Outdoor learning Residential courses for schools and colleges
Content
An Educational Charity Bursary support Our heritage
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Our People: exceptional instructors, learning professionals
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Our Places: inspiring locations, limitless opportunities
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Our Process:
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experiential learning, adventures for life Courses 12 First Challenge Year Group Induction Adventure & Challenge Team & Leadership Development Activities, Journeys & Expeditions
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Booking & Further Information
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速 Outward Bound and the Compass Rose are each registered trademarks of The Outward Bound Trust.
The Outward Bound Trust A uniquely powerful learning environment for young people We believe that every young person should have access to the kind of unique learning experience that The Outward Bound Trust offers. With bursaries funded by our wide range of donors and supporters, we ensure that the very best in outdoor learning is accessible to all. We aim to help young people realise their true potential through reflecting on and learning from adventurous experiences in the wild. We create a supportive and challenging environment in which young people can learn more about themselves and can see clearly, perhaps for the first time, what they might truly be capable of achieving in life.
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I would like to say thank you to the people who helped to pay for my course.You have given me more confidence in myself, and the ability to accept and trust my friends. That alone is worth more than money. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have achieved this. Craig, Course Participant, Langholm Academy
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An
educational charity Bursary support
Our heritage
The Outward Bound Trust is a not-forprofit educational charity, providing bursaries totalling over £2m to more than 10,000 young people every year. We are the UK’s leading provider of bursaryassisted outdoor learning. We believe that a lack of funds should not be a barrier to boosting a young person’s confidence and self-esteem, to improving their ability to work with and to lead others, or to having a greater appreciation of the natural environment. We are determined to make our courses as widely available as possible to all young people, with more than 40% of all course participants now supported by an Outward Bound bursary. Our bursary applications are simple and straightforward. Forms can be downloaded from www.outwardbound.org.uk /education/financial
Outward Bound®was founded in 1941 by the naval captain Lawrence Holt and the educationalist Kurt Hahn. At this time we provided training for young and inexperienced merchant seamen who were drafted into the navy in World War II, to help them to survive the rigours of North Atlantic convoys and to give them real inner strength to overcome shipwreck. After the war it was felt that the courses Outward Bound offered would be a valuable means of making individuals more independent, self-aware and able to cope on their own. Since then The Outward Bound Trust has continued to provide courses for young people, adapting to the needs of today’s participants.
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Our people:
exceptional instructors, learning professionals The instructor was quietly understanding and challenged them in ways that allowed them to really extend themselves and see their true worth. Probably the most valuable 5 days of their school year. Jo Hibbert, Head of PE, Chew Valley School, Adventure & Challenge course
No two days are the same. I love the variety of my job. People are constantly surprising and challenging, as is the environment in which we work. It is incredibly rewarding to have been at the helm of the most enjoyable or important week of someone’s life. Matt Lander, Instructor, The Outward Bound Trust
At the heart of every course is an exceptional Outward Bound instructor, with the compassion, skills and qualifications needed to support and challenge young people. Our instructors also play an important pastoral role, getting to know every member of their group, working with individuals to build confidence and trust, and adapting the level of challenge according to their needs. Each instructor has an equally important set of educational skills and experience, enabling them to help students reflect on and learn from their adventurous journeys and expeditions. This combination of outdoor skill and educational capability makes our instructors truly outstanding, and helps to create a unique opportunity for learning to be transferred effectively back into school.
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Our places:
inspiring locations, limitless opportunities
At The Outward Bound Trust we use truly extraordinary locations to inspire young people. Our residential centres are based in beautiful and dramatic landscapes, with limitless opportunities for adventurous journeys. The true Outward Bound difference is in ‘getting out there’ and providing personal and memorable experiences for young people. Communal living is also an integral feature of an Outward Bound residential. Our centres are intentionally small and intimate, encouraging a sense of community and shared responsibility.
WALES – Snowdonia
SCOTLAND – The Highlands
Aberdovey Centre
Loch Eil Centre
The centre stands above the picturesque fishing village of Aberdovey, overlooking the Dovey Estuary. It has easy access to the mountain ranges of mid-Wales and has its own waterfront activity centre, providing an ideal base for a whole range of water-based adventures and challenges.
