Outdoor Adventure anyone?

So, what is the Year 4 trip to Pentre all about?

Well, as you can see from the photos, on the face of it, it’s about getting out and about in the lakes, rivers, hills and woodland of beautiful North Wales. And with the sun shining too, what better way to spend a few days? Of course, it is not just fun we’re after - there must be challenge too. Children experience doubt and fear about what they can or cannot do and the development of resilience and a ‘can do attitude’ is a massive part of the trip.

However, it is about so much more than just activities and challenge. Many parents and staff can recall their own trip to Pentre or Nant - many, many years ago. Often as their happiest or most abiding memory of school life.

So what makes it so special?

Children, classes and teachers are different when they are there - each see the other in a different light. You get a more rounded view of one another’s personalities than you can ever get in school.

For many children it is their first experience of looking after themselves - making their own lunch, serving one another at meals, making a bed, cleaning tables, selecting the right clothing. It is a precious taste of independence (and responsibility).

For ‘coastal townies’, the 45 minute journey inland is to enter a different world, right on our doorstep. In the silence of the countryside, surrounded by lambs, without any digital devices, you start to see things differently and explore alternative interests and ways to be.

Finally, you notice the needs of others. So often we see children, who may usually be focussed on their own needs and problems, reach out to others - helping with homesickness/getting to sleep, sharing the cleaning or just acting as a cheerleader on a long walk.

Mrs Laing tells me that this is best sleeping class she has ever taken. She also tells me she is having to abandon her original planning for next week and replace it with activities that follow on from the trip - the children were so enthused by their learning they demanded it continued! Finally, Mrs Laing told the staff at Pentre were very impressed with our children, and that they always are. This is a credit to you, as parents and carers.

In an underfunded education system, places like Pentre are always under threat - seen as an expensive luxury or add on! If your child or you have been you will know that places like Pentre are ESSENTIAL - indeed, they are the perfect place to develop ‘The Four Purposes’. I truly hope that your children will be packing their children’s bags 20-30 years from now, as they head off on an outdoor adventure.

Finally, thank you to all the staff at Pentre and to Mrs Laing, Mrs McGowan and Mr Roberts, for giving up their time to make this trip possible.