Curriculum

Outdoor Education lessons are part of the Prep School Curriculum and allow Reception to Year 6 pupils to participate in a different activity each term, such as Team Building, Conservation, Bushcraft, Pioneering and John Muir. We also offer climbing on our state-of-the-art climbing wall, and Water Safety in our on-site pool.

NOLA – National Outdoor Learning Award 

We offer a Silver and Gold tiered scheme that we run with our Years 3-4 pupils as a participation award based on six values (Safety, Learning, Respect, Self, Others and Environment). This scheme reinforces positive learning as well as enhancing their learning both inside and outside the classroom.

John Muir

The John Muir Discovery Award is an environmental award that our Year 6 pupils complete over the Autumn Term. Throughout the term Year 6 look at exploration of wild places and are involved in conservation, with an opportunity to build their own composting system and work alongside Forestry England on a tree regeneration scheme. To complete the award the pupils must demonstrate they have met the four areas of the syllabus: Discover a Wild Place, Explore It, Conserve It, and Share What You Have Learnt.

National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) & Outdoor Discovery Award (ODA)

This is completed by Year 5 pupils where they will learn introductory navigation skills whilst nurturing a confidence in Outdoor Education. Pupils will be given the tools to independently plan and navigate a journey in the local area. The award is gained via continuous assessment throughout the term where pupils will cover five sections: Engage with the Outdoors, Making Your Own Map, Journeying, Understanding the Concept of Symbols and Scale, Setting the Map.

Sample Timetable:

Co-Curriculum

Outside of the curriculum, pupils also have the opportunity to take part in Co-Curricular sessions, most of which they would have been introduced to during their lessons. All of the activities on offer are led by experienced staff that can help the pupils work towards personal targets and development in their chosen pursuits. Below is a breakdown of some of the activities on offer.

Climbing has quickly become one of the most popular Co-Curricular activities with our on-site state-of-the-art climbing wall. Pupils will quickly be able to progress through the climbing grades and can aim for selection in our Prep School Climbing Squad.

Archery is another Co-Curricular that the pupils will be introduced to during their timetabled lessons but can continue to progress outside of the Curriculum. The on-site activities allow us to cater to all ages and abilities.

There are also opportunities for our Prep School pupils to horse ride at a local trekking and riding centre regardless of ability. Many pupils have their own horses and are encouraged to compete.

Curriculum

At Sixth Form level, a Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Outdoor Education is offered for pupils looking to progress into higher education.

Further Information

Co-Curriculum

In the Senior School, pupils have vast opportunities to participate in Co-Curricular Outdoor Education, such as Climbing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Duke of Edinburgh, Horse Riding, Canoe Polo, Scuba Diving, Archery and more.

Climbing takes place in our state-of-the-art climbing wall, and all pupils have the opportunity to gain national NICAS and NIBAS awards. Pupils can take part in a number of climbing competitions, bouldering leagues, and BMC Youth Climbing Series, or simply recreationally.

There are regular Kayaking and Canoe Polo sessions in the pool to improve skills and rolling technique. Whitewater kayaking trips are run throughout the year, and pupils on the Canoe Polo team compete in the schools league and the South West Canoe Polo league.

The Mountain Biking Club is open to all years and abilities and a fleet of trail-ready bikes are available for pupils. Students are able to experience a range of riding venues such as the Quantocks, Haldon Forest and Ashton Court. Night riding is offered to the more experienced pupils during the darker months.

Details of our larger expeditions will be shared a year in advance and due to demand there may be a selection process. The criteria for this will either be age or level of engagement in the appropriate outdoor activity. An example of the kinds of trips we offer can be found below:

Alps

There are two Alps trips per year, for Senior and KS3 pupils. In the summer there is Whitewater kayaking trip to Europe each year (either French Alps, Austrian Alps or Norway depending on the group’s experience).

Ski Trip

A Senior (Years 9-13) and a Junior (Years 6-8) trip run alternate years.

Spain Climbing Trip

Open to experienced climbers Years 7-13.

Expedition Group

Goal focused challenging expedition weekend for Outdoor Education Scholars.

In addition to:

• Ten Tors
• Dartmoor Climbing
• Bike Ride to the Sea
• Sailing Wimbleball
• Exmoor Challenge
• Adventure Challenges
• Paddleboard Adventure

Queen’s College is a recognised centre of excellence for the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) award scheme. There are three levels of awards, Bronze (6 months), Silver (12 months) and Gold (18 months) are divided into four sections: volunteering, skills, physical recreation and expedition. For the Expedition section, pupils need to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim. With Bronze and Silver groups generally walk. The gold groups choose between walking and canoeing.

Walking, open canoeing and memorable camping expeditions take place over some stunning regions of the United Kingdom – Dartmoor, Lake District, Exmoor, River Wye and Scotland.

The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme is open to everyone regardless of experience, but will require commitment and a proactive approach to successfully complete the award. Part of this involves attending a DofE theory and route planning session once a week as part of the Co Curriculum.

Walking

• Bronze – Training on the Quantocks and a qualifying Expedition on Exmoor. For Bronze students will complete 2 days of walking and one night of self-sufficient camping.
• Silver – Training on Exmoor, qualifying on Dartmoor. The expedition is 3 days and 2 nights.
• Gold – Training on Dartmoor, qualifying on the Lake District. The pupils will complete 4 days and 3 nights.

Canoeing 

• Gold – Walking and open canoeing expeditions take place in some stunning regions of the UK. Pupils will need to complete 4 days of canoeing and 3 nights of wild camping.

The Ten Tors Challenge is a two day expedition over Dartmoor, where selected teams will visit 10 specified checkpoints requiring a walk of 35 miles for Year 9 and 10, 45 miles for Year 12 or 55 miles for Year 13.

The groups must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route and stay out overnight safely.

The event starts and finishes at Okehampton Camp and is organised by the Army’s Headquarters South West with support from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as well as civilian emergency services and volunteers.

Pupils will need to demonstrate commitment and proficiency in training should they wish to make the team put forward for the final event.

Queen’s College is a centre of excellence for Outdoor Education. It is embedded into the Curriculum and Co-Curriculum throughout the Prep and Senior Schools. Outdoor Education is an umbrella term to describe a wide range of learning in the outdoors. This includes adventure education and outdoor pursuits, personal and social development and environmental awareness. Queen’s embraces all of these key areas in producing a programme that fosters leadership, teamwork and communication skills as well as enhancing pupil’s health and wellbeing.

We aim to instil an appreciation of the environment around us and enable pupils to challenge themselves and learn to manage risk in order to help develop resilience and initiative. There is a wide range of different activities on offer as well as residential (domestic & overseas) expeditions and links to Outdoor and development training centres in the local area.

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