Outward Bound Challenge in The Lake District

May 2017

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The group faced a number of challenging outdoor pursuits with enthusiasm.

A group of students ranging from Years 7 to 10, recently ventured to Howtown Outward Bound Centre in Ullswater to take part in our annual four-day adventure experience.

The trip offers an opportunity to build confidence, independence and team working skills, but perhaps the most valuable part of the experience is that it also gives our students the opportunity to prove to themselves that they can overcome any challenge, however difficult, with a positive attitude and determination.

Split into two teams on arrival, students took part in a range of exhilarating and challenging activities such as Gorge Walking, Cliff Diving, Kayaking and the infamous "Jog and Dip', which involved an invigorating run followed by a fully-clothed leap into the lake! The group may have enjoyed mild weather during the week for many of the activities, however the water was still a shock to the system! They also participated in an overnight orienteering expedition, where they climbed mountains, erected tents and cooked their own food.

On the final night, both groups gathered together around a campfire to discuss how the course could be implemented into their daily lives at school. Many spoke about the unexpected level of personal resilience that they had discovered through successfully completing the physical challenges, and said that they would feel much more confident in their ability to succeed in anything they wanted to do. They also said that they would be more likely to try something new - we could not have wished for a better response. The trip came to an end with a quiz and awards ceremony, which was lots of fun for all involved.

Three of our Outward Bound trip participants will also be receiving an Outward Bound Scholarship to allow them to complete the Skills for Life Award this summer. Year 10 students Kyle B, Samantha S and Aleena S have been selcted to receive funding that will allow them to complete the prestigious 19-day course during the summer holidays. The trip will bring them together with groups of other young people from across the UK.

This experience will include a full range of challenging outdoor pursuits and two multi-day expeditions, all designed to further build upon the skills they have recently learned. This will also make a fantastic addition to their CV.