Youngsters are getting to grips with the great outdoors as part of activity days in Wales, which allow them to test their teamwork skills and build confidence over a number of challenges.
Dozens of Year 8 students have already spent an action-packed two days in Mid Wales as part of the initiative, which aims to provide students with new experiences and life skills to support them through their school life. It also prepares students wanting to enrol on to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme in Year 9 for the challenges they will face.
More groups of Year 8 students will complete the activity days over the coming weeks.
The first day takes place at Lake Vyrnwy, in conjunction with Bethania Adventure Activity Centre, and sees students working together to build a raft. They are also given the opportunity to canoe along sections of the reservoir to explore the history and geography of the area.
The second day sees students based from Llandrinio Outdoor Education Centre, where they are given the chance to attempt rock scrambling over Moel-Y-Golfa, the highest peak in the Breidden Hills.
Mr C Moody, PE teacher and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager, said: “The students were able to look back at where they were last year, as Year 7 students, at Admiral Rodney’s Pillar, with many commenting on how they were enjoying the greater challenge this year.
“Their final afternoon on the second day is spent at the centre taking on a fresh set of team-building exercises.
“The two days allow the students to experience opportunities in a safe but challenging environment, which helps improve their self-confidence and resilience, but also their enjoyment of the outdoors which will hopefully lead to their enrolment on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme in Year 9.”
