Character Building Outdoor Education

450 Key Stage 3 students visit Stubbers courtesy of The John Roan Foundation

Do you carry fond memories of school trips and activities? For many of us, these memories are some of the most vivid of our entire childhoods – exploring the great outdoors and discovering all that nature has to offer. While the benefits of outdoor learning are ever-present, many kids don’t get the same opportunities to learn outside the classroom as past generations once did, and the pandemic restrictions have meant that school trips have not been possible for most of the last 2 years. Which is why The John Roan School decided to take all of Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) to Stubbers Outdoor Education Centre this May. Over 450 students enjoyed a day at Essex's ultimate outdoor adventure centre. They got to try their hand at archery, climbing, kayaking, high ropes and building rafts. The trip was made possible thanks to a generous donation of £12,000 from The John Roan Foundation, plus an additional donation of £5,000 from Stubbers themselves. This funding ensured that the trip was accessible to all students in Key Stage 3.

Assistant Principal, Dan Garvey explained the importance of the trip “As well as academic success, The John Roan School aims to develop character and resilience, last year we were awarded the “School of Character Kitemark Award” for our character development programme, but we haven’t been able to undertake trips like this for 2 years. Outdoor experience days help students to rise to new challenges, push themselves, build confidence and learn to work as a team.”

All of the students and staff enjoyed the day enormously:

“I learnt that I am braver than I think.”

“I learnt that I am good at taking leadership and making sure everyone is included.”

https://www.thejohnroanschool.org.uk/how-we-learn/education-with-character