Outdoor Education
“My friends make me feel good about myself; I'm lucky to have the friends that I do.” — 3rd year boy
There is a comprehensive programme of outdoor education and leadership training for boys at Colet Court. This builds up from a half day onsite activity for the 1st Year to a four night residential trip for the 5th Year. We use a variety of companies that specialise in progressive outdoor education programmes for schools.
Most of the events take place very early in the school year, and provide a great chance for pupils to settle into their new classes and bond together in the great outdoors. Pupils acquire new skills and learn how to work together and think more broadly about their role in a group and in society.
1st Year
Half day onsite activities in small groups in early September. Each group moves around a series of tasks with names like: deadly electric fence; magic squares; model maker; triangle of life and 3D Spider’s Web. The tasks can only be completed if everyone works together!
2nd Year
Onsite overnight camp in the first week of the Autumn Term. After some team tasks, the groups will learn to set up a tent, to cook their evening meal and then will camp on the school fields. The following morning parents are invited to a breakfast cooked and served by their sons!
3rd Year
Two day residential camp in the Autumn Term. The theme is Bushcraft!
4th Year
Two day residential trip in the first week of the Autumn Term. We choose centres that offer a wide variety of activities and plenty of open space in which to run around, have fun and get to know new classmates.
In March, during the residential Science and Geography Trip to the Lake District, there are afternoon activities on the extensive grounds, including orienteering and kayaking.
5th Year
After the transfer exams in June, the whole year group are offered the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities at a centre within the UK. Last year we travelled to the Peak District for four days of activities and camping. Boys enjoyed rock climbing and abseiling (on real rock, not a climbing wall) and a final-day trek up to Shining Tor, from where there are spectacular views of the Northwest of England.
