Please note that due to the nature of some of the activities, Temple Meadow staff will not be able to take iPads on to the activity to take photos. For example, staff are not able to use iPads when canoeing or bouldering. Due to this, the number of pictures for each group will fluctuate each day. Waterproof digital cameras are being used throughout the week and pictures will be downloaded on Friday. This means that many more pictures will be uploaded upon our return at the end of the week. 

 

Monday 16th September 2024

We were all very excited when we arrived at school this morning. 

During our 4-hour coach journey, we observed, in awe, the vast scenery that Wales has to offer. Our teachers could hear many gasps as we drove past the various mountains and into the valleys. The coach then pulled into the driveway and up to the Plas Gwynant house and grounds. We all couldn't wait to go and explore. 

After having a site tour, our first task was to make our beds. We used lots of teamwork to help each other with this task. 

We then obtained our kit for the week before exploring the grounds. Equipped with wellingtons, we had the opportunity to paddle in the water and play on the rope swing. 

A well deserved dinner awaited us next: pizza, fish, chips, sweetcorn and salad. We were set a challenge to weigh our food waste, aiming to decrease this waste tomorrow. 

Our evening activity was a night time mountain walk. We walked to a viewing point, overlooking the local town. From here, we observed the moon, stars, planets and satellites, learning about light pollution and a range of astronomy facts. 

After a hot chocolate, we were all ready for bed. All eager to see what tomorrow brings. 

We look forward to sharing more updates with you tomorrow. 

 

Tuesday 17th September 2024

After a good night's sleep, we were awoken by our teachers at 07:00. 

When we all congregated in the classroom at 07:30, we were allocated our jobs around the centre. This is to enable us to take responsibility for our home for the week. Some of us had site jobs, some had ECO jobs, some pupils were allocated jobs in the dining room and some pupils even became meteorologists. We got to work on our allocated jobs immediately. 

Breakfast was next. We had a selection of cereals to get us started, with cups of tea and milk. We then had the option of a cooked breakfast, followed by fruit and yoghurt. We all made sure we gave our bodies the fuel they would need for the busy day ahead. 

After breakfast, we all needed to make our packed lunch. We all made a sandwich and filled our lunch boxes with a nutritious lunch for later in the day.

It was then approaching 10:00 and it was time for our first activity of the day. Some groups had a full day activity and some groups had two half-day activities:

Group 1 (Mr Smith's Group) - Bouldering followed by canoeing

Group 2 (Mrs Collins' Group) - A day of mountain exploration

Group 3 (Mrs Lamb's Group) - Canoeing followed by bouldering

Group 4 (Miss Pearson's Group) - A day of mountain exploration

We all returned to the centre once our activities had finished and it was time for a well-deserved dinner. Pork or vegetarian sausages with Yorkshire puddings, mashed potato, carrots and gravy. This was followed by a dessert of cake and fruit. 

This evening we all had the opportunity to purchase items from the shop and complete reflections in diaries. We were then challenged to an orienteering team task, with the winning team receiving a prize. We were all so competitive. 

It is now time for hot chocolate before heading to bed, ensuring we get enough sleep for another busy day tomorrow. 

 

Wednesday 18th September 2024

After another good night's sleep, we were awoken by our teachers at 07:30. 

We got ourselves ready for the day and then immediately began our assigned jobs. After our jobs were completed, we were ready for our breakfast. Cereals, toast, scrambled egg, beans, tea and toast were warmly received. We made sure to eat enough to fuel our bodies for the day ahead. 

After breakfast, we each made a packed lunch and met our instructors to find out what activities we would be taking part in today.  

Group 1 (Mr Smith's Group) - A day of mountain exploration

Group 2 (Mrs Collins' Group) - A day at the beach followed by gorge walking

Group 3 (Mrs Lamb's Group) - A day of mountain exploration

Group 4 (Miss Pearson's Group) - A day at the beach followed by gorge walking

We all returned to the centre once our activities had finished and it was time for a well-deserved dinner. Pork or vegetarian meatballs with pasta, sauce and cheese. This was followed by a dessert of jelly and ice cream and fruit. 

This evening, we all took part in a scavenger hunt. We were challenged to find items for each letter of the alphabet.

After a hot-chocolate and biscuits, we all went to bed for another full night of rest before a busy day tomorrow. 

Thursday 19th September 2024

We all had such a good rest last night. When our teachers tried to wake us up at 07:30, we were still fast asleep and dreaming! 

We got ourselves ready for the day and then immediately began our assigned jobs. After our jobs were completed, we were ready for our breakfast. We all piled our bowls with cereal, followed by hash browns, beans and toast. Our teachers served us tea at our tables. It was delicious, as always. 

After breakfast, we each made a packed lunch and met our instructors to find out what activities we would be taking part in today.  

Group 1 (Mr Smith's Group) - A day at the beach followed by gorge walking

Group 2 (Mrs Collins' Group) - Bouldering followed by canoeing

Group 3 (Mrs Lamb's Group) - A day at the beach followed by gorge walking

Group 4 (Miss Pearson's Group) - Canoeing followed by bouldering

We all returned to the centre and were asked to attend a presentation. To our surprise, our instructors had all prepared certificates for us, celebrating our hard work and determination throughout the week. We were all so shocked and grateful to receive them. 

Dinner followed: burgers or vegetarian burgers, with chips, peas and coleslaw.  Dessert today was chocolate brownie with cream or fruit. 

After dinner, we all began to pack our bags ready for the return journey home. 

Once packing was complete, we had our evening activity, hot-chocolate and biscuits. This gave us time to unwind and relax ready for our final night's sleep. 

We are looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow. We hope you enjoying looking at our pictures!