35 Year 8 and 9 intrepid students experienced an exhilarating 5-day course at Loch Eil Outward Bound Centre during the last week of the spring term.
Despite a journey of over six hours, immediately upon arrival they were thrown into a range of challenging activities, such as the wall, the beam, Jacob’s ladder, and the traditional Outward Bound “run and dip” – a classic activity to wake up the participants after a long drive in the bus!
The activities meant that the three teams needed to communicate, share and improve upon ideas in order to complete each task.
Throughout the week, each team successfully completed a 24-30 hour expedition; two teams on foot and one in Canadian canoes. Further incredible opportunities included a gorge walk and leap, scrambling, a multi pitch climb and abseil, kayaking, canoeing and the Leap of Faith personal challenge.
Each team worked on tasks that promote the model of low challenge/low support through to high challenge/high support and the “5 Ps” of a team/leadership – participant, passenger, protester, prisoner, pilot. This was brought round to consider how this learning could be of benefit within school, their lessons and life in general, considering how a change in attitude, approach, self-belief and channelling fears could all have a positive impact on their learning.
The final morning saw the three groups go head-to-head in their final challenge – “the Wall”. For some, this was a combination of the highlight and greatest challenge.
Presentations summarising individual and group learning rounded off the week, with presentation of certificates by a campfire.
Miss Harpham (WHS DofE Award Coordinator) commented: “We had an incredible week of weather which no doubt added to the overall experience and success. Every student in their own way conquered or limited their fears (heights, water, etc) and experienced what it was like to feel pushed beyond their comfort zones; and most importantly, that it is ok to show and discuss such boundaries and fears. The week will be remembered and celebrated for the continual engagement, effort, resilience, stamina and personal challenge displayed and overcome throughout their week by our students.”
