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Schools Courses at Ogwen Cottage

Accompanied by teachers from their own schools, up to 30 pupils drawn from one or two schools undergo a basic one week course in outdoor pursuits. The course is staffed by at least four of the Centre's permanent staff.

Environmental Courses

A limited number of weeks have been set aside to accommodate those schools who have an interest in using Ogwen as a base for a field trip. One needs only to view the 'Ogwen Cottage' pages on this site to appreciate what Snowdonia has to offer the geographer, historian or biologist. The range of subjects is enormous, from industrial archaeology and glaciation to Roman history, which could be presented in an exciting, realistic manner by a teacher in association with Centre staff. The combination will allow teachers to gain access to areas which pupils will find stimulating and exciting. Close liaison with the Head of Centre is essential. The needs of the school curriculum are most important and these must be presented to the Head of Centre, so that ample preparation will ensure the success of the programme.

All specialised equipment and other material relating to the field work will have to be provided by the schools, however there is an excellent classroom facility. All outdoor wear, including boots and waterproofs, will be provided free of charge by the Centre. All on course transport is arranged by the Centre.

Centre Organisation for School Groups

Ogwen staff are responsible for organising the groupings for activities and rooming arrangements. There are three groups of ten pupils; each group will be out doing a different activity from Monday to Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday pupils are given options and they may choose a water or mountain based activity.

Room arrangements revolve around five dormitories named after the mountains surrounding the Centre:

Carnedd
Tryfan
Glyder
Snowdon
Siabod

Each dormitory group undetakes duties; evening meal, supper, breakfast and one duty rota.

Students help by providing a service in the dining room and helping out in the kitchen. Each dormitory group is expected to maintain a high standard in their room, and also have an allotted area in the Centre to keep tidy on a daily basis.

Pupils are not allowed to take mobile phones out on the mountains and phones should always be off when in the Centre. Do not bring radios or speaker style music centres. Personal stereos are allowed.

Preparation for an Ogwen Cottage Course

In preparation for an Ogwen Cottage course you should consider the following:

• Your level of physical fitness
• Adopting a positive attitude to the outdoor experience and the programme offered
• A willingness to work hard
• Adopting a pleasant and friendly approach to your peers
• A helpful, co-operative attitude towards teamwork

Please fill in the relevant pages of your Ogwen Journal before you arrive at the Centre, setting yourself high but achievable targets.