News: Ysgol y Foel Pupils Conquer Moel Famau in Outdoor Learning Adventure

Small Cilcain primary school showcases its unique outdoor education offer with mountain hike for Years 2-6

Pupils at Ysgol y Foel proved there’s no limit to what a small school can achieve when they hiked to the summit of Moel Famau and back on Thursday 14th May.

Years 2 to 6 walked from the school gates, through the Clwydian Range, all the way to the summit of Moel Famau, where they enjoyed a picnic with panoramic views stretching across the Wirral, Lancashire, and the Peak District. They then walked back to school, completing the full circular route in a single day.

The trip was led by Ysgol y Foel staff and supported by Rangers Saul, Raz, and Hannah from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley team, based at Loggerheads Country Park. The rangers helped pupils identify local flora and fauna, sharing fascinating facts about what’s on their doorstep and what’s edible or useful. The children were excited to spot Star of Bethlehem, a plant that is relatively rare in the area, and learned that nettles were once used to make tea, uniforms, and twine during the war.

The walk built on the school’s ‘Nature Explorers’ topic this term. Pupils have already visited local farms and parks, including a trip to Loggerheads Country Park last week where they identified plants and flowers and went pond dipping. The school has formed a strong relationship with the Rangers and plans to collaborate further in the future.

“The Rangers were really impressed with our children’s knowledge and their enthusiasm for learning about the natural world around them,” said Teacher, Amanda Walker, who has been at the heart of the school since 1996.

Outdoor education at the heart of school life

Ysgol y Foel is a small, community-focused school in the village of Cilcain, nestled in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With small class sizes and a strong staff-to-pupil ratio, the school uses its rural setting every week for forest school, fieldwork, and outdoor learning.

“At Ysgol y Foel, the outdoors isn’t an add-on – it’s part of how we teach,” said Headteacher, Emma O’Neill. “Trips like this give children real experiences that build confidence, teamwork, resilience, and a love of learning that you can’t get from a textbook or by sitting at a desk in a classroom. Health and wellbeing is always a key priority for our pupils, and having the opportunity to walk and learn in such a beautiful area makes a real difference.”

Why parents choose a smaller school

With fewer pupils per class, Ysgol y Foel offers:

– Individual attention – Teachers know every child and can tailor learning to their needs.

– Strong community feel – Older and younger pupils learn alongside each other, building confidence and friendships.

– Daily access to nature – Lessons regularly take place outside in the Clwydian Hills, giving children space to move, explore, and develop practical skills.

Chair of Governors, Hannah Mitchell, added: “In recent years our school has attracted a number of families from outside of the immediate area due to the fantastic outdoor learning experiences. The staff do a brilliant job of nurturing all children in a really inclusive environment.”

Cilcain itself is a historic village known for its community spirit, local walks, and proximity to Loggerheads Country Park and Moel Famau, Wales’ most climbed hill. The school’s location makes it ideal for families who value outdoor learning alongside a strong academic foundation.