Our staff and Governors recently had the pleasure of visiting Argoed Lwyd in South Wales to learn about the positive benefits of outdoor education for young people. Argoed Lwyd, located in the Brecon Beacons, is an outdoor learning centre owned by Hampshire County Council and funded by the Portal Trust. It gives students the chance to leave the classroom and connect with nature.

The visit started with a tour of the centre, where we enjoyed seeing the mountain views and equipment storage areas. We also explored the accommodation, where young people enjoy chatting or playing board games together. It was great to see some of the books donated by our Chair of Grants from her own bookshop.

We were fortunate to visit while students from Stepney All Saints Secondary School were also there. For many young people in the city, there are limited opportunities to learn outdoors. We’re dedicated to removing financial barriers to outdoor education so that young people living in the capital, regardless of their background, can access these experiences.

During the trip, the students faced new challenges and developed many skills through activities such as mountain climbing and caving. It was wonderful to see them having fun outdoors and building stronger friendships! But don’t just take our word for it—here are some students from The Aldgate School sharing what they enjoyed the most:

The next day, we visited the Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre, where we learned how outdoor education brings the school curriculum to life. Here, subjects like science are taught through hands-on activities which help students connect what they learn in school to the real world.

A highlight of the Visitor Centre was the interactive gift shop, where students can engage with 3D maps and educational games on a large screen. These fun activities not only capture young people's interest but also deepen their understanding of the world around them.

With its protected dark skies, the Brecon Beacons is also a fantastic spot for stargazing. For many young Londoners, witnessing a clear, star-filled sky is an unforgettable experience. Seeing the night sky without light pollution is something that can’t easily be replicated in the city.

Our visit to Argoed Lwyd highlighted the powerful impact of outdoor education. It was inspiring to see students overcome challenges, create new friendships, and engage with outdoor learning in meaningful ways.

We’re excited to continue supporting the Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre and are grateful to the staff, council, and students for their warm welcome. We look forward to continuing to support Argoed Lwyd so more young Londoners have the opportunity to experience the benefits of outdoor learning.