Brockholes visit 24/09/2025

In Oakenclough class as part of our Starry, Starry Night topic in English and our Science topic on Animals Including Humans, we went on a brilliant trip to Brockholes Nature Reserve. The visit was carefully chosen to give children a real-life context for exploring nocturnal and diurnal animals, helping to deepen their understanding of animal behaviour, habitats, and adaptations through first-hand experiences in a natural setting.

During our time there, the children actively drew on their prior knowledge of nocturnal animals to explore the differences between day and night. They engaged in meaningful discussions about what we might see and hear in each setting, sharing ideas and building on one another’s understanding. As part of this collaborative learning, the children exchanged what they already knew about diurnal animals and worked together to identify which animals are nocturnal and typically emerge at night. The children were able to recall animals such as owls, bats, foxes, and hedgehogs, prompting discussions about how these animals are specially adapted to life in the dark. Through this peer interaction, the children not only deepened their understanding of animal behaviour but also strengthened their classroom relationships by listening to, supporting, and learning from each other.

The children also collected natural materials like leaves, twigs and feathers, which they later used in our enhanced provision to create their own nocturnal animal pictures. They had so much fun using their imagination and what they had learned to bring their animals to life.

This trip was a great way to explore nature, link our English and Science topics, and get creative using real-world materials. The children displayed collaborative skills whilst enjoying their learning in a practical way.