On Monday 24th March 38 Year 12 students travelled to the new Outward Bound Centre in Howtown in the Lake District for a week long residential.

On Monday 24th March 38 Year 12 students travelled to the new Outward Bound Centre in Howtown in the Lake District for a week long residential.  The students took part in the ‘Teams and Leaders Course’ which encouraged participants to explore their capabilities and broaden their horizons.  Students had to manage their own time, solve problems, become an effective team player and develop essential leadership skills.  The course instructors aimed to stretch the students both mentally and physically.

Once the students arrived at the centre they had to take part in a jog and dip which meant jumping into a freezing lake.   During the week they took part in climbing, raft building and canoeing.  All of these activities were designed to encourage students to form a successful high performing team and gain a greater understanding of the various leadership styles.

The highlight of the week was on Wednesday when all students took part in an overnight expedition.  Despite cold conditions the students completed a difficult walk before setting up camp for the evening. 

A tired group returned to Howtown on Thursday but they had all thoroughly enjoyed their adventure.  Once they had cleaned up their boots and returned all of their kit it was time to reflect on the week by producing a presentation on what they had learnt from their experiences.  All students confirmed through the presentation on Friday that they had enjoyed themselves immensely (even the camping) and they would take their new developed skills into their studies.

Miss Bell, Mr Henderson and Mr Bell said “they were incredibly proud of the group’s achievements and enjoyed the chance to work with enthusiastic and committed young people.  All of the students were a credit to themselves and the Academy.”