Adventure Activities for Special Schools

Click to view "The sensory experiences of Contents sailing on the lake, with the Welcome water lapping, the breeze on their Our Activities - Overview face, and the sails flapping, for Our Centres partially sighted PMLD students is A Tailored Programme unreplicable. Next

See for Yourself The overcoming of challenges and fear in activities such as climbing Why Walsall Outdoor Pursuits? and abseiling provide valuable Meet the Staff experiences for our children." Our Centres 00 Duke of Edinburghs Award ~John Mansfield, Mary Elliot Special School Our Activities - Detailed Welcome

Walsall Outdoor Pursuits has over 25 years experience in delivering outdoor adventure programmes to people with disabilities. We offer a wide range of activities both on and offsite, indoors and outside. We tailor a flexible programme that best suits your group and meets both your needs and theirs.

We are passionate about providing the best possible experience along with great value for money. Our dedicated team of specialists are some of the most experienced practitioners around when working with people with dissabilities. Next They are there to support you from your first enquiry right through to the end of your visit. They aim to give every group and individual an experience that guarantees an adventure they will remember forever.

Welcome to Walsall Outdoor Pursuits, the adventure starts here…

Bob Ratcliffe

Outdoor Pursuits Manager

High Ropes @ Aldridge Airport Back to contents Zip Wire Gladiator Challenge Kayaking Crate Challenge Climbing Wall Archery Sailing High All Aboard Low Ropes Our Activities Cycling Circus Skills Abseiling Designed to build trust and confidence whilst at Land Yachting Field Studies Leap Of Faith the same time motivate and challenge people with varied forms of disabilities. From rock climbing Canoeing High Aerial Challenge Walking to canoeing and archery to zip wire, we offer a Rock Climbing Problem Solving Windsurfing huge variety of land and water based activities to Click on an activity challenge and inspire your group. Powerboating Fan Descender Bushcraft to find out more Orienteering Raft Building Jacobs Ladder Next

Back to contents Aldridge Airport Our Centres Outdoor Activity Centre We have two centres. A land based sports centre at Aldridge Airport and a watersports centre at Sneyd Lake, both located in Walsall. Sneyd Click on a centre to find out more Water Activity Centre

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Back to contents Aldridge Airport Outdoor Activity Centre Opened in 2006 by Princess Anne this purpose build centre is located on the Aldridge Airport site. This centre is where we run our land based activities and offer facility hire for clubs and groups.

Facilities include:- • Wheelchair specific ropes course and • Full disabled access with shower facilities abseiling changing bed and hoist • Indoor and outdoor climbing walls • Low ropes course • Cycling trails • High ropes course • Training room with interactive Next • Archery range whiteboard • Kitchenette • Changing rooms

Aldridge Airport "The activities and staff at Outdoor Activity Centre Off Bosty Lane Aldridge Airport are fantastic, Aldridge, Walsall. our pupils have a range of WS9 0QQ. complex learning disabilities. 01922 744637 [email protected] The staff are extremely flexible www.walsall.gov.uk/outdoor_pursuits and do everything they can to accomodate our pupils needs." ~Kam Mann, Old Hall Special School Back to our centres Sneyd Water Activity Centre Sneyd Water Activites Centre is based on Sneyd Lake at the Black Country University Technical College which is based on the old Sneyd School site in Bloxwich.

Facilities include:- • Range of specialist boats • Full disabled access • Changing rooms • On site lake • Hoisting facilities • Access to local canals • Dining area Next "Walsall Outdoor Pursuits has provided the young people I work Sneyd Water Activity Centre with the opportunity to reach their Black Country UTC Vernon Way full potential as an individual . It is Bloxwich, Walsall. never what someone can not do WS3 2LU. 01922 744637 but always how can we enable [email protected] them to achieve and experience www.walsall.gov.uk/outdoor_pursuits their life to the full by looking beyond their disability." ~Abigail Betterly, Mary Elliot Special School and Walsall Specialist Youth Club Back to our centres A Tailored Programme Walsall Outdoor Pursuits help to challenge people with disabilities to try new experiences, push their boundaries and fulfill their potential. Whether that’s by overcoming heights on the abseil wall or mastering the challenge of singlehanded sailing on our lake, they enjoy a sense of achievement from conquering the challenge. As well as learning more about themselves and their friends, they come together as a group and improve life skills such as leadership, communication and respect. Next We work with you to produce a tailored programme that ensures your groups aims can be acheived. Example Programme for a full day visit Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Climbing and Lunch Low Ropes Cycling Archery Zip Wire

Example Programme for a block booking of one day a week for 6 weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Rock Ropes Climbing & Cycling & Course & Hill Walking Abseiling Sailing and Open Canoe Orienteering Archery at on the on the Canoeing at trip down the at Sutton Aldridge Long Mynd Staffordshire Sneyd Lake River Severn Park Airport gritstone edges Canoeing @ Sneyd Lake Back to contents Why Walsall Outdoor Pursuits? We specialise in the provision of adventurous activities for children and adults with disabilities, providing a safe environment for them to gain new experiences in the outdoors.

