Outdoor Education

The pioneering principles of Outdoor Education established at Abbotsholme have inspired such organisations as the Outward Bound Movement, the United World Colleges and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

And pioneering we remain. During the first three years of senior school, outdoor education forms a specific part of the school curriculum. It presents pupils with personal challenges, both physical and mental, and teaches them the importance of taking responsibility for themselves and for others. Indeed, the whole school (staff and pupils alike) participates in a camp during each Summer term and three-day hikes every Autumn. Outdoor Education is an integral part of school life at Abbotsholme, providing excellent opportunities for developing bonds between pupils and staff and encouraging co-operative involvement.

As well as regular trips within the UK (caving, walking, climbing, camping, canoeing, sea kayaking), many pupils relish the opportunity to participate in adventures further afield. In recent years, small groups have experienced the excitement of: canoeing in the Pyrénées; white water rafting and kayaking in the Ardèche Gorge, France; gorge scrambling and canyon climbing in the Rio Vero, Central Spain; an expedition to Everest Base Camp and to Annapurna in the Himalayas; trekking in the Transylvanian Alps, Romania; glacier trekking and climbing in the Central Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgysztan and trekking in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco.