Into the great wide open: Danetree pupils go on outward bound course

Year Four pupils from Danetree Junior School in West Ewell went beyond the classroom in the name of education when they went on an overnight stay at the Bowles centre in Tunbridge Wells recently.

Despite being out of uniform and their usual surroundings, education was still very much on the agenda as the group, led by Head of Year Lisa Lehane, took part in activities such as zip wire, teamwork, climbing and rafting.

“These may not be conventional lessons but they’re definitely learning activities,” she explained. “Learning about things like teamwork, trust and resilience and developing practical skills have a huge role to play in the formation of the character of young people, and Year Four is a great age to do it. Some of the things they got to do here, they didn’t even know existed – and they come away having found out that not only do they exist, but also that they can do them. It’s wonderful.”

It is the second time Danetree pupils have visited the venue on the Kent/Sussex border, and Miss Lehane said the success of last year’s visit had made the school want to return with the new Year Four class.

“Of course it’s a bit of fun for them and we hope they’ll take away some great memories, but it’s also about being challenged and taken them out of their comfort zone. We want to put them in a position where they’re forced to set themselves goals and to find out more
about encouraging and helping others do the same,” she explained.

Miss Lehane said there were a couple of lessons that parents would be particularly glad to hear their children were being taught. “They had to make their own beds and clear everything up at mealtimes as well – we just hope they’ll keep that up at home too,” she said.

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