Pushing their limits

 A big part of the Outdoor Education provision is pushing the pupils physically in some pretty dynamic and demanding situations.

Whether it's height or length, the conditions or exposure there are a multitude of circumstances that arise during the sessions which offer the opportunity to push and stretch their comfort zone and capabilities, and at the same time give them a moment to assess the risk and possible consequences of what they are attempting.

There is something about a fallen tree that attracts all youngsters to attempt a precarious shuffle across its length. Sometimes this is relatively close to the floor, leaving a challenge that is pretty easy to manage, especially for some of the younger classes...

...and then, conversely, there is the unwavering draw to the more senior pupils when they see something that might offer them prestige and kudos amongst their peers if they are able to conquer it.

A full and frank discussion is held beforehand, outlining the confidence they have in their ability to complete the challenge successfully, how they balance the peer pressure and cajoling by the rest of their class, what to expect if it goes wrong and how they would react if they did fail.

Also, we may chat about how to be humble if successful and how all of these things are progressive. They will eventually reach a level where they have to either turn away or seriously appraise the risk and reward of what they are about to attempt. 

General scrambling around, on a variety of terrain with the weather conditions to also consider, is also a thoroughly enjoyable pursuit. It's manageable and reasonably easy to persuade even the most uncertain of pupils to take part and it is surprising how they can overcome the doubt in their own abilities and quickly progress to higher and steeper places.

Then, there is the most dynamic of all the activities. Jumping. Whether it is from height, clearing a gap or just not being bothered to climb back down, this is the one challenge that holds the most jeopardy and excitement for all the pupils.

There is a discussion involving a wide range of topics;

• Psychology- risk/reward balance, dealing with peer pressure, overcoming fear and uncertainty.
• Physiology- physical demands placed on the body, balance and poise, possibility of injury.
• Environmental- terrain and conditions, effects of weather.

This is probably one of the trickiest challenges to manage and facilitate as the pupils will see some of their more adventurous and physically capable peers achieve some pretty impressive feats of daring. Often it requires a tactful and discreet conversation to some of the pupils that will help them to keep their expectations more realistic whilst still offer the opportunity to progress to attempt something that they find exhilarating and rewarding.

 

And occasionally it does go wrong...even after taking into account all the things above and having the confidence to attempt it, sometimes they come up short.

...it can mean wet feet,

...or a real "Holy Moly" moment.

Regardless of the outcome, the emphasis within all of the conversation afterwards is positive, explanatory and supportive. Outlining what happened and how this led to the mishap and most importantly, how to overcome the setback, highlighting what needs to be done to make the next attempt successful.

"Choose the great adventure of being brave and afraid

at the exact same time."

                                               -Brene Brown