112 students from across the Trust have taken part in a collective Outward Bound adventure, building resilience, confidence and new friendships with young people from across the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire region.
Students from Ashfield School, Frederick Gent School, Selston High School and Swanwick Hall School travelled to Aberdyfi in Mid Wales, while students from Allestree Woodlands School, Friesland School, Heritage High School, Manor Academy, Springwell Community College and Wilsthorpe School headed to the Lake District.
Throughout the week, students took on a range of outdoor challenges including cliff jumping, gorge walking, hiking, wild camping, kayaking, rafting and even an underground tunnel exploration. As well as giving students the chance to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, the residential brought together young people from the 10 Trust schools, giving them an opportunity to form friendships and work alongside peers from across the wider Trust.
Some of the students began with the traditional Outward Bound jog and dip before embarking on a mountain expedition, carrying their own equipment and camping overnight. Another group of students explored a rainforest in Wales, enjoying the chance to experience one of the UK’s most unexpected natural habitats and eager to share their experiences on their return.
One group said their highlight was reaching the summit of Place Fell after hiking through low cloud, as it was some students’ first experience of standing on top of an official mountain. Students also travelled by speed boat across Ullswater before taking on a cliff-jumping challenge, with many pushing themselves further than they initially thought possible.
One student said, “I jumped off the fourth level at the cliff and I’m really proud of myself.”
Another described the experience, saying, “Highly recommended for those who want challenges and want to experience new things.”
Throughout the week, students encouraged one another through demanding activities, solved problems together and developed friendships which crossed individual school boundaries.
One student said: “It was very interesting because you don’t do things like that every day or every week.”
Michael Doherty, Associate Assistant Headteacher from Heritage High School, who accompanied students on the residential, said, “It was a fantastic and worthwhile visit. The week gave students the opportunity to learn more about themselves, challenge their limits and experience the beautiful outdoors. It was brilliant to see them developing their teamwork, communication and resilience, but also forming friendships with students from other schools across the Trust. Since returning, their faces light up when they talk about the experience and so many of them are already asking when they can go back.”
The collective adventure formed part of our commitment to giving young people opportunities to broaden their life choices, develop valuable life skills and build a stronger sense of community across its schools.
