Beyond the Classroom

Outdoor pursuits are a very important feature of life in Upper School. These activities provide numerous opportunities for our children to develop their individual skills – to find out about themselves – to develop trust, friendship, teamwork and most importantly independence. Every Wednesday afternoon is devoted fully to a wide range of activities. In addition optional trips are arranged on weekends throughout the year.

Pupils will have been introduced to a number of the activities lower down the school. It is our aim in Upper School to enable them to obtain qualifications in these pursuits, qualifications that will be with them for life. These include the British Canoe Union star awards, the Royal Yachting Association Sailing awards, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Open water Diving award and the recently piloted Indoor Climbing awards. The programme has recently been enhanced with the opportunity to go caving and water skiing as well as clay pigeon shooting.

As an extra curricular activity linked to this programme, every pupil is expected to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at bronze and silver level. In support of this pupils have participated in a number of day walks and will also be camping out in preparation for the expedition phase of the award.

There is no expectation in regards to level attained in any of the activities; all that is requested is a willingness to ‘have a go’. Many pupils surprise themselves with what they have achieved.