One of the steps in becoming a Carmarthenshire Outdoor School is recognition of the work that the teachers, the children and others (like parents, grandparents, carers and governors) have put in to make an increase in outdoor learning possible.
Last week, three of the four new Carmarthenshire Outdoor Schools met with the new Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools at a celebration day hosted by the Orielton Field Studies Centre near Pembroke. A small group of children came to represent each school.
The day consisted of the presentation of the Outdoor Schools certificates, a short presentation by each school on the work they have been doing and a chance for the teachers and children to test out the new activity resources produced by Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools. There were also fun and engaging outdoor activities set up by the partners of Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools which include Sport Pembrokeshire, the Darwin Experience and Keep Wales Tidy.
All of the Carmarthenshire Outdoor Schools reported having a really fun day. The children got to have a go at some outdoor activities that the teachers could try with larger groups back at school and an opportunity to speak in front of the rest of the group, which they all did brilliantly. We were even really lucky with the weather!
There is no assessment process in becoming an Outdoor School so recognition for the work that schools do is important. The aim of the annual Celebration Day is to share good practice and give the schools an opportunity to show off the hard work they have put into their commitment to developing their children’s learning and well-being through engaging with the outdoors.
If you are interested in becoming a Carmarthenshire Outdoor School please contact Nancy Hardy, Education Development Officer at the National Botanic Garden of Wales and head of the CODS steering group, for more information.
Keep up to date with information from the Garden’s Education Department on Twitter.