Reasons to choose us are: • Our facilities are designed specifically for people with disabilities • Our staff are some of the most experienced practitioners in this field • 90% of the activities we offer are fully inclusive to wheelchair users Next • We have Makaton trained staff • All our staff have undergone various mediacal training such as, Buccalum rescue drug training and insulin training • We can provide transport, we have three mini buses one of which is fully accessible to wheelchair users • All our staff are fully first aid trained & have enhanced DBS checks • We are inspected and accredited by numerous organisations including; The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (LotC), The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), Adventure Mark and The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) • We provide downloadable risk assessments to help you prepare for your visit

Sailing @ Sneyd Lake Back to contents See For Yourself Join us at one of our centres to get a taste of the Walsall Outdoor Pursuits experience before you commit to a booking. You will have a chance to meet the team, see the facilities and watch us in action with other groups, maybe even trying out a few of the activities yourself. Next "The activities we access through Walsall Outdoor Pursuits provide a vital experience for the deafblind people that Sense support. They really help with building trust and confidence, and help motivate and challenge people at the same time."

~Jon Fearn, Sense

Cycling @ Aldridge Airport Back to contents Bob Ratcliffe

Bob manages Walsall Outdoor Pursuits and oversees all of the operations and bookings. Bob Meet the staff has been involved with the provision of outdoor activities for over 30 years. His background is in At Walsall Outdoor Pursuits we have a small but very experienced full time mountaineering, rock climbing and caving. staff team who are supplemented by associate instructors during periods of high demand.

Tom Daniel Steve Penn

Tom is chief instructor at Aldridge Airport Activity Steve is chief instructor at Sneyd Water Sports Centre. Tom has been working in the outdoor Centre and a multi activity instructor. Steve has Next industry for the past 8 years. Starting out as a been working in outdoor education for the past multi activity instructor at a residential centre then 22 Years. Starting out with us when he was still at moving on to climbing instruction, he eventualy school and moving on to various other centres to joined Walsall Outdoor Pursuits. His background is broaden his experience he returned to us in 2006. in mountaineering and mountain biking. His specialism is in sailing and windsurfing.

Ben Comery Pete Winwood

Ben is a multi activity instructor and has Pete is a multi activity insructor and is the senior responsibility for our DofE programes. He has paddlesports instructor at Sneyd Water Activity worked in the industry for the past 17 years at a Centre. He has worked in the the industry both variety of residential outdoor centres, he joined in the UK and Europe for the past 11 years. His Walsall Outdoor Pursuits in 2008. His background background is in kayaking and canoeing. is in climbing, hill walking and orienteering.

Back to contents Duke of Edingburgh’s Award

We are a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity Provider.

From providing an assessor for an expedition, to a full on Next expedition package where we take care of all the training, planning, logistics and execution of the expedition. Whatever your DofE needs we are able to help.

The activities we offer can also be used for the skills and physical sections of the DofE scheme.

We also offer the residential section that is a requirement for the Gold Award.

Back to contents High Ropes Our high ropes course consists of a variety of different elements designed to challenge participants whilst being adrenaline packed, exciting and above all safe.

All of the high ropes elements we have, including Jacobs Ladder, High All Aboard, Leap of Faith, Crate Challenge and Gladiator Challenge are fully accessible to wheelchair Next users and those with limited mobility.

Each element has its own unique challenge, participants work in teams or individually to reach their goal points.

Learning Outcomes • Builds communication skills • Encourages teamwork • Builds confidence and leadership skills Adapted high ropes course Back to activities High All Aboard

In this activity, four participants in helmets and harnesses work together to carefully climb to the top of our 8 metre pole.

Using co-operation and communication, they assist each other onto the platform at the top. Next This activity is great for fostering support for each other and promoting a sense of joint achievement in groups.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages team work • Develops communication skills • Encourages strategic and tactical thinking Climbing the pole Back to activities Leap of Faith Pupils muster all their confidence and courage to climb to the top of an 8 metre pole, before counting to three and putting their faith in themselves as they jump and reach to catch the mid-air suspended trapeze.

