Teachers ‘scale new heights’ at The Outward Bound Trust

Located on the stunning coast of the Snowdonia National Park, The Outward Bound Trust’s Aberdovey centre looks out upon the River Dovey and is one of its three venues in the UK. 

Upon arriving on Friday afternoon, teachers were given a tour of the site and provided with any equipment they would need before being immersed in the same way pupils are on their first day - the ‘jog and dip’. This is designed to take young people out of their comfort zones by immersing them in cold water upon arrival.

In line with the programme, we joined arms and made our way into the estuary. It was absolutely freezing!

After warming up, we listened to guest speakers talk about their experience at The Outward Bound Trust, including Andrew Kennedy, head of Key Stage 4 at Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology. He took more than 70 pupils to Aberdovey in October 2024.

Andrew highlighted the responsibilities put on the pupils during their visit, including how his group took nearly ten hours to complete a four-hour expedition. The school has now made the Outward Bound Trust a regular excursion on their calendar.

Day two began with a briefing with staff and the teachers. These take place every morning and include reports from the night staff, weather and tidal forecasts and details of the activities taking place.

We split into our groups, collected our lunch and boarded a minibus to go to a nearby valley for rock climbing, scrambling and abseiling. Other groups’ days consisted of gorge walking and canoeing.

Before the abseil we had to climb up the rocks. Our instructors led the way and explained the process, including how to correctly attach our harnesses to the rope. We then took on the rock climb, climbing in pairs on the same rope.

From there, we manoeuvred our way to the abseil location. The top was overhanging with a blind drop. Because of my extensive experience (one abseil the previous day), I was to go first.

After steadying myself I descended the 20 metre drop on loose rocks and scrub. One-by-one the teachers abseiled down, overcoming nerves and supporting each other.

The abseil was exhilerating and rewarding for all of our group. I could see how learners will feel a sense of achievement, particularly if they are anxious or scared.

The Outward Bound Trust offers challenging and rewarding outdoor learning opportunities in a spectacular environment. The teachers who took part all had a great time and I’m sure many will be looking to add it to their future trip plans.

Adrian Applewhite, headteacher at Moundwood Academy, Harlow took part in the teacher taster experience. He said: “I thought the teacher taster was fantastic. It highlighted the organisation skills of Outward Bound and showcased the relationship and experience of the staff team.

“It’s easy to see how the young people will get an experience of a lifetime in an environment that is challenging, rewarding, exciting and most importantly, safe. Every detail has been thought through, every aspect is catered for; at the same time they have created a sense of freedom and adventure for the young people to explore the world in a way that they are unlikely to experience without this opportunity.”

“No sales pitch, just real-life activities, real conversations and a chance to see how it all works. It’s immersive, hands-on and, if we’re honest, pretty refreshing.”

Explaining the reason behind teacher taster days, James Ferguson from the Outward Bound Trust said: “Our taster weekends are a chance for teachers to experience Outward Bound from the inside out. No sales pitch, just real-life activities, real conversations and a chance to see how it all works. It’s immersive, hands-on and, if we’re honest, pretty refreshing. You get to take a step back, breathe some very fresh air and remember what it feels like to learn in a different way.

“We know organising a residential is a big call that takes time, money and trust. That’s why we open the doors to our centres, our instructors and the approach that sets us apart.”