On Thursday 8 June 2023, Rydal Penrhos celebrated World Ocean Day, with various activities taking place across school.
Being just a short walk away from the beautiful Irish Sea, open water holds great importance at Rydal Penrhos. Making the most of this phenomenal location, our pupils enjoy a variety of water sports off the coast of Rhos-on-Sea, including sailing, bodyboarding, speedboating, and sea kayaking. The school is committed to improving and developing its provision, and greatly looks forward to taking up residence at its new state-of-the art water sports hub in Porth Eirias.
On Thursday 8 June 2023, to mark World Ocean Day, Rydal Penrhos participated in World Ocean Day for Schools, an event which looks to engage schoolchildren in discussions about the oceans and climate change. Since its launch in 2018, it has grown into an interactive online festival with over 100,000 participants.
World Ocean Day for Schools focuses on experiential learning, encouraging pupils to become ocean advocates and exploring the theme of Ocean is Family, fostering a sense of connection and respect for nature. The goal is to inspire children and young people to view the ocean as an integral part of their lives, emphasizing the shared responsibility and kinship we have with nature.
There have been various activities and events in school during the lead up to today. Yesterday, for example, the school’s Year 4 pupils made a significant contribution to World Ocean Day by taking part in a swift beach clean-up, ensuring that the shores remained pristine and free of debris. After their hard work, the eco-conscious class went bodyboarding, which proved to be really fun!
This morning, Prep pupils participated in a live assembly organised by World Ocean Day for Schools. The assembly was led by wildlife filmmaker Inka Cresswell, who has collaborated with the likes of Netflix and BBC’s The One Show to offer an insight into the underwater workings of some incredible marine environments.
Pupils also had the opportunity to see the results of a recent competition organised by the pupil-led Eco Committee. As part of the competition, pupils were tasked with creating boats using recycled materials, drawing attention to the issue of ocean pollution. The creations showcased by the pupils were not only remarkable in their artistic quality but also demonstrated their inventiveness and commitment to the cause.
Rydal Penrhos is proud to celebrate World Ocean Day. By participating in environmental initiatives, learning about the ocean, and remaining regularly engaged with the local open water through water sports and other activities, Rydal Penrhos pupils gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and importance of our marine ecosystems.
Thank you to all the pupils and staff involved in the day’s events. We look forward to many more environmental initiatives throughout the year, thanks to our enthusiastic and dedicated Eco-Committee members.