48 students from Years 7 and 8 enjoyed an exhilarating residential week at Howtown Outward Bound Centre during the first week of term.
The week promised to be packed with adventures, challenges and indeed new experiences which would test each student individually. At WHS we believe that there is no greater shaper of character than that of the outdoors, and this certainly proved to be the case throughout this fun-filled memorable week. Our wonderful group of students embraced every challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm, courage, and (most importantly) respect.
After a scenic coach journey to our picturesque destination along the shores of Ullswater, the students and staff were warmly welcomed by the instructors. As they were shown to their rooms, they were given instructions to prepare to get wet. No time was wasted as they were soon taken for a little jog and dip in their groups (appropriately named Humphrey, Bonington, Dawa and Atherton!). There seems to be no better way to immerse oneself in the outdoors than this warming experience! The level of challenge and entertainment had been established.
Throughout the week, each team successfully completed a 24 to 30-hour expedition (with a lot of grit and determination at times), setting up their tents in adverse weather conditions; some doing so after an 8-hour walk to the top of the mountain, and other teams after rowing across the shores of the lake. Each team faced their own challenges.
The activities were both thrilling and rewarding. Students took part in ghyll scrambling, navigating the flowing streams and rocky terrain with determination and teamwork, and the odd slip here and there. They experienced the exhilaration of cliff jumping, showing real bravery as they leapt into the water below, supported and encouraged by their peers. Abseiling challenged them to conquer fears and trust both the equipment and the guidance of the instructors and each other.
On the water, rowing sessions required coordination, communication, and perseverance, and obviously singing!! While hiking through the stunning landscape (which was frequently left to the imagination due to the inclement Cumbrian weather), students embraced the time to reflect, connect, chat and make new friends whilst also appreciating the natural world around them.
We certainly had an interesting week of weather with the landscape frequently being left to the imagination!! Despite this, nothing phased this group of resilient students. Don’t get me wrong, it proved to be testing for them at times, but each student conquered their fears, doubts and experienced what it feels like to be pushed beyond their comfort zone. Time was carefully put aside to reflect on the day’s experiences, the highs, the lows the amazing achievements and students built on their successes setting personal goals and targets for the day ahead. They completed a journal and produced thoughtful postcards on their final day reflecting on their time away and their accomplishments. These were very poignant and a credit to their sincere involvement in the whole week and all it entailed.
Back at the centre, the challenges continued. Students explored the tunnels, developing problem-solving skills and resilience in tight, dark spaces. The muddy treat afterwards went down very well! The night line activity tested trust and communication as they navigated a course blindfolded, relying on each other for guidance. They also worked together to prepare tents, learning practical skills and cooperation, and tackled orienteering tasks that required teamwork, navigation, and decision-making.
The experience was made even more special by the fantastic Outward Bound staff, whose encouragement, expertise, warmth and positivity supported every student to succeed. Their dedication ensured that each activity was safe, engaging and meaningful.
A particular memorable moment was the unique wake-up call on the Friday morning, kindly arranged by Mr Mallinson to ensure that no student missed their final hearty breakfast. The clatter of pots and pans echoed throughout the centre at 7.30 am on the dot – a special, memorable WHS wake-up call!
Of course, no residential would be complete without great food, and the hearty, tasty meals provided kept everyone well-fuelled and ready for the next challenge. Mealtimes also offered valuable opportunities to relax, share stories, and strengthen friendships.
The week at Howtown certainly was a unique unforgettable experience. Our students and staff returned not only with wonderful memories but also with increased confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of respect in all its forms. Throughout the week, our students were consistently praised for showing respect, whether it be in the dining room, at the tuck shop, or when taking part in their tasks, not to forget maintaining really tidy rooms!! We are incredibly proud of every one of them and everything they achieved.
Final thanks to our WHS staff – Mr Mallinson, Mrs Henderson, Mrs Short and Miss Leighton – in making this trip such a success.
