In September/October of their first term, Year 7 pupils have the opportunity to undertake a three-day residential visit to Weardale House Outdoor Pursuits Centre, County Durham. Living together and engaging in a range of outdoor pursuits provides a perfect opportunity for pupils to develop personal and interpersonal skills. They can build relationships and establish a form / year group identity. For many it is an abiding memory for the rest of their school career. For that reason, we encourage all pupils to participate in the outing.
Itinerary
| Morning |
Depart from school at 9-00 a.m. |
| 12-00 p.m. |
Arrive Weardale House, Ireshopeburn.
Packed lunch eaten at the centre.
Welcome and safety briefing from the centre head.
|
| Afternoon |
Settling in - allocation of dormitories, making of beds!
Walks in the local area, led by centre staff.
|
| Evening |
Evening meal at 5-30 p.m.
Tuck shop.
Scavenger hunt (or similar activity) in the centre grounds
|
| Morning |
Breakfast at 8-00 a.m.
Duties.
Activities.
Packed lunch eaten at the centre.
|
| Afternoon |
Activities. |
| Evening |
Evening meal at 5-30 p.m.
Tuck shop.
Disco in the centre.
|
| Morning |
Breakfast at 8-00 a.m.
Duties.
Activities.
Packed lunch eaten at the centre.
|
| Afternoon |
Leave the centre at approximately 1-00 p.m.
Arrive at HGS at about 4-00 p.m.
|
Activities
Weardale House is run jointly by the Y.M.C.A. and the local authority. It is a fully accredited outdoor pursuits centre, registered with AALA (Adventure Activities LIcensing Authority). All activities are conducted by highly-qualified, very experienced instructors. Members of our own staff are in attendance as additional supervision. The activities may, by their very nature, present a measure of challenge and many pupils, who are initially apprehensive about undertaking a particular task, surprise themselves by their level of achievement in an atmosphere of very strong mutual support; such achievements then become a source of personal pride. However, all pupils are allowed to access the actvities at their own level; rest assured that nobody is forced to do anything about which they are really unhappy!
Although time limitations prevent pupils from trying all of them, activities may include some of the following:
- climbing and abseiling
- high level ropes course
- kayaking
- dry slope skiing
- archery
- orienteering
In order to get a better feel for the nature of the experience, why not have a look at some of the photographs from Weardale in the attached gallery?
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