Over one hundred Year 8 students have volunteered to take part in a two day outdoor learning course.



Over the past few weeks more than one hundred Year 8 students have volunteered to take part in a unique two day outdoor learning course, working with either the North York Moors National Park, RSPB Saltholme and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

With the support of the Outdoor Learning Practitioners and the supporting organisations groups of students have had the opportunity to take part in an exciting and stimulating challenge.

Students have been involved with practical and satisfying project. The projects have either involved wildlife conservation tasks such as tree planting, seed collecting and building bird, bat or bug boxes. Alternatively some students have been involved in footpath maintenance or water course management.

So far we have planted over 800 trees in the local area (within two miles of the Academy), with the expected total at the end of the programme to be more like 1600!

This opportunity has enabled students to discover new and exciting places and complete seemingly impossible tasks. All these challenges have developed the students' ability to work together effectively and improve many other critical skills whilst benefiting the environment and local community.

Volunteering is increasingly seen by employers as a very positive attribute. We have always been grateful to students who have generously given their time to support the Academy and local community. The opportunity to volunteer and provide a service has been rewarded for through the Macmillan Academy Baccalaureate.