Pen Y Cwm Learners Reach New Heights with Outdoor Learning Achievements
Twelve learners from Pen Y Cwm Special School have recently completed an inspiring programme of outdoor learning, funded by Aneurin Leisure Trust’s sports development team and organised by the adventure activity team at Parc Bryn Bach. Learners have achieved nationally recognised qualifications through a series of adventurous and confidence-building days.
Over two dedicated climbing days across October last year, learners worked towards and successfully achieved NICAS Level 3 certification. Throughout the sessions, they demonstrated fantastic progress in a wide range of learning skills, including communication, coordination, teamwork, agility, focus, and balance. Learners supported one another, pushed past personal boundaries, and showed determination and resilience on the climbing wall, all while having fun and celebrating each other’s successes.
Skye Foxcroft, Adventure Activities Instructor, praised the group’s efforts:
“The learners have been absolutely brilliant throughout the programme. Their willingness to try new things, support one another, and stay focused has been fantastic to see. Every learner should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”
In addition to climbing, learners also took part in one walking and navigation day, completing the NNAS 1 Star Outdoor Discovery Award. During this session, learners developed essential outdoor and navigation skills, including making simple maps and sketches to show journeys, undertaking journeys for fun using a simple map or plan, and gaining a basic understanding of symbols, scale, and map setting. After taking part in the award, participants have acquired basic navigational skills and are now able to make short journeys in familiar terrain using their own, and other people’s, sketches or representations of the area.
The programme has had a hugely positive impact on learners’ confidence, independence, and enthusiasm for outdoor activity. Daniel Davies, sports lead at Pen Y Cwm Special School, reflected on the journey:
“It’s been incredible to see how much the learners’ confidence and skills have grown across the sessions. They’ve loved taking part in all the activities, supporting each other, and achieving qualifications they can be truly proud of.”
To celebrate their outstanding efforts and achievements, learners are now looking forward to a gorge walking celebration day, coming up in the near future, a well-earned opportunity to enjoy another adventurous experience together.
A huge congratulations to all 12 learners for their commitment, teamwork, and determination. This programme is a fantastic example of how outdoor learning can inspire confidence, build skills, and create unforgettable experiences.
