adventurous walk through the laurels to campsite 2, Dragon’s Den. They discussed hibernation and the types of home hedgehogs might use if we were to build them one. They got to work in groups planning the layout of their hedgehog homes.

Then it was time to use a different kind of tool - a billhook. The children were all curious about the strangely shaped tool and what it was used for. They learnt about tool safety and that they should not wear a glove on the hand holding a tool that they need to swing. Oak class used the billhook and a spare piece of wood to split up some logs for firewood. This wood will go back in our school shed for the next time we build a campfire in forest school. They felt a great sense of achievement when they managed to split the log all the way through! It was tough work.

Sycamore class had the chance to hone their whittling skills; they reviewed the safe use of a knife and how to position themselves. Some children felt more confident and were able to neatly peel all the way around their stick and a few tried notch making using the knife which requires extra control and care.