Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education gives boys the opportunity to extend their experiences beyond their comfort zone We aim to provide opportunities to learn skills such as navigation, campcraft and rope work through activities such as sport or challenges The main opportunities available include Ten Tors, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and Climbing

The Ten Tors challenge is tackled as a mixed team of six, jointly with Sherborne Girls, over 45 miles across Dartmoor The Ten Tors is a challenge of perseverance and determination to navigate and cross some of the most demanding terrain in the UK Run by the Army, it is a self-sufficiency exercise over two days and requires the team to wild camp on the moor Training occurs throughout the Lent Term and the event is usually held in May

DofE Gold is also available to those who wish to sign up after their 16th birthday The sections to complete include the more familiar skill, physical, volunteering, and expedition but in addition, they are also required to organise a residential experience The DofE website has many examples and opportunities to explore for ideas to complete each section and how to organise an approved residential The School arranges some expeditions include walking or canoeing and are also conducted jointly with Sherborne Girls

Climbing is a sport option all year round and held in our state-of-the-art climbing centre The bouldering wall can be used to develop strength and technique whilst the almost ten metre roped wall pushes stamina and rope control There are competitions both locally and nationally such as the annual Independent Schools’ Climbing Competition In the summer we often use the cliffs of Portland to test the skills learnt indoors on real rock All safety equipment is provided, and instruction given by qualified staff