Today we were out on the Exeter Canal with some of the Staff who are working towards their BCU 2* Paddle-sport certificate. The 2* is a pre-requisite for the Level 1 coach award which they need to assist with this years activities week.

We looked at all aspects of the syllabus in both open canoe and kayak. They did really well dealing with the stiff breeze and occasional strong gusts of wind. As you can see from the photos yesterdays rain had pushed the water levels up so much that even the canal was a foot higher than usual with excess water from the River Exe.

With another session planned for next thursday they should comfortably get through the award ready for their foundation safety and rescue course the following weekend.


Mr Brice

Life Centre Climbing

Today Mr Jackson and I decided to take our afternoon climbers to check out the new climbing wall at the Plymouth Life Centre. The general consensus was that it was a good wall and being so close to the school meant we had at least 30 minutes more climbing time than normal.

Mr G Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Evening

Tonight we held the first of the annual Plymouth College presentation evenings for D of E Badges and Certifcates. We had a great time with muscial performances from Sarah Jeffrey (Silver), Sophie Brown (Gold) and Chris Kim (Gold).

Alan Dodd from the SW Region of the award scheme attended to present the students with their certificates.

Mr G Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)

Boarders Biking

On Sunday afternoon, 8 boarders and 2 staff braved the rain and headed out onto the Plym Valley Trail

Silver D of E Cycling

The Silver D of E Cycling group headed out onto Dartmoor on Friday into the rain and wind for 3 days of cycle touring. The team did well battling hail, wind and rain for another 3 days before finally finishing on Sunday wet but quite happy.

Mr G Starks (Head of Outdoor Education)

Bronze D of E

4 teams headed out on Friday 20th April for their practice expedition taking in the coast between Beesands and East Prawle. Two teams camped at Beesands and two at East Prawl. The photo of the tents overlooking the sea was taken at 6:45 when the sheep were up, but team 4 wasn't! However, they did leave camp on time and all teams enjoyed a challenging second days walk with sunshine and hail storms. All teams went round start point where the team photos above were taken. Really well done teams ... next stop Exmoor

Dr Norris (Head of Bronze)

Staff have been busy over the Easter Holidays

Although away from the school, the Outdoor Education team have had a busy Easter.

Mr Starks has been Scuba Diving and Sailing. Mr Brice has been Mountain Biking, Coasteering and Walking in the Peak District. Mr Jackson has been out Rock Climbing around Devon and Cornwall and has onsighted an E2 Rock Climb.

However the special mention to Dr Norris who won the Worcester Marathon. As he is supervising the D of E Bronze Practice this weekend, the students had better be feeling fit if they are going to keep up.

We have a busy term ahead with lots of D of E, Ten Tors, After School clubs and Activities Week all taking place.