More than 20 Year 10 students at Nene Park Academy took on an exciting outward bounds trip to Wales to challenge themselves, push their limits, and develop new, lifelong skills.
The academy, which is part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT), hosts the trip annually in partnership with The Outward Bound Trust and offers it to students who are looking to build confidence and self-esteem.
The Outward Bound Trust are an education charity that partner with schools, colleges, employers, and youth groups to organise adventures in the wild and defy limitations through learning.
Numerous studies have found that trips of this kind have a positive impact on young people and help develop the attitudes, skills and behaviours they need to thrive at school, work, and wider social life.
Across five days, students took part in a range of activities including climbing, abseiling, hiking, and jumping into the Dovey Estuary.
They also spent a night in a log cabin and practised surviving with camping essentials and basic food ration packs.
Robin Grover, Principal at Nene Park Academy, said: “We’re so pleased with each and every one of our students who went to Wales for our outward bound trip. Stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy, but by extending the boundaries of learning, we were able to explore our students’ hidden talents and inspire self-confidence and self-belief.
“Not only does this build resilience, enhance problem solving, and improve employability skills, but it also gives our young people the ambition they need to achieve their life-long goals and dreams. Our students worked so hard this year and should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Caileigh, a student at Nene Park Academy, said: “It was all great. The hiking was fun, and we had to find our way through cool trails. I’ve done rock climbing inside before but never on a real rock face – I loved it.
“The jetty jump was fun too. The water was really cold, but you soon warmed up. It felt like you were falling forever.”
A-Level Spanish students at Nene Park Academy have also recently returned from Madrid following the academy’s first trip abroad since the pandemic.
Robin continued: “Our adventure with The Outward Bound Trust may have been our first school trip since Covid-19, but our visit to Madrid was the first we have held abroad and represents a big step forward in the opportunities we can once again offer our students. We are so excited to do more of these, in line with Covid restrictions, and look forward to seeing the positive impact they can bring.”
To find out more about Nene Park Academy, visit: https://www.neneparkacademy.org/
