Mountain Biking at Cwmcarn

On our final day of an adventure-packed half term, we decided to tackle the challenging off-road mountain bike circuit at Cwm Carn. Our tired legs struggled with the uphill through the woods and at times, frustration got the better of us as we all tried to keep up with Mr Starks and Mr Brice over the slippery rocks and roots! Finally, though, we reached the top and were rewarded with fantastic views over South Wales. And then – the downhill. An exhilarating start set the tone for the rest of the descent – deep puddles, tight turns and some mud thrown in for good measure. A cheeky bit of uphill in the middle nearly finished off some of the team, but then the final (and rather rapid) descent back to the start ensured that there were smiles all round. There was talk of going round again, but we’ll have to leave that for another time.

Coffee and cake at the café marked the end of the fantastic trip and we all headed home smiling, muddy and shattered.

A. Starling (Gold D of E Leader)

Coastal Walking

Today the team spilt with some making a longer walk along the Gower coast with others taking a shorter stroll out to Worm's Head before a evening Mountain Bike Ride.

Coasteering and Paddling

Today the team headed to Aberiddy on the Pembroke coast for a spot of Coasteering and 'Sit on Top' Kayaking. The two and a half hour drive from the Gower was well worth it as we were blessed with glorious weather, leaving the heavy rains to empty on the Gower for the day. Aberiddy is a stunning Coasteering venue.

After a quick stop for a brew most of the team took the 'sit on top' kayaks out for a paddle to the headland, into the lagoon and finished with a spot of surfing. Lots of smiles showed that a good time was had by all.

D.Brice  (Assistant Head of Outdoor Education)

Climbing and Biking

Staff Trip to The Gower

Wet and windy on the Beach

Staff Trip to The Gower - 9 Staff headed to Wales for October Half Term

Today we headed out onto a wet and windy Rossilli beach for a walk and chat. The wind was fierce at times and we were all relived to make the cafe and get something to eat and drink. On the way back, all the tough outdoor instructors huddled inside their jackets whilst Mr Tait (Music Teacher) hit the waves for a swim in just his shorts. Full respect given by all other staff as it was not exactly warm.

G. Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)

Coasteering in Torbay

Today Mr Starks, Mr Jackson and Miss Gee led 7 students on the first coasteering session of this year to Anstey's Cove near Torquay. Leaving right from the beginning of lunch in the department's shiny and newly acquired Land Rover we were soon running down to the bay to get started. Coasteering involves climbing and swimming to make your way along rocks and cliff faces in the sea. The group enjoyed working together so as to work its way along the headland, clambering over boulders, across the bottom of the cliffs and in to coastal caves. Despite the bite in the mid October autumnal air, the water wasn't too bad after a short swim and we all loved the opportunity to get off the school site and to have a go trying something different. After nearly two hours of adventure, a run back to the bus and a quick change we all headed back - cold, a little tired but grinning. A fantastic way to spend a games afternoon!

Ed Hirst (Head Boy)

New Outdoor Education Vehicle Arrives

Today I picked up the new Outdoor Education vehicle. The purpose of this 10 seater Landrover is to allow us to get to our activity centre on Dartmoor in adverse conditions as well as tow all our bikes and boats around. It will be heading up to Scotland in February for our Winter Mountaineering week.

G. Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)

Silver D of E Expeditions

This weekend a number of teams were out on Dartmoor undertaking training for their Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expedition. They had good weather and had a great time.

One team were on assessment and I am pleased to report they had a sucessful expedition over the 3 days

Walking Group Leader Training, Dartmoor

 

This weekend 5 members of Plymouth College staff undertook training for the Walking Group Leader Award to allow them to assist with training for both D of E and Ten Tors. The course was directed by Gwilym Starks MIA, Head of Outdoor Education at Plymouth College assisted by Andy Holborn MIA. Based from the college's Outdoor Education Centre at Whiteworks, all had a great time in some fantastic weather conditions.

Independent D of E Operating Authority

Today Plymouth College became it's own Operating Authority for the Duke of Edingburgh's Award. This means that we are now responsible for all our own administration and expeditions as well as producing the certificates and award evenings.