Arete Outdoor Centre

Wales
7-16+
Communication Skills, Confidence Building, Leadership, PE
, Problem Solving, Team Building
+2 more

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What will students see and do?

Arete Outdoor Centre is a residential activity centre in Llanrug, North Wales. It is perfectly located close to the rivers, mountains and lakes of Snowdonia, as well as the beautiful coastline of Anglesey. As a result, its high-quality activities take place off-site, capitalising on the gorgeous surroundings while the experienced instructors focus on the many educational benefits that outdoor learning brings.

The centre was originally known as Llanrug Outdoor Education Centre. It operated under this name for over 35 years, becoming known as a leader in outdoor learning as it provided suitably adventurous activities for all ages.

In 2014, there was an opportunity for a staff takeover to acquire the centre and continue the renowned outdoor service it provided. As the staff were so passionate about outdoor education and were aware of the centre’s importance to the groups that attend, they knew it was a worthwhile venture. From this takeover, Arete Outdoor Centre was born.

The centre has the facilities and expertise to provide for a diverse range of groups. Adventure activities can be provided along with catered accommodation for up to 100 pupils across the main centre, west wing and Bryn Eryr.

These include land-based activities such as abseiling, underground caving, mountain walking, sea level traversing, rock climbing, winter mountaineering and bushcraft, as well as watersports like canyoning, gorge scrambling, coasteering, surfing, sea kayaking, lake canoeing, white water kayaking and Menai Straits traversing.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

Learning outside the classroom has many educational benefits, as young people are given first-hand experiences that they may not be able to discover in a school environment. These push students out of their comfort zone and encourage an appetite for learning, positive health and wellbeing, environmental awareness, social awareness and developed personal qualities and physical skills.

To get the most out of your trip, Arete Outdoor Centre tailors each course for every group and school depending on their age and needs – it even has the resources and the staff to develop and change the programme on a daily basis. For instance, the changing weather is taken into account to give the best combination of activities possible.

Each activity group is also assigned its own instructor, and as the instructor gets to know their activity group, they can make more informed suggestions to fulfil your learning objectives.

The centre is flexible with its content, allowing pupils to define their own goals, and as they grow in confidence suitable further challenges can be presented.

The staff will also make sure to nurture and support even the most apprehensive child, ensuring that everyone comes away with lifelong memories and newfound skills that they can apply to their future lifestyle choices.

Subjects covered

Communication Skills

Confidence Building

Leadership

Problem Solving

Team Building

Teaching resources provided

Arete Outdoor Centre has created 39 activity sheets that were created for home learning. Each activity has different learning outcomes, takes around 30 minutes to complete and is designed to be completed with minimal resources.

Examples of activity sheets available include:
• Bread on a Stick: Quick and easy bread recipe without the need for yeast (unleavened).
• Dandelion Honey: Have a go at being a bee and converting dandelion flowers into sweet goodness.
• Nettle Goodness: Learn about the many benefits of nettles, discovering recipes and forage for this abundant plant.
• Potty about Potatoes: Watch the fascinating process of root growth and stem formation of a plant as the potato grows.
• Toilet Paper Tuna: Create your own BBQ tuna. It’s great fun to try at home for a tasty lunch snack or ready for your next camping adventure.
• Garden Planters: Upcycle a plastic bottle by creating a garden planter.
• Pattern Search: Natural patterns have been studied since Darwin proposed doing so in 1859. They have been used in science, technology and art.
• Cool Wall: Thought-provoking exercise where you consider what is important to you or the environment and why.
• Foil Rubbings: Explore texture patterns and structure through making rubbings.
• On A Walk: A series of ideas and challenges that you can try out while out on a walk.
• Cooking on a Fire: Increase your enjoyment of the open fire by cooking on it, too.

Minimum and maximum group size

Arete Outdoor Centre can offer accommodation and cater for groups of 10 to 100 pupils.

Details of risk assessment

An information pack will be sent to group leaders to help plan your visit, and further risk assessments, policies and procedures are available on request.

Group leaders can also visit the centre before your school trip.

PLANNING

Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment

icon for A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment

Facilities on-site

There are three areas in the accommodation: the west wing, which sleeps 20 pupils; the main centre, which sleeps 50; and Bryn Eryr, which sleeps 30.

Each area has its own dining and communal space, and you will have exclusive use of whichever you are allocated. There are also games, a pool table, a football table and a screen in each.

The rooms have bunk beds and vary in size from sleeping two to nine people. The areas can be divided into separate male and female sleeping areas and toilet/shower facilities.

Opening times

Open 24 hours a day.

Pricing

Day of activities: £27.50-£37 per pupil

Fully catered accommodation: £27.50-£37 per pupil per night

Five-day activity course (includes accommodation and catering): £232-£309 per pupil

The costs vary depending on pupil numbers, time of year and course content. One adult admission free per 10 pupils.

Travel arrangements

Arete Outdoor Centre is located in Gwynedd, North Wales at the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

The nearest rail station is Bangor, which is approximately 15-minutes’ drive from the centre.

The centre has its own minibuses to transport groups to the different activities. Contact Arete Outdoor Centre if you would like to arrange your transport to and from the centre.