Research shows that being and learning in the great outdoors has a positive impact on children of all ages but in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Outdoor adventure learning can provide opportunities for disadvantaged pupils to participate in activities that they otherwise might not be able to access. Through participation in these challenging physical and emotional activities, outdoor adventure learning interventions can support pupils to develop non cognitive skills such as resilience, self-confidence and motivation.

At Chadwick we are proud to be building our new outdoor education programme which will provide opportunities for our pupils to go out into the great outdoors to experience activities such as hiking, camping canoeing and mountain biking. Activities such as these help improve the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils and have a huge positive impact on their everyday school experiences.

Although the programme is still in its early stages, pupils have already been out on walks in areas of natural beauty such as Silverdale, Arnside and Scorton, learning about outdoor habitats also developing new skills like navigation. In September pupils will be heading up to the Lake District to walk in Loughrigg, Kentmere and Ullswater. Our Mountain biking programme will also be starting later in the year.

Excitingly in the coming weeks, some lucky pupils will be heading off on Chadwick’s very first residential to Coniston in the Lake District. Run by Bee Adventures outdoor company, pupils and staff will be camping for two nights at Coniston camp site, kayaking along Coniston water and hiking up the Old Man of Coniston. This is a fantastic outdoor opportunity for pupils and is something we hope to be doing more of in the future.