Year 7 pupils at Rydal Penrhos got the chance to explore a prominent local landmark during an outdoor education session before the half-term break.

Taking advantage of our wonderful surroundings is something that forms a key component of a Rydal Penrhos education. We are fortunate enough to be situated in a beautiful part of the world and the school’s teaching staff are always seeking ways to put this to good use for the benefit of pupils young and old.

This is evident from a very early age with Coastal School for Pre-School children and carries on right up to Year 13 for those participating in Rydal Penrhos’ thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Another initiative that’s proven highly beneficial is the weekly outdoor education sessions for Year 7, which is part of the curriculum and gives them a chance to experience new things and boost skills outside of a typical classroom setting.

As part of the Year 7 Outdoor Education provision, a group had the opportunity to visit the Little Orme prior to the half-term break, led by Dr Jim Lewis, who is a mathematics and geography teacher at Rydal Penrhos.

This follows on from visits in recent weeks to a sandy West Shore, where pupils investigated species diversity and adaptation while also documenting human impacts on the environment.

Their first stop was Porth Dyniewaid – known locally as Angel Bay- where Year 7 received a briefing from Claire, a volunteer with the North Wales Wildlife Trust, about the colony of grey and common seals that inhabit the coastline.

A lot of interest was shown, especially in relation to how volunteers monitor and occasionally have to rescue stranded pups.

The group also found out more about their moulting habits at this time of year, as well as the pupping that takes place on the beach. Notably, tagged seals from this area have been known to travel as far afield as Cornwall.

Around 30 seals were present, including one two-week-old pup, which was observable through binoculars once the pupils had deciphered its incredible camouflage.

Also as part of the trip, the group ascended the steep incline through the old quarry workings to visit the summit of the Little Orme, affording fantastic views across the coast.

Pupils learnt about the habitat importance of this SSSI, and made observations on some of the specialised and rare flora present in the clints and grykes of the limestone pavement, appearing as a world in miniature beneath our feet.

This was an enjoyable and educational excursion, highlighting the incredible diversity of landscapes and fascinating ecosystems that we have right on our very doorstep.

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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.