When you go down to the woods today…

It’s not just in a classroom environment where Rydal Penrhos pupils are thriving.

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, with the school also within a few miles of other prominent landmarks such as Snowdonia and the Isle of Anglesey.

Rydal Penrhos is also blessed with a few areas of woodland on its site, which staff use to full effect with a comprehensive Forest School provision that is incorporated into the curriculum from Pre-School to Year 6.

This safe outdoor environment has been proven to develop skills pupils don’t necessarily get in the classroom. Problem-solving, working as a team, communication skills and “learning by doing” under the supervision of qualified teaching and support staff is a wonderful asset and one they all make the most out of on a weekly basis.

Pupils are even able to take certain classroom projects in subjects such as Maths, English or Geography and enhance them within the forest, in addition to discovering more about nature and participating in important annual initiatives such as the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch.

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside…

The youngest members of the school also take part in Coastal School,  which sees children make the short trip to Colwyn Bay beach or even beyond to explore the picturesque shore, in addition to getting involved in plenty of fun-filled and thought-provoking activities using materials found on the beach, taking each child out of their comfort zone and allowing them to expand their horizons from a very early age.

Not only does this enhance creativity and knowledge of the outdoors, but our Coastal School also promotes healthy living, improves confidence and allows them to take suitable risks with constant support from Pre-School staff.

For them, of course, it’s just good fun.

But the benefits of Forest and Coastal School to our wonderful pupils are there for all to see.

Outdoor Education for older Rydal Penrhos pupils

And then as pupils get a little bit older, they head out to the mountains and beyond. Year 7 and 8 get weekly Outdoor Education sessions, which gives them a solid foundation should they wish to pursue other programmes put on by the school, including the Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

DofE is something our pupils get a significant amount from. It teaches them self-reliance, the importance of teamwork, enables them to become more involved in the community and provides them with core skills that always make a smooth transition to higher education and later life.

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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.