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Adventure EducationCo-Curricular

Adventure Education

At Blue Coat, we believe young people learn as much outside the classroom as they do within it. This belief drives our extensive range of co-curricular activities designed to challenge, inspire, and develop our students. Our Adventure Education programme is an important strand of our co-curricular provision, and our Thames-fronted, 46-acre site is the ideal environment in which pupils can challenge and push themselves.

The Adventure Education program provides students with opportunities to step out of the classroom and learn essential skills such as leadership, communication, and resilience through diverse, hands-on experiences. Activities like paddleboarding, sailing, mountain climbing, and mountaineering not only expose students to exciting challenges but also help them explore the wider world in engaging ways.

As students progress through the program, they are encouraged to earn valuable instructor qualifications, empowering them to guide and mentor younger pupils in their activities. This experiential learning approach ensures that our students gain practical skills and unforgettable experiences that contribute to their overall personal and academic growth.

CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh are Adventure Education Programme options for pupils in Year 9 and above:

Joining the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) can be a wonderful way for our older pupils (those in Year 9 or above) to develop their character, confidence and leadership abilities. The CCF is a voluntary youth organisation set in schools and colleges; joining the CCF can be a wonderful way for our pupils to develop, through their exposure to challenges (fortitude, rigour, robustness, initiative and leadership). The CCF also promotes teamwork, self-discipline, determination, coordination and courage.
 
The CCF contingent is split into three service sections: the Royal Navy (RN), the Army and the Royal Air Force (RAF). While all of them teach new skills, develop discipline and encourage teamwork, each section does that through different activities relevant to the particular service. Cadets will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities ranging from sailing at Dinton Pastures as part of the RN Section, live firing with the L98A2 5.56mm rifle on the range with the Army Section, to flying at RAF Benson with the RAF Section. One of the highlights of the CCF year is the Remembrance Day parade, when the whole contingent parade together to remember those of the School that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a national programme of cultural and adventurous activities, the completion of which leads to an award. The DofE Award is a Charity that has been working with young people from all backgrounds for more than half a century. The DofE is the nationally and internationally recognised Award favoured by employers and universities alike. The DofE programme is very flexible, with pupils able to choose from a variety of activities designed to help them explore new places, develop new talents, thrive both physically and mentally and give their time to help others. It can be undertaken at different levels, and we offer the opportunity for Year 9 pupils and above the option of either starting the Bronze or Silver Award and Gold from Year 11 onwards.
 
The DofE programme is all about self-development. It is not about being first, but focuses on helping young people to improve existing skills or gain new talents, abilities or perspectives and being the best they can. To achieve an award, young people must show persistence, commitment and personal development. The DofE programme is both challenging and rewarding for pupils, offering many enjoyable opportunities to gain new experiences, skills and friends. It is also a great addition to a pupil’s CV.

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