Solihull School

Aims and Objectives:

Snowdonia School is an integral part of the academic, personal and social development of pupils in Shells (Year 8). The principles of navigation, safety procedures and leadership in the hills are taught. The geography, history and economic activities of the area are also studied. Snowdonia School is also envisaged as a most valuable education in the art of living together in a small, self-contained community.

Location

All Snowdonia Schools take place at the David Fricke Mountain Cottage (O.S. SH603562) adjacent to Penrhyn Quarry. 53/36 Tan Y Bwlch

Mynydd Llandegai
Bethesda
Gwynedd
LL57 5DX

Tel: 01248 602 864

History

Mr and Mrs Fricke presented the Cottage to the School in 1958 following the death of their son David, who was a member of the School community 1946-1956(F). David was a keen mountain walker and it was felt that the Cottage would be a fitting tribute to his memory. The Cottage was originally two cottages, since combined, belonging to the local quarry, and is one of the largest properties in the area. Snowdonia School has been using the Cottage on an annual basis since 1971, when Roger Flood first introduced the initiative. Today Snowdonia School is run by Martin Covill.

There are eight Snowdonia Schools per year. The pupils who attend a Snowdonia School are a mixture from the five forms in the Shells and each pupil is expected to attend one of the weeks. Groups are chosen at the beginning of the year by arrangement with MJC. Three members of staff, plus a Senior Boy/Girl from the Lower Sixth will staff the week. The Senior Pupil’s role will be to act as a link between the staff and pupils, whilst adopting the role of a member of staff as far as the pupils are concerned. It is expected that no fewer than 12, but no more than 15 pupils attend any one Snowdonia School.

Dates for the Academic Year 2008 - 2009

236             Sunday 19 -Thursday 23 October 2008
237             Sunday 22 March-Thursday 26 March 2009
238             Monday 20 April-Friday 24 April 2009
239             Sunday 26 April – Thursday 30 April 2009
240             Sunday 17 May – Thursday 21 May 2009
241             Sunday 14 June – Thursday 18 June 2009
242             Sunday 21 June – Thursday 25 June 2009
243             Saturday 4 July – Wednesday 8 July 2009


The Curriculum

This is inevitably determined in part by the expertise, interests and enthusiasm of the expedition staff who have volunteered their free time. However, all Snowdonia Schools include some of the following flexible curriculum outline.

PSE

Principles of PSE, such as citizenship, are monitored and enhanced throughout the week. This will become an increasingly important, yet sensitive area as the week progresses, with approximately eighteen people living in close proximity. For some it may be their first experience of life away from home, and accordingly staff try their best to help overcome any feelings of homesickness and to encourage all to work together as a group. Communal activities like washing up and the preparation of meals foster this.

Geography

The geography of the area is delivered through the observation of the environments through which we travel. The reasons for the dynamic and spectacular landscape that dominates this area are often demonstrated by trips to Cwm Idwal.
This offers the opportunity to see at first hand the effects of earth movements and glaciation within the area. The local streams in the vicinity of the Cottage also offer the possibility of elementary river analysis. A village survey is carried out whereby the pupils will investigate the provision of services in a rural area.

History

The history can be investigated by visits to some of the many castles in the area. All have some connection to the battles that took place between the English King, Edward I, and his repression of the Welsh self-appointed Prince of Wales, Llewelyn ap Gruffydd. The main sites of interest can be found at Conwy, and Caernarfon, the latter offering an excellent multi media presentation of the key events in Welsh history. The excursions to the castles also offer the opportunity to reinforce much work that was carried out tin the Thirds (Year 7).

Whilst it is acknowledged that the week will adopt a more relaxed atmosphere, the pupils will be expected to adhere to the School Rule.

The health and safety policy in operation at the cottage runs in accordance with the School policy. Everyone concerned with any given Snowdonia School must act responsibly and diligently with regards to pupil and staff safety. This will be of great importance with regards to the ascent of Snowdon.

Walking Kit

· Boots with indented sole
· Thick trousers (not jeans)
· 3 pairs of thick socks
· Sweaters / fleece
· Anorak / waterproof
· Scarf, gloves & woollen hat
· Small rucksack
· Water bottle

Other Clothing

· Jumper
· Trousers for non-activity days (jeans allowed)
· Socks and underwear
· Pyjamas
· Tracksuit
· Shirts (rugby shirts and T-shirts are ideal)
· Old trainers for canoeing
· Indoor shoes or slippers (essential)
· Swimming trunks or costume

Non-Clothing

· Handkerchief
· Toiletries
· 2 towels
· Sleeping bag and pillow case
· Torch
· Pen, pencil, coloured pencils, ruler, small notebook
· Snowdonia School file
· Lunch box
· Camera
· Pocket Money - Maximum £20

No expensive or fragile items to be taken, as we cannot guarantee safety.

 Space for luggage is limited.