Outdoor Pursuits
Through outdoor pursuits, Cundall Manor’s pupils get the opportunity to learn more about themselves and work towards an understanding of what they are capable of achieving in life. It’s an approach which fosters self-confidence and inspires greatness.
We offer pupils opportunities in a variety of extra-curricular pursuits that aids their transition from school pupil to young adult and helps them develop into well-rounded and valued members of the community. Our pupils are equipped with the life skills to make a success of their study at university and on into their future careers.
From as early as Pre-Prep, pupils experience a range of adventurous activities designed to suit their age and stage in life: staying overnight in our own Native American tipis, taking part in residential courses with the Outward Bound Trust, climbing Ben Nevis, rough camping in the Lake District, and culminating in a two-week foreign expedition in their final year at Cundall. Trips to date include trekking in India, Canada and Morocco.
Developing identity
There is something special about taking part in outdoor pursuits. Pupils get the opportunity to learn more about themselves and work towards an understanding of what they may be capable of achieving in life. Personalities shine and pupils can appreciate and build upon their own strengths.
A respect for the environment
Through the outdoor pursuits programme at Cundall Manor, pupils gain an understanding and appreciation of their surroundings. Education outside the classroom enables pupils to enjoy the countryside and see how valuable it is.
An enjoyment of learning
Pupils are captivated by outdoor learning. In an outdoor environment, we strip away the day to day routines along with the stresses and strains of school life. Pupils can relax, open their minds to new ways of thinking, and approach challenges from a new perspective. Often pupils return to school refreshed and renewed; with a newfound confidence through what they have achieved.
Building on strengths
The outdoor programme has been designed to ensure that pupils progress both in confidence and skill level as they move through the school. All individuals start with different skills, interests and experiences. We aim to embrace and share these strengths to enable pupils to develop and learn more effectively.
FAQ
What skills do outdoor education complement?
Outdoor education complements a wide variety of skills and that is why it is so important to our students. It helps to promote team work, self confidence and resilience; skills which are important for all pupils at Cundall Manor.
Why are employers so keen to see such skills on a pupils CV?
Employers are looking for people who stand out from the crowd. Outdoor education offers students the chance to develop their ability to find their place within a team and hone different skills such as offering support to others, as well as stepping up and taking control of a situation when necessary. Furthermore, exploring the outdoors, and sometimes pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, allows you to develop as an individual and gain more confidence in your abilities. Often students who engage with outdoor pursuits, and take part in different sports and challenges, find that they have more to offer to future employers than just their academic ability; this can certainly help them stand out from the crowd.
Why is it important to get children engaging with the outdoors from an early age?
It is important to get children engaging with the outdoors from an early age because often they are more willing to participate and are still learning about what interests them. This means that we can nurture a love for the outdoors and then use their time at Cundall Manor to offer them a wide range of outdoor activities to help them find their own passions in life. With today’s culture being so dependent on technology, it is nice to show the children there is another side to life away from computers, phones and televisions.
Duke of Edinburgh accreditation is highly sought after. What would you say to someone considering taking the Silver award.
Often people consider the award to be something to put on your CV to impress future employers, and whilst this is true, I believe the award is so much more than that. It is a chance for you to develop and learn new skills and sports, as well as a chance for you to help others by completing your volunteering section. The expedition element of the award is a great way of building self-confidence and making lasting memories, whilst having fun and pushing yourself. At Cundall Manor School we have a strong history of pupils completing this award, and every single expedition weekend is filled with challenges and fun.
Finally, if you had to recommend one walk you think everyone should do, what would it be and why?
This is a hard question to answer because there are so many great walks out there, and living in close proximity to the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors means we are spoilt for choice. However, one of my all time favourite walks is Roseberry Topping because even though it is not the tallest hill, it is spectacular to look at and once you get to the top the views are simply breathtaking; you cannot beat the views. No matter what time of year you do this walk, there is always something new to see and each season brings with it something different.
Overview of Outdoor Pursuits Programme:
Year 3 – Year 4
Low Mill, Wesleydale: Our trip includes climbing, orienteering and a variety of fun and engaging challenges.
Year 5
Peak Adventure Centre, Derbyshire: This residential course will involve a number of activities ranging from canoeing, abseiling, 3G swing, and raft building.
Year 6
Ullswater Outward Bound: Pupils work through a progression of activities from High Courses and canoeing to camping and climbing mountains.
Year 7
Aberdovey Outward Bound: Pupils travel to Wales for a long weekend of water and land based adventurous pursuits.
Year 8
Ben Nevis Trip: Pupils stay in the Glencoe Outdoor Centre, ascend Ben Nevis (1344m) and sail on Loch Leven.
Year 9
Pupils start the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Cowes Trip: A week of sailing in Cowes, Isle of Wight. Pupils work through the RYA Awards
Year 10
Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award
Year 11
Overseas Expedition: Year 10 and 11 pupils work together to choose the destination and programme for their ultimate two week outdoor pursuits experience.
