GHYLL Royd School pupils are enjoying the latest addition to their expanding curriculum. Bushcraft lessons with outdoor education specialist Mark Parry started after February half term for children in Years 5 and 6.

Budding Bear Grylls’ joined Mark in the forest area at Greystone Manor in Burley-in-Wharfedale to take part in rifling, archery and axe throwing. Mark taught the children the rules, the safety procedures and the techniques required to take part in these exciting activities.

The bushcraft lessons were part of Ghyll Royd’s Adventurous Activities week where pupils were given the opportunity to try something new – like an expansion of their current Forest School provision. These lessons are available to Upper Key Stage Two children during the spring term and aim to develop their focus, as they aim towards physical targets; their strength; and their sense of responsibility working with objects that could cause harm if not handled safely and competently.

The week ended with an archery competition won by Lucy in Form 6. Archery was the most popular of the week’s activities, with headteacher David Martin even giving it a go.

Mr Martin said: “The pupils (and I) have loved Adventurous Activities week! The joy and excitement young children receive from exploring and working together in an outdoor setting is one of the highlights of being the Head at Ghyll Royd. Thank you to Mark Parry for your expertise and for a wonderful week!”

Ghyll Royd School and Pre-School’s next public event is their Early Years and Key Stage One Discovery Day/Year 2 Scholarship Day on Thursday, April 26.

Visit www.ghyllroydschool.co.uk for more information. Mark Parry is also co-running new club ‘The Young Pioneers’ for children aged between six and 11 years old. Email: theyoungpioneers@hotmail.com for more details.