A great activity for our challenge by choice ethos, where young people can safely take risks and learn from them. Next Pupils are gently encouraged and supported by our qualified Instructors to push their own boundaries as far as they wish, whether that is only a few steps up the pole, half way or all the way to the top and then the leap.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages personal goal setting and boundary testing • Builds confidence • Encourages team camaraderie Taking the leap Back to activities Jacobs Ladder

Students must navigate their way up a giant high ropes ladder of horizontally suspended logs, where the challenge comes with the ever- increasing gaps between the rungs.

Often teachers find that leadership skills tend to appear from the most unlikely students who gain confidence from being in a setting Next outside the classroom.

This activity encourages problem solving at its very best.

Learning Outcomes • Builds communication skills • Encourages team work • Builds confidence and leadership skills Adapted high ropes course Back to activities Crate Challenge

One of our exciting High Ropes elements, secure in a helmet and harness, students work together in teams to get their group as high as possible by adding crates to the stack without it collapsing.

This activity is fully supervised by our Instructors and students have a rope to Next ensure that when the crate tower does tumble, they can be safely lowered to the ground to rejoin their teams.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages team work • Teaches the importance of listening to instructions • Encourages personal goal setting Climbing the crate stack Back to activities Gladiator Challenge

This is a High Ropes activity that the whole group can participate in together.

Young people ascend the heights of our exhilerating gladiator challenge, which combines a range of high ropes elements along the way including cargo nets and rope ladders. Next

The higher the participants get, the harder the challenge.

Learning Outcomes • Personal challenge and goal setting • Encourages teamwork • Develops co-ordination and communication skills Climbing the gladiator challenge Back to activities Low Ropes Perfect for all ages, our purpose-built low ropes obstacle course encourages communication and co-operation and helps pupils build confidence.

Pupils will develop balance and co-ordination as they navigate their way through a series of bridges on our purpose-built low ropes course, less than one metre off the ground. Next

This obstacle course can be tackled by pupils in small teams or independently. Each element brings a new challenge, navigating a series of ropes, bridges and poles and developing agility.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages teamwork • Builds confidence and trust • Develops co-ordination and balance

Pupils on the "Burma Bridge"

Back to activities High Aerial Challenge The high aerial challenge involves a series of challenging obstacles set 10 metres above the ground.

Participants will find themselves tackling fun obstacles such as rope bridges, tunnels, moving platforms, swinging logs and balance Next beams, plus many more.

As with almost all of our activities the high aerial challenge is fully accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, with the use of a specialist harness.

Learning Outcomes • Builds confidence and trust • Develops co-ordination and balance • Encourages personal challenge

Tackling the "step across"

Back to activities Fan Descender Originally developed for the military to simulate parachute landings, this type of activity gives a great experience of freefall in a controlled and safe environment.

Participants make their way to the top of our 10 metre platform and secure in a helmet and harness, they step off the edge, then make a Next controlled descent back to the ground.

A huge adrenaline rush, a real personal challenge and with classmate support for the jumper, this is one of our most exhilarating high adrenaline adventure activities.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages personal challenge • Teaches basic physics • Teaches the importance of listening to health and safety instructions About to jump off the fan

Back to activities Zip Wire Participants gather their confidence, determination and adrenaline to step off the platform and journey down the zipwire.

Pupils will experience the perception of taking risks, but in a controlled environment with helmets, harnesses and fully qualified Instructors. Next This activity also fosters group spirit and bonding, as pupils cheer each other to overcome their nerves and go whizzing down the wire.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages challenge by choice and testing personal limits • Builds a sense of camaraderie within the group • Builds confidence and determination Taking a ride on the zip wire

Back to activities Abseiling In this challenge by choice activity, participants climb the stairs or in the case of wheelchair users our specially designed obstacle course to the top of our abseiling tower.

One by one, participants are briefed by our instructors and when they are ready they slowly make their way back over the edge and maneuver down the tower. Next

Instructors carefully support and guide each pupil to navigate their way slowly down the wall to the applause of their classmates, bringing a great sense of achievement.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages personal goal setting • Teaches participants to listen to instructions • Helps to build trust Abseiling for wheelchair users

Back to activities Climbing The climbing walls and towers are amongst the most challenging and satisfying of our adventure activities, in terms of individual achievement.

