At Westbourne House, we have a series of summertime expeditions that start small, with a day trip in Year 3, and grow as the children grow. As well as being great fun, the trips give the children the chance to explore their strengths, to find new ways of working together and see the power of fantastic teamwork.
First expedition for Year 3
Our Year 3 children experienced their first summer expedition; a day trip to the New Forest that gave the group plenty of opportunities to run, climb, scramble, learn, help each other and problem solve.
Good communication, listening to each other and co-operation were the key to success on their first task, the challenge course, where groups had to pull together to complete the course well.
After a hearty lunch, each mini-adventurer reached out of their comfort zone a little to achieve their own personal goal as they took on the high ropes at bewildering heights! The teachers were most impressed with the children's enthusiasm and their empathy in helping others to be the best they could be through encouragement and celebration.
The instructors taught the children that they learn more when they step out of their comfort zones, even if just a little. It certainly was good advice to go away with.
Overnight adventure for Year 4
Year 4 had an amazing time on their first overnight expedition with Westbourne House. The theme of the Year 4 adventure in the New Forest was ‘challenge through choice’.
"It was fantastic to see the children choosing to push themselves, take risks and make their own personal achievements, whether it was getting to the top of a ladder, standing up on a paddleboard or jumping off a ‘leap of faith’. These agile skills can be used back in the classroom as the children remember how to be open-minded when facing new challenges."
Mrs Davies, Head of Year 4
"The children also demonstrated great empathy; they formed new friendships and strengthened existing friendships. They worked together and explored challenges that were different to those posed in the classroom and everyday life. For many it was the longest they had been away from home, so they also built independence whilst giving each other support when needed."
The children were lucky enough to experience a tree top trail, the high ropes, archery, mountain biking, pedalos, a torch-lit night walk and evening disco! Mrs Davies continued: "Every single child make a great leap in personal development on this trip and the Westbourne House group leaders were all so proud to have been part of this special experience. We made so many amazing memories."
