Outdoor Education
Sparking a sense of adventure and developing long-lasting friendships.
Our Outdoor Education programme plays a crucial role in the all-round development of the girls.
It begins on the first week of Year 7, when every student will take part in an outdoor Bushcraft experience. In their House groups, girls begin their outdoor education by learning how to light a fire from a spark, linking science theory with practical reality. They cook lunch using the hot embers from the fire. The experience helps to develop friendships between pupils from the very beginning of their time with us.
Collaboration is a key part of outdoor education at Berkhamsted from the first Bushcraft experience through to Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Pupils at Berkhamsted Girls have the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor activities throughout their senior school years and into the Sixth Form. Our Outdoor Education opportunities range from alternative games options to inter-house team-building events.
Outdoor Education
A sense of adventure
All Outdoor Education activities at Berkhamsted Girls are delivered by our ‘in-house’ Outdoor Education Department, supported on expeditions by other members of staff drawn from within the Berkhamsted family of schools.
At Berkhamsted Girls, we are able to offer our pupils alternatives to the traditional Physical Education and Games options, with activities intended to motivate and engage them. These activities are designed to spark the girls’ sense of adventure, including mountain biking, orienteering, climbing or scaling our own high ropes climbing tower.
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.