Putting stunning location to good use
Outdoor Education is important to us here at Rydal Penrhos and we are extremely fortunate to be situated just a stone’s throw away from the Colwyn Bay coastline. The school is also within a few miles of other prominent landmarks such as Snowdonia National Park and the Isle of Anglesey.
Being amid some outstanding surroundings is something the school takes full advantage of throughout the academic year. Trips and excursions regularly take place across all year groups and teaching staff also lend their expertise to an exceptional outdoor education provision that enables pupils to develop vital life skills away from the classroom.
This starts from a very early age. Pre-School children benefit from a Coastal School initiative under the supervision of staff, which takes them to the beach for various activities designed to heighten curiosity and broaden their horizons.
Rydal Penrhos is also blessed with a few areas of woodland on its site, which the school uses to full effect with a comprehensive Forest School provision that is incorporated into the curriculum from Pre-School to Year 6.
Such a safe outdoor environment has been proven to develop skills pupils don’t necessarily get from textbooks or iPads. Problem-solving, working as a team, communication skills and “learning by doing” are traits gained through this method of learning and this is something our pupils take full advantage of.
This also continues at Rydal Penrhos Senior. Year 7 and 8 have specialist weekly outdoor education sessions that involve orienteering, abseiling, climbing and mountain walking, which often inspires pupils to become part of the school’s thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which has gone from strength to strength all the way up to Year 13 and the prestigious Gold distinction.
Another exciting initiative is the Combined Cadet Force, which was the first in the United Kingdom to be sponsored by the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards and is available from Year 8 onwards.
Providing a safe, happy environment doesn’t just happen academically at Rydal Penrhos. As always, we are indebted to our staff for providing each pupil with every possible experience and opportunity imaginable across our glorious part of the world.