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The Eco Edventure has been buzzing with activity! We have worked collaboratively with the Design & Technology department and Mr. O’Brien’s CCA students, who kindly built a wooden bed for our rabbits Bun Bun and Rosie. Our Duke of Edinburgh students have been diligently supporting our Foundation Stage (FS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) students during their Eco Edventure CCA. Some have even given up their break times to ensure the rabbits are fed, watered, have had their nails clipped, and are receiving plenty of cuddles.
Recently, we welcomed four new additions to the Eco Edventure in the form of quails, generously donated by Sultan’s family from FS1D. The quails have settled well into their new environment and are busy laying eggs. We are now excitedly awaiting the hatching of their eggs.
Our FS children have been busy learning how to care for the animals by bringing fresh kale, lettuce, and a variety of herbs. They have also planted beans, peas, and tomatoes, all of which are growing nicely. They have enjoyed playing Pooh Sticks in the stream, using bark to see which piece travels the fastest and furthest. They also took various resources for sinking and floating experiments and created some amazing observational drawings. The highlight of their time in the Eco Edventure this term was, of course, making a fire to toast marshmallows.
During CCA with KS1 children, they began exploring simple woodwork processes, using saws, hammers, and nails.
Our Eco Edventure continues to connect children to nature through hands-on activities aligned with the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) in FS and the National Curriculum in KS1, fostering curiosity, confidence, and well-being for all.
Activities such as making a fire teach safely, teamwork, and science, supporting the EYFS area of learning and development ‘Understanding the World’. Children observe changes, discuss what they see, and develop an appreciation for natural processes.
Planting seeds, watering plants, woodwork, and digging with tools enhance motor skills, supporting the EYFS area of learning and development ‘Physical Development’, while teaching responsibility. These tasks build patience, perseverance and strengthen connections to nature.
Observational drawings and I-spy games develop vocabulary and focus, enriching language skills through exploration, supporting the EYFS area of learning and development ‘Communication and Language’.
Counting eggs and noticing patterns bring maths to life, supporting numerical skills in an engaging way, aligned with the EYFS area of learning and development ‘Mathematics’.
By weaving classroom learning into our Eco Edventure, we are ensuring that all children, regardless of their year group, develop curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love for the world around them.
Angela Burns and Natalie Givens
EYFS Teachers
At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we are committed to developing creativity, curiosity, compassion, collaboration, commitment, and critical thinking- also known as the Nord Anglia Education’s ‘6 Cs or ‘key learner ambitions’- in our students. As a pilot school in Nord Anglia Education’s Metacognition Research Project, we are exploring how metacognitive practices can strengthen these essential qualities. To truly develop these learner ambitions, children must first learn to think in these ways. These qualities are embedded in our Star of the Week rewards and shape the way we support children’s learning, helping them grow both academically and personally.
This follow-up article delves deeper into three of the 6Cs – curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion – offering practical ways for parents to nurture these transformative skills at home.
Right from an early age, parents often imagine great futures for their children, built around their interests and talents. The journey to adulthood, though, is anything but straightforward. While we all aspire to see our children succeed in fulfilling careers, the reality is nuanced, requiring a holistic approach to education and career preparation. This guide offers advice on how parents can empower their children to explore diverse interests, make informed educational choices, and develop essential skills for future success.
Inspired by the latest Nord Anglia INSIGHTS article exploring why the Early Years are the most important years of a child’s education, we know that a child’s most significant learning happens during this time - in ways that are not always immediately visible.
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