Outdoor Learning Flourishes at Ysgol Y Foel
Just outside Mold, the pupils of Ysgol Y Foel have been embracing the great outdoors in an inspiring and imaginative way, bringing the Curriculum for Wales to life through hands-on experiences in nature.
Since September, Thursdays have taken on a special significance, with children eagerly taking part in their weekly “Fun in the Thicket” sessions. These Forest School adventures have become a cornerstone of school life, offering pupils the chance to explore, create, and learn beyond the traditional classroom walls.
As part of their Dreams and Goals JIGSAW sessions, learners have immersed themselves in creative outdoor projects—constructing dream locations in the school grounds, weaving delicate dreamcatchers, and crafting whimsical “leaf families.” These moments of creativity have been paired with simple pleasures, such as toasting marshmallows over an open fire, fostering both imagination and a sense of togetherness.
A structured three-week rotation has ensured pupils develop practical life skills. Children have confidently learned fire-lighting techniques, practised peeling and chopping, and explored traditional crafts by making pomanders. Using apples harvested from the school garden, they created delicious toffee apples , alongside garlic and focaccia breadsticks cooked on carefully whittled sticks over their forest fire.
Safety and responsibility have also been key priorities. Pupils have learned how to deliver safety talks on the use of bow saws before applying their knowledge to create coasters and festive decorations, later sold at the school’s Christmas craft fair. Culinary creativity has continued outdoors, with pupils preparing pizzas and toasties using their spreading and cutting skills, all cooked over an open flame in their forest school area.
Seasonal topics have further enriched learning. During the spring “Wonderful World” theme, children crafted Japanese and Welsh landmarks and carved traditional love spoons to celebrate Santes Dwynwen. In a burst of winter excitement, they designed and built their own bobsleighs and sleigh runs to mark the Winter Olympics.
Cultural celebrations have also been brought vividly to life. For Chinese New Year, pupils made hobby horses to celebrate the Year of the Horse, culminating in a lively parade. They even cooked noodles over the fire, enjoying them with prawn crackers in a truly memorable feast.
The school community has not been forgotten. Visits to the local Millennium Wood have allowed children to engage in timeless activities such as playing Pooh sticks, alongside the much-anticipated annual egg rolling competition. Meanwhile, Mother’s Day was marked with heartfelt creations—glass jar decorations filled with daffodils grown by the pupils themselves—followed by a well-earned treat of custard and biscuits cooked over the fire.
Staff at Ysgol Y Foel emphasise that outdoor learning is far more than an enjoyable addition to the timetable. It plays a vital role in enriching the curriculum, deepening understanding, and nurturing essential life skills. Learning in the natural environment encourages curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and independence, while also offering significant health benefits. Fresh air, physical activity, and time spent in green spaces have been shown to improve both mental wellbeing and physical fitness, helping children to feel more focused, balanced, and engaged.
Through mud, fire, creativity, and laughter, the pupils of Ysgol Y Foel are discovering that some of the most powerful learning happens not at a desk—but beneath the open sky.
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