Concord’s annual residential outdoor education week was replaced this year with local activities for Form 3 and Form 4 students, who ‘embraced’ challenges and difficult weather conditions. Ordinarily, students would spend several days at Rhos y Gwaliau Outdoor Centre in Bala – however due to Covid-19 restrictions and the risk of cancellation for the second year running, Concord’s Outdoor Education team planned an extensive and adventurous activities programme – inviting the instructors locally and to surrounding areas. Divided into 5 groups each day, students took part in the following activities in line with Covid-19 guidelines:

• Kayaking on the Severn in the Montford Bridge area
• Walking/navigating/scrambling on the Stiperstones
• Paddle boarding/canoeing/raft building on Bomere Pool
• Rock climbing/abseiling in Llanymynech

The Form 4 groups also mountain-biked and abseiled at Nescliffe. Head of Form 3 and Assistant Head of English (EFL), Ms Sue Correll said: “It was so lovely to see the Form 3 students enjoying the outdoors and working well as a team, despite the often pretty-dire weather. “Our youngest members of the school have had a difficult year, having to deal with remote learning and other Covid-19 related restrictions, and so it was wonderful to finally be able to do some activities together, and get to know each other better, in the beautiful surroundings around our school.” Said Concord’s Head of Outdoor Education, Mrs Ruth Newton-Badman: “It has been fantastic to see the Form 3 and Form 4 students embrace the challenges posed to them by the adventurous activities and weather conditions. “It was lovely to see students working together in teams and spending time together in the great outdoors; this is an important step in breaking down the barriers of personal isolation that the lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions have imposed on our young people. “In particular, there was a real buzz in the atmosphere at Bowmere pool where students had sessions of paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and raft building. “Their enthusiasm and laughter were not dampened by the inclement weather and it was really good to see them supporting each other to overcome the challenges set.” She added: “These are the experiences that build memories that last a lifetime. “Thank you to all Concord staff involved and external activity instructors – and we are very grateful to Mr Thomas at Bowmere Pool and Mr Tate at The Isle, Shrewsbury, for allowing our students access to these beautiful locations.” To view the outdoor education photo gallery, click here.