Outdoor Education
The exciting and challenging weekend programme of events at Downside includes a wide range of adventure-based activities.
We believe that adventure activities, especially those based outdoors, can make a significant contribution to the personal development of children and young people; benefits such as increased confidence, self-esteem and social awareness, improved teamwork, problem-solving skills, fitness and health – all of which have a positive influence on pupil’s character.
Adventure activities at Downside include The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, paddlesports, sailing, the termly shooting competition for senior pupils, air rifle shooting for younger pupils, archery, wall climbing, and mountain-biking around the 500 acres campus. Weekend adventure trips include the Ten Tors challenge and Skern Lodge in Devon.
Most adventure activities take place in the School’s safe and spacious 500-acre rural campus. Sailing and paddlesports usually take place at Cheddar Reservoir and on the River Avon, and younger pupils also learn kayaking skills in the School pool.
| Archery | Duke of Edinburgh Award | Paddlesport |
| Caving | Expedition Society | Rock Climbing |
| Canoeing | Indoor Climbing | Scuba Diving |
| Clay Shooting | Kayaking | Shooting Club |
| Dinghy Sailing | Off Road Cycling | Ten Tors 35 mile |
These activities, along with a wide range of other co-curriculum options, are open to boarders and day pupils alike. There is no cost to parents for any co-curricular activity organised on the School site, meaning that pupils are free to choose as many School-based options as they like.
DAVID POLLARD
Head of Outdoor Education and School CCF Instructor
