Rock Climbing returns
Location, location, location…you cannot beat ours!
And goodness do we take advantage of it…One of the most exciting things this summer term at Rydal Penrhos has been the return of off-site visits and trips to further enhance the education of our pupils.
Year 7 and 8 get weekly outdoor education sessions as part of the curriculum, which often leads to pupils participating in the Combined Cadet Force or the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme as they head into the older years. Outdoor Education gets pupils out of their comfort zone, allows them to experience new things and challenge themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. This was especially evident during a recent trip to the Conwy Slabs for their first Rock Climbing session of the year.
This was met with “unbridled enthusiasm” by pupils, according to Dr Jim Lewis, with those in Year 8 who attained their NICAS Level 1 and 2 climbing awards last year putting their newly acquired knowledge to good use. Those with less experience were a little more daunted by the prospect, but under exceptional guidance from staff and encouragement from their peers, each pupil stretched themselves beyond their current level of ability.
As part of their rock climbing session, pupils also worked together as teams to safeguard one another whilst embarking on their climb. This teaches them reliance, improves self-confidence, and enhances awareness for others and the environment around them.
Rydal Penrhos recently invested in a new set of climbing ropes with a view to expanding participation in this rewarding sport, which is further evidence of the school’s keen desire to make the most out of its stunning location along the North Wales coast and the obvious benefits that come from this.
Another fantastic learning curve for our young pupils and one that should serve them extremely well during their remaining Outdoor Education afternoons following the half-term break.
