Information for Schools
Here at Weardale Adventure Centre we offer an exciting range of fun based educational activities in a relaxed, friendly environment
Here at Weardale Adventure Centre we offer an exciting range of fun based educational activities in a relaxed, friendly environment
The Centre’s qualified and professional staff run ‘real activities’ for our guests including underground exploration, canoeing on the River Wear, rock climbing and gorge walking.
We have exceptional health and safety standards and are licenced through the AALA (The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) who are part of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and are proud to have our full Learning Outside the Classroom Badge.
Due to our size, you’ll find us a close knit and friendly Centre, fully flexible and able to tailor learning experiences to your school’s exact requirements. We pride ourselves on offering great support before, during and after your stay with us.
Where possible and if needed, we’re more than happy to visit your school prior to your stay to chat to children and parents, answering any questions they may have.
The Centre can accommodate 80 guests but for groups of 30 or more, we can offer exclusive use for your school.
| 7am - 9am | Morning starts early when you’re on a residential trip! Lights on at 7am and after showers, we serve the groups a hearty breakfast to set them up for the day. |
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| 9am - 12:30pm | Morning activity preparation takes place downstairs and the children split into their activity groups, meet their instructors, prepare and enjoy their activity. |
| 12:30pm - 1:15pm | Packed lunch and preparations for afternoon. |
| 1:15pm - 4:30pm | The children stay in the same groups for all their sessions, and after lunch they prep and undertake their new challenge. |
| 4:30pm - 5:30pm | The children get to decide how they would like to relax after their busy day! There are options for showers, a games room or chilling out in their bedrooms. |
| 5:30pm - 6:30pm | The evening meal is a home-cooked dinner which will have been allocated by the school before arrival from the menu we provide. |
| 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Chilling out and free time. |
| 7:00pm - 8:30pm | A typical evening activity may include a disco, quiz, night-line or scavenger hunt. |
| 8:30pm - 10:00pm | The evening is now free for the children to prepare for bed and get enough sleep for the following day! |
| 10:30pm | Lights Out |
At the end of their stay at Weardale Adventure Centre, many of the teachers who accompany their pupils, tell us they see a considerable positive difference in the children which we also see ourselves! Whether it be increased confidence, enjoyment in the outdoors or an increased ability to work together, the outcomes are always positive. As an approved provider for Learning Outside the Classroom, they outline five key outcomes for the children because of outdoor education.
Principle – Learners enjoy participation in outdoor learning activities and are motivated to achieve their best. They adopt a positive attitude to challenge and continually strive to improve and develop.
Principle – Learners are gaining self-awareness, personal confidence and self-esteem through taking on challenges, achieving success and learning from their mistakes.
Principle – Learners are developing their self-awareness and social skills, and their appreciation of the contributions and achievements of themselves and of others.
Principle – Learners are gaining a deeper awareness and understanding of the environment and actively seek opportunities to reduce the impact that they and others have on the environment – locally and globally.
Principle – Learners are developing an appreciation of the benefits of participation in outdoor activities for their physical health and emotional well-being and seek to continue their interest in activities beyond their immediate learning environment.
To read further about these outcomes, please visit the LOTC website where you can find a downloadable PDF. Find Out More!
