I woke up yesterday with a craving for mountains. So, as soon as Catherine had left for work, Rosa and I set off for the Brecon Beacons. We grabbed lunch in Merthyr Tydfil, which we ate by the side of a lake on the edge of the National Park, then off we went up Pen-y-Fan.
Sat about three quarters of the way up, where several paths meet (we never quite made it to the top - she is only 22months!), looking at the stunning views, I remembered the first time I came here. It was on a residential trip to Woodlands Outdoor Education Centre with 40 year six children.
The impact of this trip on the children was immense. For many, it was the first time they had done many of the activities on offer - a once in a lifetime opportunity. For one, it was the first time they had seen a sheep. The value of this experience - in terms of developing teamwork, confidence, transferable skills in a safe but challenging atmosphere, supported by qualified teaching staff and instructors - cannot be underestimated. It was a truly life-changing experience.
Outdoor education is not an optional extra, especially for children living in the city. It is a huge opportunity which we must not deny them. In the current atmosphere of cuts and austerity, it is important that this essential aspect of the broad and balanced curriculum we offer our students survives.
I would urge all teachers, parents and students to sign the e-petition in support of outdoor education - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26661 - and all teachers and school leaders to ensure that they are making full use of Oxfordshire's Outdoor Education Centres (full details can be found at http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/outdoor-learning).
We must use and defend these services or we will lose them forever!
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