Outdoor Education
Sparking a sense of adventure and developing long-lasting friendships.
Outdoor Education
The Outdoor Education department facilitates a wide range of activities and opportunities for pupils from across the Schools Group, from high ropes and archery to camping and expeditions. In providing opportunities for pupils to try new things and push themselves out of their comfort zone we continue to embody the School values and ‘Be Adventurous!’ The focus of Outdoor Education at Berkhamsted School is to provide opportunities for pupils to try new and adventurous activities, develop and flourish in outdoor passions and hobbies, and find enjoyment in spending time outside in their own way. Throughout their time at Berkhamsted, pupils are exposed to a wealth of opportunities to get involved in Outdoor Education.
The Outdoor Education department is made up of qualified outdoor professionals and is supported by a number of enthusiastic and experienced staff from across the Schools Group.
Outdoor Education
A sense of adventure
Pupils can benefit from the exceptional Outdoor Education facilities at the Pre-Prep site, whether that be the annual Year 7 bushcraft activity day, House social events after school, or archery and high ropes during games sessions. The Berkhamsted School Climbing Scheme offers taster sessions to pupils in Year 7 followed by a syllabus of skills focussing on indoor roped climbing from Year 8 onwards.
Pupils can also participate in a number of trips across the years, including a Year 8 and 10 ski trip to Italy, a scuba diving trip to Egypt and trips to outdoor climbing destinations across the UK.
Combined Cadet Force
Developing leadership skills
The CCF helps our pupils to reach their full potential through the activities and by encouraging youth leadership.
Although membership of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is voluntary, it is hugely popular with large numbers of Senior pupils each year – due to the fun, adventurous and challenging activities on offer.
All three Armed Forces provide the instruction, equipment and accommodation for the CCF programme.
Cadets also have the opportunity to go on annual visits and camps which have previously included Cyprus, Germany, Pirbright and Sennybridge.
The opportunity for adventure that the CCF provides gives the cadets life-long skills and strategies that they can apply to their lives.
CCF membership requires commitment and effort from our pupils and teaches them resilience and responsibility – whether they are receiving instruction or as a cadet instructor.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
A new challenge
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme offers the opportunity for pupils to challenge themselves personally, socially and physically and is widely recognised by universities and employers. DofE enables pupils to build lifelong skills and make a difference within their community.
Invitations to enrol onto the DofE scheme are as follows:
- Bronze level – Year 9
- Silver Level – Year 10
- Gold Level – Year 11
The Outdoor Education team offers support and guidance across all elements of the award scheme and facilitates expedition opportunities at each of the three levels.
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Why Berkhamsted?
Ambitious go-getters who are always looking for ways to make themselves stand out from the crowd, and want to get the absolute utmost from the education and opportunities available to them.
Strong research skills are evident in many examples of project work, and older pupils, in particular, show excellent ability to assimilate and analyse a wide range of sources.
