Year 9 pupils take part in a full day of Learning Through the Outdoors every two weeks. Building upon their experiences in Years 7 and 8, the programme places greater emphasis on independence, leadership, technical competence, managed risk and responsible decision-making.
The year begins with a hill journey in Llangollen, providing pupils with an opportunity to re-establish expectations and demonstrate their preparedness, teamwork and walking skills. Climbing days at Castle Inn and Pothole Quarry allow pupils to refine their footwork, balance, body positioning and rope skills in natural environments. A climbing team challenge encourages them to communicate effectively, support others and respond positively when faced with difficulty.
Navigation becomes more demanding during Year 9. Following a refresher in the Bala area, pupils progress to off-path navigation on Moel Dyrnogydd. They learn to interpret less obvious terrain, select suitable techniques and make informed route choices away from established paths. Pupils are increasingly expected to contribute to decisions rather than simply follow an instructor.
At Clogwyn Mawr, pupils develop movement skills on steep ground. They consider how terrain, weather, group ability and individual confidence influence decision-making. The focus is not simply on completing a physical challenge, but on recognising hazards, communicating concerns and understanding how risk can be managed appropriately.
Bushcraft lessons consolidate fire-lighting and outdoor cooking skills. Pupils collect and prepare resources, organise safe working areas and use equipment with greater independence. Orienteering at Llyn Elsi then combines navigation with plant identification and environmental awareness, helping pupils recognise the relationship between practical journeying skills and knowledge of the natural environment.
A journey to Llyn Dulyn Bothy brings several areas of learning together. Pupils contribute to route planning and navigation before travelling to a remote mountain shelter. They use Trangias and fire-lighting techniques to prepare hot drinks or food and learn about bothy etiquette, shared responsibility and leaving remote places in a condition that allows others to enjoy them.
At Dinorwig Quarry, pupils explore the heritage of the North Wales slate industry and consider how landscape, employment and community are connected. Through the concept of Cynefin, they reflect on their own relationship with place and the ways in which local landscapes have shaped the lives and identities of previous generations.
Canoeing sessions at Padarn and Bala introduce pupils to journeying on water. They develop efficient paddling, boat control, communication and teamwork before applying these skills during a canoe journey. Pupils must coordinate with their partner, respond to changing conditions and contribute to group decisions.
A significant point in the year is the Northern Carneddau independent walk. Pupils plan and complete sections of the journey in small groups, using the navigation, movement and teamwork skills developed throughout their LTTO experience. Staff provide appropriate supervision while creating space for pupils to demonstrate autonomy, judgement and responsibility.
Climbing in Llanberis Pass provides a further opportunity to apply technical skills in a more challenging environment. Pupils explore the idea of managed risk and consider how appropriate challenge can contribute to confidence, resilience and personal growth.
The curriculum culminates in a mountain camp in Ogwen. Pupils prepare their kit, plan aspects of the journey and spend a night camping in a mountain environment. The experience brings together navigation, campcraft, expedition skills, teamwork and leadership, allowing pupils to demonstrate how far they have progressed since Year 7.
The programme concludes with gorge walking at Afon Ddu, where pupils apply movement skills, risk awareness and group decision-making in a dynamic natural environment. By the end of Year 9, pupils should be capable of operating with increasing independence, making considered choices and contributing positively to a team in a range of outdoor settings.