ENGLAND – The Lake District Ullswater Centre The most beautiful lake in The Lake District National Park is almost certainly Ullswater. Our centre has direct access to the lake and the magnificent peaks beyond. Close to the Helvellyn mountain range, the centre is perfectly placed for overnight expeditions and lake adventures.
The centre is situated on the edge of Loch Eil near Fort William, with views of Ben Nevis. Loch Eil is close to the magnificent natural environments of Glencoe, the hills of Ardgour and Loch Linnhe, to name but a few. With all this on the doorstep, our Scottish centre is genuinely in the heart of a wild, remote and stunning landscape. We also run a non-residential operation in Glasgow, called Metro, serving schools and youth groups in central Scotland. Metro operates within striking distance of challenging environments and provides tailor-made Outward Bound experiences to meet the particular needs of young people living in urban areas.
Loch Eil Centre
Glasgow Edinburgh
Howtown Centre
Ullswater Centre
Manchester Liverpool
Aberdovey Centre
Birmingham
London
Exeter
Howtown Centre Our newest centre, Howtown, with its purpose built accommodation, is situated on the southern side of Ullswater. Backed by the imposing ridge of the High Street fells, this is an inspirational place to be based – a stunning yet accessible location for learning through adventure.
The views from the top of the mountain were amazing. I learned a lot from my friends and this experience has given me confidence in everyday life – it’s also shown me that I’m capable of more than I thought. Ryan, Course Participant, Strabane Grammar School
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Ullswater is one of the Trust’s centres where the skill and commitment of the staff is as inspirational as the setting. Dale Hill, Head Teacher, Whitehouse Common Primary School, First Challenge course
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I am delighted to be taking an active role in helping the Trust develop its commitment to ‘real adventure’ across a range of existing and new client groups and working to develop clear evidence of its positive impact on schools and course participants. Professor David Hopkins, Institute of Education, Trustee of The Outward Bound Trust
Our process:
experiential learning, adventures for life
Our approach is based on a proven experiential learning process, designed to achieve the outcomes that our customers tell us make a real and measurable difference to their students. We create opportunities for young people to see what they might really be able to achieve in life; whether in the classroom, on the sports field or in a future career. Ultimately it is our customers who decide if an Outward Bound course has made a difference. In our recent research more than 80%* of our customers confirmed that their Outward Bound experience had significantly improved their students’ overall performance. Of particular note was the students’ progress in the following areas: > Development of communication skills > Improvement in ability to work together as a team > Increase in self-confidence These are just some of the proven learning outcomes that can have such a positive impact on the personal development of young people. The long-term benefits of an Outward Bound residential have been experienced first-hand by David Exeter, Director of Outdoor Learning at Macmillan Academy. David commented: “The Outward Bound Trust is at the vanguard of using outdoor learning to develop successful, confident and responsible learners. They use an experiential educational approach to learning that is practical, dynamic and exciting, leading to positive outcomes for our students. Students enjoy learning at The Outward Bound Trust. They return with greater confidence, more self-esteem and have developed socially. They make progress and achieve. This is experiential learning at its best.” * Source: The Outward Bound Trust, Teacher survey, September 2008.
I learned about team-work and co-operation. I also learned how to communicate with others. Emma, Course Participant, Rhodesway School
I’ve realised that I have more confidence than I thought. I’ve also learned to believe in myself and to challenge myself to achieve things that I didn’t think were possible. Nicola-Jayne, Course Participant, Arthur Terry School
Hear it from the Heads - watch what some of our school clients have to say about the value of an Outward Bound course Case Studies - read more about how our clients use our current outdoor learning progammes to address a range of challenges and issues in their schools
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Courses Year Group
Key Stage
Course
Duration
Y5-6 2 P6-7
First Challenge 3 days; Fri-Sun This course is aimed at primary school pupils 5 days; Mon-Fri and offers an exciting mix of adventure, learning, challenge and fun.
Y7-9
Year Group Induction 3 days; see below** This course is aimed at pupils starting secondary 5 days; Mon-Fri education, aiding the transition into secondary school life. It offers adventurous team experiences and peer group relationship building.
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above S1-3
Y6-13 3-5 above P7-S6
Y10 -13 4-5 above S4-6
Adventure & Challenge 3 days; Fri-Sun This course is suited to all age groups and levels, 5 days; Mon-Fri encouraging young people to push themselves 7 days; Mon-Sun beyond their expectations and develop learning about self and others.
