Extreme off-roading for Year 6

 The focus for this term across the school is looking at how to traverse different types of terrain when journeying off the beaten path. there is an amazing bank on the West side of the Worcestershire beacon which leads up to Black Hill quarry.

After parking the minibus, the group take a short walk up a footpath then veer right up what looks like an insurmountable thicket. They have fallen trees, loose gravel, brambles and uneven footing to contend with...all the while on a severe incline (they gain 120 metres in 15 arduous minutes).

The class are taught to plan ahead, look for clearings and concentrate on their immediate surroundings.

A rope is lashed to a tree up ahead at times, to demonstrate to the class the effectiveness of different approaches.

When the class reach the path after breaking out of the scrub they are greeted by Blackhill Quarry.

This huge man-made amphitheatre looms in front of the group, dwarfing all that stand before it.

The pupils are given a safety briefing and then are tasked to see how far they can scramble.

It is fascinating to see the varying levels of confidence and technique between the class and the whole session is a great introduction for all the class. We see collaboration, encouragement, tenacity and bravery on display from all the pupils involved.

Para Tab 10 Challenge

 This has been running for the Year 11 class at Riversides a number of years.

The pupils crazy enough to put themselves forward for the endeavour are subject to a demanding physical test. They carry 20kg of weight in a rucksack and are dropped off 10 miles from school at the start of the day. They then make their way across a pre-determined route (this year they walked from Malvern) back to school to be greeted by a hearty cheer by the rest of the school on their return.

This is a worthy challenge, set to highlight the importance of fortitude and mental toughness. It also instils camaraderie and a huge sense of achievement within the participants.

Team Building

 Year 10 and 11 met up for a challenge on the side of Lower Wyche.

Some of the banks on the old quarry workings are ideal for some activities involving the whole class, using ropes and encouragement to make their way 100 yards up some steep and uneven terrain.

The year 11 boys had set a pretty good time but year 10 were up for the challenge and showing collaboration and determination they stormed to the summit, carrying all the weight.

It was a great show of perseverance from the guys and highlighted a real desire to better themselves and overcome the time set by the older class.

First Sledging of the Season

 Year 6 had the best luck on Wednesday morning. We looked south towards Malvern and there was a dusting of snow (more likely frost!!) on the hill tops.

We had a bit of a re-shuffle and changed venue as the sun seemed to be doing a fine job of melting any of the remaining snow. We ended up parking at Upper Wyche and taking the quick hike up onto the banks of Perseverance Hill.

Hats off to Year 6. It was a brief, enjoyable blast for some of them...but maybe a little more snow was required for a more prolonged session.

Summer Sunrise

 A new display board was added to the Senior corridor in school last week.

It was to commemorate the annual celebration that the school make happen for the pupils.

As close as can be to the Summer Solstice, the school organize a trip to the Worcestershire Beacon.

It starts early (usually arriving at school for 2am!!!) and then they make their way to the west side of the Hills due to it being in the shadow of the oncoming day.

It is a fantastic chance to experience a magical time of year where the pupils can actually be there and engage in the circumstance, which can have a lasting impact on many of the pupils.

Above are a few excerpts and responses from the pupils. 

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

 

Navigating the Wyre Forest

Year 10 ventured out to the Wyre Forest for their end of week jaunt. The bus was parked at Hawkbatch and we crossed over the B4194 and headed South West into the myriad of trials and rides that criss-cross Withybed Wood and Longdon Orchard. 

The guys went a touch off-piste initially and ended up bushwhacking through a pretty harsh gorse thicket. There were some that went head first and blasted through and others that tried to tiptoe through dodging everything sharp and prickly (which was virtually impossible and very slow). It was interesting to see the different approaches and the demeanour of all when the class finally found a clearing. Some of the gang were pretty cheesed off, whilst others wondered what all the fuss was about...

We descended to Dowles Brook which meanders alongside the old Bewdley to Wooferton railway line, now used for recreational access. When alongside the brook they realised the majority of the group didn't have shoes to wade through the brook and so they set about building a makeshift bridge.

It is great for staff to see the year group work in an inventive and supportive way, offering suggestions, taking account of advice and others opinions, and ultimately being able to come up with a practical, workable solution to a problem that the team all face.

Eventually, after what seemed like a concerted effort to all involved, the integrity of the project was put to the test.

Success...maybe a handrail as well next time for the less surefooted!