Outdoor Education

Our extensive Outdoor Education programme aims to develop the self-reliance, teamwork and leadership skills of all our pupils, as well as enabling them to enjoy the countryside safely. By offering a wide range of activities we hope everyone will find something that they like, and thus begin a life-long love of the great outdoors.

 

The outdoor education programme involves all pupils in the Under School (Years 9-11), and comprises the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards and our own non-uniformed programme of outdoor education called the Pioneers. For Sixth Form, outdoor education is voluntary but many pupils choose continue their engagement with the CCF of Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

There are a number of weekends each year designated as Activities Weekends, allowing up to two days for those activities requiring time for expeditions away from School.

Through a structured CCF programme of both military and adventurous training, cadets develop powers of leadership to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to provide an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development for young people. The Award is valued by parents, university admissions tutors, employers and others as it demonstrates that the holder possesses valuable character qualities.

Our own Pioneers programme develops outdoor skills such as navigation, conservation and campcraft, but in a non-uniformed setting.

Riding, sailing, paddle sports and SCUBA diving are also offered as part of our Outdoor Education programme.