Team & Leadership Development 5 days; Mon-Fri This course encourages participants 7 days; Mon-Sun to explore their capabilities and broaden their horizons. A course with real physical and mental challenges that develops team and leadership skills.
* 3-day course learning objectives marked with an asterisk. **Year Group Induction available Fri-Sun and also as a split group option (Mon-Wed and Wed-Fri), subject to availability.
Expeditions Overnight expeditions are a unique and powerful part of an Outward Bound experience. Our 5 and 7 day Adventure & Challenge and Team & Leadership Development courses all include an expedition as a standard component. For most other courses expeditions are available as an optional extra – please contact our Schools and Colleges team to discuss your requirements. For further information on optional extras, please refer to page 17.
Bespoke Courses Should your requirements not be met by the courses detailed above, we are able to offer bespoke courses specific to your needs. Please call our Schools and Colleges team for a quote on 01931 740000.
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All Outward Bound courses are designed to help schools achieve the aims of the new National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Course Objectives
Location
> Develop collective responsibility and understand the importance of looking after each other* > Develop a sense of personal responsibility > Increase confidence and independence > Understand more about the natural environment* > Enjoy and experience new adventures* (All centres)
Aberdovey, Wales Ullswater, England Howtown, England Loch Eil, Scotland
> Develop relationship skills and make new friends* All centres as > Increase skills in working with others, communicating and planning* > Develop and improve personal awareness* > Improve understanding and respect for other people > Develop organisational skills and a sense of responsibility > Increase concern for, and awareness of, the natural environment* > Enjoy and experience new adventures* > Improve confidence to overcome new challenges All centres as > Develop skills in setting and achieving personal goals > Increase self awareness and personal responsibility* > Increase awareness of other people* > Improve ability to work and communicate with other people* > Increase concern for, and awareness of, the natural environment* > Develop action plan > Enjoy and experience real adventures* > Understand team roles All centres as > Develop effective team players > Experience and understand leadership > Understand the importance of being a role model > Increase skills in communication, planning and problem solving > Increase concern for, and awareness of, the natural environment > Develop action plan > Enjoy and experience real adventures
The John Muir Award at The Outward Bound Trust The natural environment is central to The Outward Bound Trust. We wouldn’t exist without it; we educate with it; we have an immediate relationship with it and we are totally dependent on it. The John Muir Award encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to ‘connect, enjoy and care for wild places’. It reflects the ethos of John Muir, considered to be the founding father of the modern conservation movement, and is an educational initiative of the John Muir Trust. Its flexible framework means that it can be integrated with Outward Bound courses in a number of ways. It can help to encourage awareness; give a context for ‘putting something back’; effectively ‘book-end’ a course by incorporating pre- and post-Outward Bound activity; and help to celebrate the connections made.
For more information about suitability of courses or to discuss dates and specific requirements, please contact our Schools & Colleges team on 01931 740000 or email enquiries@outwardbound.org.uk
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Students enjoy learning at The Outward Bound Trust. They return with greater confidence, more self-esteem and have developed socially. This is experiential learning at its best. David Exeter, Director of Outdoor Learning, Macmillan Academy
Activities, Journeys & Expeditions At The Outward Bound Trust we offer the widest range of truly adventurous activities, journeys and expeditions available in the UK, whether on the mountains, the lakes, sea or rivers. We offer young people the opportunity to plan and take part in longer adventures – physical journeys that are journeys of development and discovery for the individual and the team. Our courses use a combination of activities as a means to achieving the intended learning objectives, taking account of local conditions and group capabilities. And while some activities will be centre based, the true Outward Bound difference is experienced by ‘getting out there’ into our extraordinary and wild environments.
Mountain adventures Overnight Expedition Hill Walking Gorge Walking Orienteering
Rock Climbing Navigation Abseiling
Lake, sea & river adventures Overnight Expedition Cutter Sailing Canadian Canoeing Dinghy Sailing
Kayaking Sea Kayaking Raft Building
Please note: not all activities listed are available at all locations.
