Ten Pembrokeshire schools were recently recognised for their commitment to learning in and about the natural environment at an extra special Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools Celebration Day.

The event, which was held at Scolton Manor near Haverfordwest, saw Welsh Government Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS present certificates to staff and pupils from the successful schools, who also enjoyed a range of outdoor activities from den building and wildlife identification to mud workshops and minibeast hunts.

Welsh Government Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS presented a Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools plaque to each of the schools in attendance to recognise their commitment to outdoor learning.
Welsh Government Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS presented a Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools plaque to each of the schools in attendance to recognise their commitment to outdoor learning. (PCNPA)

PODS partners were also in attendance including representatives from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Darwin Centre, Pembrokeshire County Councill, Tir Coed, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Keep Wales Tidy and Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS, said: “It was great seeing examples of schools and partners in Pembrokeshire working together to provide outdoor experiences for children.

“Outdoor playing and learning instil a life-long respect for nature and the environment and have benefits for children’s mental and physical health, as well as helping them develop problem-solving skills.”

Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools Co-ordinator, Bryony Rees said: “It was fantastic to be able to introduce the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language to some of the local schools that have made outdoor education a key part of their school curriculum.

“It was particularly fitting to have the two founding PODS headteachers Simon Thomas and Kevin Phelps present to celebrate this milestone as the partnership looks to develop and secure funding to continue its work in the future.”

Kevin Phelps, Headteacher of the Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton CP Schools added: “Simon and I were delighted to be invited to this brilliant event. It has been incredible to see an idea that we had many years ago develop into such an important project, bringing high quality outdoor learning experiences to so many of our learners.”

The ten schools that attended the celebration day were Tavernspite CP School, Templeton CP School, Ysgol Casmael/Puncheston School, Hook CP School, Pennar Community School, St Teilo’s Catholic Primary School, Penrhyn Church in Wales VC School, Cosheston VC School, Coastlands CP School and Broad Haven CP School.

To find out more about PODS visit www.pembrokeshireoutdoorschools.co.uk.