Half term in the Scottish Highlands
30 sixth form students and three members of staff (Mr Edwards-Stuart, Mr Evans and Mrs Snow) spent half term at the Outward Bound Centre at Loch Eil, near Fort William. The party travelled by coach for 12 hours, over night arriving at the centre at 9am on the Monday. Despite a gloomy weather forecast the sun came out for most of the activities which made them all the more enjoyable. Everyone got the opportunity to swim in the loch and two groups went gorge walking. The latter was probably the most popular activity followed closely by abseiling.
The students were booked onto a leadership course and worked in teams of 10 throughout the week. A major activity, which shows different styles of leadership, is the expedition where students are required to walk and climb through stunning scenery before setting up camp for the night. All individual and safety equipment is carried in rucksacks which proved to slow the groups down in wind and rain. However, the task was accomplished and everyone returned the next day to clean all the equipment before a raft building challenge. The course is designed to challenge the students and does in many ways; it would not be possible, though, without the bursary received from Outward Bound sponsors or funding, raised, through the academy. Accompanying staff participate in all activities and therefore get to know the students well. On return to school on Monday, Ali Korkmaz said ‘I wish we were still in Scotland’. He wasn’t the only student to voice this.
The students were booked onto a leadership course and worked in teams of 10 throughout the week. A major activity, which shows different styles of leadership, is the expedition where students are required to walk and climb through stunning scenery before setting up camp for the night. All individual and safety equipment is carried in rucksacks which proved to slow the groups down in wind and rain. However, the task was accomplished and everyone returned the next day to clean all the equipment before a raft building challenge. The course is designed to challenge the students and does in many ways; it would not be possible, though, without the bursary received from Outward Bound sponsors or funding, raised, through the academy. Accompanying staff participate in all activities and therefore get to know the students well. On return to school on Monday, Ali Korkmaz said ‘I wish we were still in Scotland’. He wasn’t the only student to voice this.