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The expedition was where the group got close and learnt so much. We learnt that you have to stick together and climb mountains in small bits. Once we’d reached the top, the feeling within the group was invigorating – we literally felt on top of the world. Course Participant, Northampton High School
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A brilliant week. We laughed and cried together, got muddy and wet together, and learned through doing. It certainly got our students out of their 21st century comfort zone. Richard Chadwick, Teacher, Bedford Modern School, Adventure & Challenge course
Safety
The safety of our course participants is of paramount importance to us at The Outward Bound Trust. We have been welcoming young people to our centres and accompanying them on adventurous journeys in the wild for over 60 years. As a result, we have accumulated considerable experience in managing all aspects of safety and enjoy an enviable record in this area. We comply fully with all relevant legislation and all of our centres are licensed under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996. Our Risk Management Committee meets regularly to review and develop all aspects of our safety management systems. It is currently chaired by Iain Peter (Trustee of The Outward Bound Trust and previously Chief Executive of the National Mountain Centre at Plas y Brenin) and is made up of senior representatives from each of our centres along with external specialists. The Committee reports to our Board of Trustees, making observations and recommendations for improvements and development wherever necessary. Please contact our Schools and Colleges team if you require either further details or copies of our risk assessments. These are also available from our website, at www.outwardbound.org.uk
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Further Information What’s included in the price of the course > All food and accommodation > Dedicated Group Instructor for course duration > Transport during the course > All specialist equipment such as walking boots, waterproof jackets and trousers, buoyancy aids, safety helmets and tents. > Bedding > 24-hour pastoral care > Free preview visit for group leader > Free places for group leaders > Fully comprehensive travel insurance > Dedicated Course Director > The Outward Bound Trust certificate of achievement > Information for parents and guardians > Teacher Resource information
What’s not included in the price of the course > Travel to and from centres > Students’ spending money
Optional extras > Pre-course briefing at your school or college > Lunch on arrival >The Outward Bound Trust personal course report > Key Skills Evidence log book > Additional activities or expeditions > Flexible start/finish times > John Muir Discovery Award > The Outward Bound Adventure and Challenge Award, accredited by ASDAN
Please contact the Schools and Colleges team for prices.
Insurance
Booking your course
Your course price includes comprehensive insurance cover for all participants for the duration of the trip. The cover is ‘door to door’ and includes personal accident, medical expenses, personal belongings, money and personal liability. Cancellation cover is also included once the booking has been made and first deposits paid. Please visit our website www.outwardbound.org.uk for more information.
1. To check availability, please call us on 01931 740000 or email enquiries@outwardbound.org.uk 2. To book your course, please complete the booking form. This is available online at www.outwardbound.org.uk or included in the separate dates and prices insert in the back of this brochure.
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The Outward Bound Trust A uniquely powerful learning environment In addition to our courses for Schools and Colleges, we also run residential courses for Individuals and Apprentices as well as bespoke corporate training and development for business professionals. For more information on the above courses call 01931 740000 or visit www.outwardbound.org.uk Support The Trust To help The Trust by making a donation or raising funds, please call 020 7610 4218 or visit our website at www.outwardbound.org.uk
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An outstanding week. Probably the most valuable five days of their school year. Jo Hibbert, Head of PE, Chew Valley School
The best school residential in 20 years of teaching. Phenomenal educational and personal development seen in all the girls. Frankie Capps, Group Leader, Downe House School
High levels of safety and quality instructors – a potentially lifechanging experience. Chris Wright, Deputy Head Teacher, Sandwell Academy
The Outward Bound Trust Head Office Hackthorpe Hall, Hackthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2HX Tel: 01931 740000 Email: enquiries@outwardbound.org.uk (for customer service enquiries)
The Outward Bound Trust Fundraising & Events 4th Floor, 207 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8XD Tel: 020 7610 4218
Email: fundraising@outwardbound.org.uk (for fundraising enquiries)
The Outward Bound Trust Centres Aberdovey, Snowdonia, Wales Ullswater, The Lake District, England Howtown, The Lake District, England Loch Eil, The Highlands, Scotland
Printed on 50% recycled paper. Printed by Reeds Printers ISO14001:2004 compliant. Designed by Tangible, London. ® Outward Bound is a registered trade mark of The Outward Bound Trust as is its device. The Outward Bound Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (313645) and in Scotland (SC039613) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company number 405180). Registered Office: Hackthorpe Hall, Hackthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2HX.
It’s difficult to describe all the emotions and feelings you go through in a week at Outward Bound. You really feel like a new person when you return to school. Course Participant, Northampton High School