As I mentioned in my welcome note, Crwys have worked hard to develop outdoor learning with every pupil visiting the nearby Duke Field Woods or Priors Meadow on a weekly basis where staff lead the children through a variety of activities. This is carefully timetabled so that all the children have the chance to develop self-esteem, confidence, independence, team building, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment through this unique method of outdoor education. 

The project involves all the children throughout the school developing ownership of the site. They develop ecological and environmental skills as well as developing literacy and numeracy skills in an outdoor context and is now seen as a strength of the school and was highlighted by Estyn as ‘Effective Practice’.

https://www.estyn.gov.wales/effective-practice/taking-teaching-outdoors 

We take the children out of doors as often as possible to enhance their learning. The aim is that children becoming fully engaged with the outdoors and develop a great sense of well-being as well as developing their literacy and numeracy standards.

We thank the local Community Council and the Crwys District Sports Association for their support and cooperation.

Crwys has also been proactive in helping other schools develop their outdoor learning opportunities. The school has created a learning network called Swansea Outdoor Schools through a collaboration with Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools, National Resources Wales and a number of other agencies including Swansea, Neath Port Talbot Forest Schools and Gower Activity Centres to name but a few.  We  have also led a European project.