End of Term Review

Since this September when Mr Brice and I joined Mr Jackson in the Outdoor Education Department, we have introduced a number of new activities to the school. PE and Games lessons now regualrly see Ultimate Frisbee, Power Kiting, Mountain Bike Skills, Indoor Climbing and Team Challenges.

We have purchased an Outdoor Education Landrover and a fleet of 16 Mountain Bikes which are in regular use.

I have been able to assist Mr Jackson with his pre-existing 6th Form Climbing afternoons and with the two of us present we have managed to get more students involved, been outside and inside, bouldering and roped climbing. We have a high number of them lead climbing and making good progress. We also took them Coasteering in Torbay to mix the skills up a bit.

Mr Brice and I have run a number of weekend Mountain Bike trips to Dartmoor and Haldon Hill as well as White Water Kayak trips to the River Dart. School staff have also been involved with a trip to The Gower in October half term.

I have approved a number of Duke of Edinburgh's Awards to students who have been working hard to complete all the sections. 4 Gold,  12 Silver and 6 Bronze.

The Outdoor Education Team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr G Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)

Christmas Climb

Elliot the Elf

Mr Jackson and Mr Starks

Rudolph giving out some climbing tips

Today Santa (Mr Jackson) and Rudolph (Mr Starks) took a few students off to Dart Rock for a Chritsmas climb. Despite having hooves Rudolph and Santa (Santa does not have hooves) both managed a climb, the Christmas elf also did well on the wall. Those people who were not in fancy dress also enjoyed the session at Dart Rock. I came close to a 7b but fell several times on the last section.     

Alex Moore (Year 11)

Ultimate Frisbee - Year 9 PE

As part of year 9 PE the students take part in a six week block of Outdoor and Adventurous Activities. Today we used Ultimate Frisbee to encourage the students to think about team work and to try something new. The Students picked it up really quickly, it was refreshing to see all of them get so enthused. As you can see by the pictures Mr Mutlow and myself couldn't help but get involved in the action. The students finished the session asking if they can play Ultimate Frisbee again next week.

Mr Brice

Route setting at Marjon's University climbing wall.

Today, Mr Jackson and I went to Marjon's University to set some routes on their climbing wall. We set 4 routes and improved a few others. We were helped by Will (one of the students) who set some new problems on the bouldering wall.


D. Brice (Assistant Head of Outdoor Education)

Student Kayaking trip to the Lower Dart

Staff Lower Dart Paddling

Today Mr Brice and I took staff out to paddle the Lower Dart. The water was higher than last week by at least 12 inches and these made for a faster run. Some of the rapids had washed out but others had developed nicely to make for some good teaching opportunities on the way down.

G. Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)

Dart Rock YOBS

Today we picked up 1st in the Secondary Mixed and 3rd in the Secondary Boys at the Youth Open Bouldering Series at Dart Rock. Well done to all 7 of our students who took part and gave a good performance. The 20 routes ranged from V0 to V5 and our students put in a good effort on all of them.

G. Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)