For many of the students at Wings Cumbria, Outdoor Education is a way to achieve something that does not require academic ability, and many find that the confidence they gain can be taken back into the classroom.
The good weather this spring has enabled the Outdoor Education Team at Wings Cumbria to get out and about, and explore the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Students have been working towards several awards including John Muir, Duke of Edinburgh, the Outdoor Discovery Award, and practicing their navigation skills in preparation for undertaking the National Navigation Award Scheme.
As part of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, students have been volunteering at Haybridge Nature Reserve. Over the past few months, we have been helping the rangers recover from the winter storms, rebuilding drystone walls, and looking after young trees. Students are now beginning to prepare for their Expedition in the summer, looking at navigation, cooking, and setting up their camp.
Other students have been out exploring wild places, visiting historic landmarks, and learning more about the areas on their doorstep. For the past few years many students have been eyeing up the higher mountains in the Lake District and with Mr Stanlake and Mr Willis they have started with Catbells! A highlight for many children is a weekly adventure during Care time, complete with a retelling of a myth or legend from Mr Singleton. So far, we have been out hunting ghosts and tracking down witches!