Dynevor Days was established to provide outdoor learning experiences for Year 6 students in participating Swansea city centre schools, with funding provided by donations from members of the Old Dy’vorians Association.
Each academic year students in Year 6 prepare for the next stage of their school career, stepping up from primary to secondary. Historically, many would have followed in the footsteps of their siblings, parents, even grandparents by heading to Dynevor School and although the school closed in 2001, the Old Dy’vorians’ Association has remained active with an agenda to enhance local school pupils’ experiences.
Influenced by the enthusiasm shown by schools which had received ad hoc awards from the association to support outdoor learning, the Dynevor Days project was launched. The project follows the principles of Wales Outdoor Learning Week; however, the exigencies of the school calendar make it appropriate to allow schools maximum flexibility in scheduling Dynevor Days.
The schools invited to participate for the three years the project is due to run are:
- Sea View Community Primary School
- St Helen’s Primary School
- St Thomas Community Primary School
- Terrace Road Primary School
- Townhill Community Primary School
Pupils’ experiences are shared in the schools’ section of Dynevor Days website and highlight the fact that going to the beach, or climbing rocks and trees was a rare adventure for many pupils, even though they lived within a short distance of Swansea’s magnificent coast. Other activities such as Kayaking and Archery provided new experiences and for those schools which were able to include a residential element there was a further sense of adventure and independence.
In a climate where school funding doesn’t make provision for such discretionary events, we are delighted that Dynevor Days can inspire and provide memories for Swansea’s younger generation. If you would like to contribute to this very worthwhile project, please contact Pam Bashford for details on how to make a donation.