Friday 15th March

Wow - what a fantastic end to the week and brilliant closure to our time in Rhos-y-Gwaliau. All four groups were taught a number of map skills and were then dropped off in the countryside with 9 checkpoints to navigate their way through. They set off with independence, determination and huge amounts of team spirit as they ventured through the Welsh fields in hunt of the Rhos centre! The children worked together to accomplish this task and each group made it back with proud smiles on their faces.

To add to the excitement of the day, most groups zoomed their way across a gorge on a zip wire! After another delicious dinner, we all packed our cases and played some games. 

Congratulations Year 6: we are all super proud of you after an incredibly successful and enjoyable week.

Now it's time to come home and tell you all about it...

Thursday 14th March

The penultimate day in Rhos-y-Gwaliau has seen some more incredibly exciting sites! The children once again ventured off in all directions and took on some fierce challenges including exploring the mine, building and roasting popcorn and marshmallows on a fire and climbing across (and into) rocky gorges.  One group had the chance to visit Capel Celyn on their way to the mine, linking with the recent year 6 topic. The children felt poignant as they thought of the village that had been submerged below the reservoir. As always with this group, we have been impressed with their resilience and determination with many children facing and overcoming fears.

Well done Year 6 keep up the positivity!

Wednesday 13th March

In today’s adventures, the children braved some more adrenaline-packed activities. Two groups were plunged into the dark depths of the abandoned slate mine where they took a dinghy across a pool of water and ate lunch by candlelight. The other 2 groups strapped themselves into their harnesses and climbed up a Welsh cliff face. Despite the rain, the children's smiles and enthusiasm shone through and they were an absolute delight to spend the day with. 
Later, we all came back to the centre for a delicious roast dinner and sticky toffee pudding - yum!  A relaxing movie in pyjamas sealed off the day. 

Tuesday 12th March

Another great day for everyone (including our new arrival: Miss Davis!) in North Wales, even if it was a bit wet!  One group descended into the famous Welsh Slate Mines: climbing, crawling and ducking their way through the dark adits and pools of water. Other groups trekked up the mountains - walking through herds of sheep and learning lots about the many geographical features they came across.  Another group braved a climbing rock and some via ferrata style climbing. Everyone encouraged and supported each other the whole way. 

Back at the centre, we all organised our wet clothes and had a warming dinner with cake for Eilidh's birthday.  Amber, one of our instructors, ran the evening activity, where the children had to design a device that would stop an egg from cracking when dropped from a height. Lots of fun was had by all!

We are all very anticipating another exciting and busy day tomorrow!

 

Monday 11th March

Another fantastic day was had by all in the Welsh mountains. Some groups climbed to the summit of Moel-Y-Hydd (which is cracking 648m above sea level!) Luckily, we had sunshine and warmth (which was a welcome change from rain and snow!) as the children scrambled and climbed their way up to the top. Alongside this, another group took to canoeing on Lake Bala followed by some daring gorge walking.  They all arrived safely and then enjoyed some marshmallows made over a fire. The children's day was finished with Bella's birthday celebrations, a delicious dinner and some Lego Gaming. 

We also had a very special visitor (who you all know very well) who joined us today for the rest of the week.  More information to follow during......  

Sunday 10th March - What a wonderful evening.  We all arrived safely and were met by our instructor Ed. We spent time unpacking and getting our kit altogether (walking boots, fleeces, and waterproofs).  We had a dinner of fish and chips, and peas - which everyone enjoyed.  After unpacking and  doing OUR evening chores, we set off for our night walk (in the dark and rain!).  All safely back to the centre (and a bit more unpacking!) before getting ready for bed and lights out.  Everyone is definitely ready for sleep.