Year 8 students from St Mary’s School in Menston recently enjoyed a very successful week-long residential visit to the Outward Bound Centre on the edge of Ullswater in the Lake District.

The group endured adverse weather during their stay including wind, rain and even snow but took part in the full programme of activities designed to provide physical, social and team building experiences such as orienteering, rock climbing, rope challenges and raft building to name but a few.

This was an opportunity for pupils to experience the outdoors and new adventures in a safe environment. It provided excellent opportunities for personal development, social interaction and a discovery of self.

Ullswater residential staff commented on the exemplary attitude and behaviour of the students and their eagerness to be involved and work as part of a team.

While on the trip, the group took part in the John Muir Award scheme, an environmental award scheme focused on wild places.

The scheme encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

Four challenges are at the heart of each Jon Muir Award; discover, explore, conserve, share.

The John Muir Award are keen to work closely with St Mary’s due to the school’s involvement with the Outward Bound Trust and the Award scheme over a number of years, with the view of using the school as a case study.

The study would look at how the ethos of the award is continued once students return from residential such as tutorials, assemblies, cross curricular learning.