The Benefits of Outdoor Pursuits (Adventure Training)
St Bees School is situated in a wonderful geographical location and is in a prime position to offer Adventure Training as part of the First and Second Form curriculum. Within a short drive, pupils have access to the quiet and unspoilt Lakeland valleys of Ennerdale, Eskdale and Wasdale (which hosts England's deepest lake, smallest church and highest mountain, Scafell Pike). Click here to view our Outdoor Pursuits Photo Gallery
The Adventure Training program is eight sessions in duration and has been specifically designed to develop and promote a range of skills. These skills not only benefit pupils in their academic life but they are able to develop and carry them through into adulthood.
The introduction to Adventure Training and personal development in the First Form is built upon in the Second Form when pupils can experience new activities, places and challenges. A key part of Adventure Training is that the learning experience is identified, discussed and reflected upon at an individual and group level. This enables experiences and skills to be linked and transferred into the classroom.
During Adventure Training, pupils are able to enjoy a variety of activities: canoeing, climbing, abseiling, mountain scrambling, orienteering, navigational training, ghyll scrambling, problem solving and bridge jumping. There are regular camps and expeditions that help pupils to develop their leadership and team working abilities along with crucial skills such as map reading, camp craft and mountain survival. To view a video of the 2nd Form Camp click here
Each session has been carefully designed using outdoor activities as a vehicle for development. Throughout the programme, pupils can develop and progress their leadership and communication skills, self confidence, group trust and support, time management, problem solving and risk identification.
Each session is facilitated by fully qualified instructors that hold nationally recognised governing body awards with appropriately risk assessed activities.
Qualified Instructors
The Outdoor Pursuits programme at St. Bees is run by Richard Butler (photo left) and Ian Carter (photo right).
Both Richard and Ian are qualified in a range of outdoor pursuits including Mountain Leadership, Canoeing, Climbing, Caving, White Water Rescue, Kayaking, and Yachting.
All activities are supervised with an appropriate level of leadership and training.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of pupils at St. Bees School is of paramount importance, particularly when they are undertaking outdoor pursuits.
Both Richard Butler and Ian Carter and qualified First Aiders and have many years experience of taking groups of pupils into the Lake District, they ensure that pupils have the correct clothing and protective equipment necessary for each activity and that activities are supervised in fun but safe conditions.