THE first pupils to take advantage of the newly revamped education suite at the National Park Visitor Centre in Brecon have given the make-over a thumbs up.
Children from Crickhowell Primary School, a Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Ambassador School, spent the day with the education team at the centre, discovering more about the Myths and Legends of the area.
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA) Chief Executive Julian Atkins met with the pupils, who gave the room a huge thumbs up.
“To welcome one of our Ambassador schools and see first-hand how they are benefitting from the work was an absolute pleasure,” he said. “Children tend to say it as it is so to hear so much excellent feedback from them was extremely positive.”
BBNPA were able to upgrade the facilities at The Beacons Room and carry out other essential maintenance following the sale of the bungalow next to the visitor centre. The funds received were used to build a new wall, replace the old flooring with a more durable hard surface, install energy efficient LED lighting and upgrade the electricity network.
Plans are afoot to further enhance the learning opportunities at the Visitor Centre. Commercial Manager Wayne Lewis secured funding from Visit Wales to introduce new technology which will bring learning to life.
He said: “As part of the Wales Way project, a national project funded by Visit Wales, we have secured a grant for an interactive, digital wall. This technology will help improve the learning experiences for all of our visitors of all ages and brings the outdoors indoors when the Welsh weather clouds over.”
Education Officer Geraint Roberts was delighted to discover that Crickhowell Junior School and teacher Alison Weaver, who helped develop the National Park Ambassador Schools scheme with the education team, would be the first to experience The Beacons Room.
He said: “The course is a window to the wonderful world of myths and legends within our National Park. We are lucky to have some fascinating stories associated with our landscapes, and as education officers we really enjoy sharing them with our young visitors.
“The children heard the story of the Maiden of Llyn y Fan, played some old Welsh musical instruments and danced while enjoying the story. We helped them to retell the story using a storyboard, as well as creating story sticks using natural materials before heading outdoors.”
Our National Park Ambassador Schools encourages teachers to use the outdoors with cross-curricular lessons using the school grounds, local area or wider National Park. They give pupils experiences and confidence in the outdoors which will impact on their health and well-being in the long term.
The scheme is open to all schools. To find out more contact educationemail@beacons-npa.gov.uk or watch the short film on our website www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/learning.