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.