Year 6 Residential – Day 6

Today was our final full day at Rhos y Gwaliau, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

The children took part in another round of exciting outdoor activities including gorge walking, rock climbing and abseiling. One group even enjoyed a mountain walk in the snow, which made for a very memorable experience and some fantastic views of the Welsh landscape.

As always, the children showed great teamwork, determination and encouragement for each other, making the most of every opportunity and challenge throughout the day.

Over the last two days we have also had a special visitor, Ms Cameron, who has really enjoyed spending time with the children and getting fully involved in many of the activities. It has been lovely for the children to share their experiences with her.

This evening we enjoyed a relaxed dinner of pizza, followed by some games and a film, while the children began packing and tidying their rooms ready for the journey home.

Everyone has had a brilliant week, full of adventure, new experiences and lots of laughter. While the children have loved their time here in Wales, many are also looking forward to seeing their families and coming home tomorrow. What a fantastic residential it has been!

Year 6 Residential – Day 5

Day five of our residential certainly brought us some authentic Welsh mountain weather — it was very windy and rainy for much of the day! Despite the conditions, the children showed fantastic resilience and enthusiasm, taking everything in their stride.

Today all of the groups completed the same activities, starting with the zip wire, where the children launched themselves across the hillside with great excitement and bravery. This was followed by the Hill Trail, where the children trekked across the mountain paths — very much in the rain! During the trail, they also learned important map-reading and orienteering skills, using these to navigate their way around the route.

Although the weather made things more challenging, the children were brilliant throughout. They showed real perseverance, determination and teamwork, encouraging each other and tackling the activities with great spirit.

After a long day outdoors, everyone was very happy to warm up with a comforting dinner of sausage and mash, followed by rice pudding for dessert.

The evening activity was an indoor problem-solving challenge, where the children worked together to crack puzzles and complete tasks — a great way to finish the day.

Even with the wind and rain, the children have continued to show a fantastic attitude and have made the most of every moment of the week. Tomorrow will be our last full day at Rhos y Gwaliau, and we’re looking forward to making the most of it together.

Year 6 Residential – Day 4

Day four of our Year 6 residential at Rhos y Gwaliau brought another full day of adventure. The weather was definitely a little colder and wetter today, but that didn’t stop the children getting stuck into the activities.

Two groups visited the mine, where they explored the tunnels and even had the chance to abseil down some of the mine walls and into the underground lakes — a real test of bravery and teamwork.

Another group took on a challenging mountain walk up Moel y Hydd, pushing through the colder conditions and being rewarded with fantastic views across the Welsh countryside.

The final group headed to Bala Lake, where they enjoyed canoeing across the water before finishing the session with an exciting gorge walk, scrambling through the rocky streams and waterfalls.

After a busy day outdoors, everyone was ready for a warm meal, and dinner was a lovely roast, and sticky toffee pudding which went down very well.

The evening was spent enjoying some indoor games, followed by the nightly dorm inspections. And believe it or not — the boys are currently winning!

Despite the chillier weather, the children showed great resilience and enthusiasm, making the most of every activity and continuing to support each other throughout the week. Another great day at Rhos y Gwaliau.

Year 6 Residential – Day 3

Day three of our Year 6 residential at Rhos y Gwaliau has been another fun and action-packed day, with the children continuing to challenge themselves, work together and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of North Wales.

Today the groups rotated activities. One group headed underground to explore the local mine, learning about its history while navigating the dark tunnels with helmets and head torches, and even tackling a few zip wires. Another group spent time on Bala Lake, sailing across the water before having a small fire and toasting marshmallows — a definite highlight for many.

Another group set off on a mountain trek, enjoying spectacular views and a real sense of achievement after a challenging climb. The final group tested their nerve and determination on the climbing wall, supporting and encouraging each other as they reached new heights.

After a busy day of adventure, everyone enjoyed a well-earned dinner of pasta Bolognese, which went down very well after all the fresh air and activity.

In the evening, the children took part in a Night Walk, exploring the surrounding countryside in the dark and experiencing the sights and sounds of the hills at night. It was a great way to finish another memorable day.

There have been lots of smiles, laughter, teamwork and growing confidence as the children continue to make the most of this wonderful experience. We’re looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings.

 

Day Two Today was our first full day at Rhos-y-Gwaliau and it was packed with activities from start to finish. The children headed out in groups to experience different adventures across the stunning Welsh landscape.

Mountain Walk
One group set out on a hike through the nearby hills. The walk was challenging at times, but the children showed great determination and resilience. Reaching the higher ground brought some fantastic views and a real sense of achievement for everyone involved.

Slate Mine Exploration
Another group explored a historic slate mine. Equipped with helmets and torches, they ventured into the underground tunnels and learned about the history of slate mining in the area. It was a fascinating experience and gave the children a glimpse into what life was like for miners who once worked there.

Canoeing, Fire Making and Gorge Walk
One of the groups spent the day around Bala Lake. After canoeing on the lake and learning how to paddle and steer together, the group also had the chance to make a small fire with the instructors. The adventure continued with a gorge walk through the nearby watercourse, where some of the children bravely took the opportunity to plunge into the cold water!

After such a busy day, everyone was ready for dinner. This evening’s meal was chicken curry, followed by sponge and custard for dessert.

The evening activity was “Break the Code”, where the children worked together in teams to solve a series of puzzles and clues. It was a fun challenge that required teamwork, problem-solving and lots of communication.

Another fantastic day here in Wales — we’re looking forward to more adventures tomorrow.