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SECTION FOUR | Outdoor Ed
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Outdoor learning evolves throughout the Junior School. The long term aspiration is to give all year groups from kindergarten to Primary 7 quality exposure to nature and the many wonders it provides. Outdoor Education at the College fuels the imaginations and creativity of young minds, develops a sense of adventure, and o ers health benefits that come from fresh air and exercise.
ISLE OF CUMBRAE TRIP P5
In March our Primary 5 pupils take part in an overnight stay at the award winning Field Studies Centre on the Isle of Cumbrae, near Millport. The children are given a glimpse of some of the amazing and diverse ecosystems which exist in nature through fun and engaging activities.
Before pupils head away for their Outdoor Education residential to Ardmay, the children have a morning’s climbing at the Glasgow Climbing Centre. This allows the children to have a practice in harnesses and help reduce any anxieties that some may feel about climbing. Cost for this is included in the Ardmay trip.
CLIMBING P6
ARDMAY OUTDOOR EDUCATION P6
Pupils head away for a weekends adventure in May. If the weather permits, the trip includes canoeing, climbing, team activities and weaseling! This is a fun excursion and helps pupils become familiar with the adventures and challenges of being away from the familiarities of home.
The Primary 7 Outdoor Education Day incorporates two activities: mountain biking and the National Navigation Award assessment. Classroom based sessions in the foundations of navigation lead to pupils plotting a route and walking it, hopefully stopping off at the ice cream shop on route!
OUTDOOR EDUCATION DAY P7
JOHN MUIR AWARD P7
The John Muir Award is an excellent initiative which involves exploration, discovery and the conservation of wild places. Traditionally the introduction to the outdoor programme at the College, before the outdoor programme expanded, The John Muir award still continues to be the backbone of the many principles which emerge throughout the College’s entire outdoor ethos. We currently combine the award with a classroom based novel which then compliments the expansion into the exploration and discovery days the children will be involved in. We visit woodland habitats and coastal environments on our journey and this year, after the success of our milk carton igloo, the conservation project will focus on growing trees for planting.
The award takes place in October and November with a Junior School presentation given at the start of the following year, once the project work has been completed.
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SKI TRIP P6-P7
Following the Christmas Holidays, pupils are given the opportunity to take part in a week’s skiing in an ideal Italian ski resort. Folgaria is quiet and the slopes and access caters for mixed abilities from complete beginner to the more intermediate/advanced.
MODERN LANGUAGES CULTURAL TRIP P7
Primary 7 have the opportunity to participate in a cultural trip in Term 3. These trips enhance the development of the Modern Language programme, however are not limited to those learning the language as activities are incorporated into the curriculum prior to departure. Previous trips have included France, Belgium and Lake Garda.
At the end of the spring term, Primary 6’s are selected to trial for the Junior Climbing team. Those who are selected will have the opportunity to climb weekly and then continue at the start of Primary 7.The after school climbing sessions run from 3.30pm - 6pm, where the aspirant team are given dedicated coaching and instruction by St. Aloysius’ College coaches at either the Glasgow Climbing Centre or The Climbing Academy.
