"many pupils develop a remarkable standard of global awareness"

Estyn 2019

 

European School Links - Erasmus

‘Outdoor Learning: Happy Children make Happy Learners!

In 2018, the school received EU funding to lead an international project called ‘Erasmus + KA2 School Exchange Partnership’. In total, 6 schools worked in collaboration; 2 schools from Wales (Crwys Primary and Gowerton Primary School), Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Finland. The school wanted to create a project in order to continue our outdoor learning journey, and submitted an application on behalf of all schools participating.

We were proud to be the lead school of the project and were grateful of the opportunity to work at an international level. We look forward to continuing our outdoor learning journey and be able to share good practice with other countries.  What is Erasmus+? Erasmus+ is the European Union Programme for education, training, youth and sport. Organisations are invited to apply for funding each year to undertake creative and worthwhile activities. The programme supports organisations to develop partnerships, share best practice and work collaboratively to help improve provision for learners.

About the project: The project, ‘Outdoor Learning: Happy Children Make Happy Learners!’ was based on seven outdoor learning topic areas, which were explored over 2 years. The 7 areas included; 

 Observing Changes in Nature

 Games in Nature

 Environmental protection

 Collecting natural resources

 Entrepreneurship

 Visits 

 ICT (To create, communicate and record our project’s progress) 

In September 2018, Crwys played host to our international partners. During the visit, pupils were not only able to showcase Crwys, but they also took great pride in sharing some of the lovely traditions we have here in Wales. Teachers undertook training activities and participated in first hand outdoor learning experiences. As a school, we were able to share all the wonderful outdoor learning activities we enjoy on both our school grounds, and in our local woodland areas (Dukefield and Priors Meadow). Delegates were also able to sample what pupils experience on residential visits, when they joined our Y6 pupils, on a day in Rhossili and Worm’s Head. What a great way for our partners to not only see outdoor learning in action, but also see the Gower in all its glory with blue, sunny skies all week long!

Visits to Finland, Italy, Sweden and Ireland have followed and we are by now proud to have produced this step by step guide to over 50 activities for the outdoors. The culmination of two years hard work.

‘Outdoor Learning: Leading the Curriculum!

Following our project 'Happy Children make Happy Learners', we were not quite ready for our international journey to come to an end. In 2020, a second application was submitted, and the school received EU funding to participate in the project 'Outdoor Learning: Leading the Curriculum'. We continued to work in collaboration with the same partner schools; 2 schools from Wales (Crwys Primary and Gowerton Primary School), Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Finland. 

About the project: The project, ‘Outdoor Learning: Leading the Curriculum!’ was based on the six curriculum areas of learning, which were explored over 3 years. The 6 areas included; 

 Mathematics and Numeracy

 Language., Literacy and Communication

 Health and Well-being

 Humanities

 Science and Technology

 Expressive Arts

In April 2023, we were once again able to play host to our international partners. During the visit, pupils welcomed our friends back to Crwys, sharing our wonderful outdoor provision on the school grounds and local area, and were keen to learn new phases in different languages. Whilst at Crwys, pupils showcased outdoor activities linked to the area of learning 'Health and Well-being'. Delegates were able to sample a variety of activities including PE sessions and orienteering down Dukefield. Not only that, but we were fortunate with sunny blue skies again! What a great way to end our project! We look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with our partner schools now and in the future.

Our links with The Gambia

The school also has a special relationship with The Goodman Primary School in The Gambia.  #Article27 every child has the right to learn. The school decided to support the school in 2019, the aim was to raise money to instal a borehole in the school grounds to allow a constant flow of clean water to allow the school to become self-sufficient for future generations. #Article24  every child has the right to clean water. A number of fundraising events were arranged, culminating in a family sponsored walk to the top (and back down!) of Penyfan in the Brecon Beacons. An impressive 62 trekkers and two dogs made it to the summit and were be delighted to hand over a cheque for £1000! The monies were quickly put to good use and I’m happy to say the school now has a new toilet block which was called ‘Tŷ Bach Crwys’.

All this hard work has resulted in the school being awarded the International Schools' Award!