Pushing pupils to the limit: Weardale Adventure Centre

Itinerary: Real adventure in the real outdoors
Provider: Weardale Adventure Centre, Bishop Auckland
Subjects: History, Geography & Science
KS: 2 & upwards

The programme will be written with the teacher to meet the learning needs and outcomes. The centre runs a wide range of adventure activities both on and off site, including archery, crate stacking, high ropes, rock climbing, mine exploration, gorge walking, bush craft and more. The centre is also AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) licensed, holds a Learning Outside the Classroom certificate and an Adventuremark.

9am: Meet with instructors for a mine exploration briefing and begin the activity. Take a trip into a fascinating lead mine looking at the history of mining, geography, geology and engineering mixed into an exciting adventure.

12pm: Return to the centre.

12.30pm: Lunch.

1.30pm: Meet with instructors again for an afternoon canoeing session after another safety briefing. Pupils can have great fun while developing new skills, team work and communication. Students will gain confidence under the supervision of a skilled and experienced coach.

4.30pm: Return to the centre. Day visitors will then depart, and residential guests will change ready for an evening meal.

5.30pm: Evening meal prepared fresh daily to meet the dietary requirements of the school.

7pm: Start an evening activity, including night line, scavenger hunting, a camp fire, disco or team games.

8.30pm: Hot chocolate and biscuit time before relaxing for the evening.

All timings and activity choices are flexible and are amended to suit each school. The provider can design the programme to enhance the school curriculum and meet the Key Stage learning targets. All of its activities promote communication, team work, resilience and confidence, while offering many learning opportunities.