Our purpose-built indoor and outdoor climbing walls provide the ideal opportunity to develop co-ordination, stamina and determination, whilst learning basic climbing skills and techniques. Next

Climbers will be attached with a rope, which will be held by their peers, under the supervision of instructors, meaning everyone is involved throughout the whole session.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages personal goal setting • Builds physical fitness and stamina • Develops communication skills

Scaling the climbing wall

Back to activities Cycling We have a large variety of both standard and specialist dissability cycles including dual control tandems, wheelchair accessible and hand propelled bikes, each specifically designed to allow people with a range of needs to experience the freedom, independence and empowerment of physical activity in a safe and sociable environment. Next Using the onsite grounds, local parks and woodland our instructors will ensure your group has an experience to remember.

Learning Outcomes • Develops co-ordination and balance • Builds physical fitness • Encourages freedom and independence • Develops self confidence Hand cycling @ Sutton Park

Back to activities Orienteering This activity provides an introduction into basic map reading skills through the practical sport of orienteering.

Children must navigate their way around the centre finding various checkpoints, working as a team and using a map and prehaps a compass. Next We have specialist tactile markers and 3D maps which allow this activity to be accesed by children of all ability levels

Learning Outcomes • Teaches basic map reading skills • Develops co-ordination and strategic thinking • Encourages teamwork and develops leadership skills Tactile orienteering

Back to activities Field Studies Pupils have the opportunity to explore and learn about the world around them, from fresh water ponds and rivers to woodlands and hillsides.

Using specialist equiptment young people can gain a deeper insight into their local environment and ecosystems. Our instructors encourage pupils to think about their findings and how we affect them. Next

These sessions can be tailored to the particular educational requirement of the school and delivered onsite, at other sites or in your school.

Learning Outcomes

• Teaches about the environment • Develops analytical skills

Pond Dipping

Back to activities Bushcraft Used as either a full programme, or as individual progressive sessions, Bushcraft is a new and exciting activity that teaches young people the wide range of bushcraft skills necessary to survive in a wilderness scenario.

Young people experiment with new skills; such as constructing a shelter, safely lighting a campfire using natural materials, and using campfire gadgets to cook a variety of meals Next outdoors.

By working together in teams, Bushcraft also teaches important life skills such as resilience, communication, problem solving, creativity and overcoming personal challenges.

Learning Outcomes • Develops self-confidence using the great outdoors • Develops an understanding of our relationship with nature • Helps young people work creatively Discovering shelter & fire to solve problems Back to activities Rock Climbing This activity takes place on the gritstone outcrops of the peak district, setting their own individual goals but also working as a team to hold the ropes of their peers as they climb, then in turn climb themselves.

Pupils have the opportunity to abseil back down the rock face to applause from the Next rest of the group.

For those with impaired mobility we can use adapted equipment and careful route selection to ensure they can take part in this exciting activity.

Learning Outcomes • Develops communication skills • Encourages personal challenge • Develops co-ordination, balance and agility • Builds trust Climbing in the Peak

Back to activities Walking & Navigation From our local forest at Cannock Chase, to the picturesque Long Mynd in the Shropshire hills, to the highest mountains in England and Wales.

We can tailor the walk to your group’s objective, whether it’s focusing on a teamwork challenge or a specific learning area, for example navigation or environmental study. Next Our instructors have a wealth of experience and will be able to advise on appropriate venues and attainable targets for all abilities including wheelchair users, those with limited mobility and visual impairment.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages personal challenge • Builds teamwork and leadership skills • Encourages physical fitness Mountains of Snowdonia

Back to activities Archery Archery is a great opportunity for students to develop dexterity, control and precision.

Our adaptable target ranges are geared to each age and ability group, and our GNAS trained Instructors concentrate on developing pupils’ technique.

Students use bows and arrows to match their individual strength, size, age and ability. Next This activity can continue come rain or shine.

We have a specialy adapted bow stand for those who find it difficult to hold a bow, to ensure everyone can participate.

Learning Outcomes • Develops dexterity and co-ordination • Teaches the importance of listening to health and safety instructions • Develops numeracy skills in a fun Old Hall School pupil taking aim environment

Back to activities Land Yachting This activity is a hybrid between sailing and karting, the land yachts are powered by wind in the sails but run on dry land. Pupils will experience controlling land yachts alongside an instructor, learning how to speed up, slow down and maneuver around a course. Next People of all abilities can enjoy this exciting activity; the yachts have dual controls and can be steered using hands or feet.

Learning Outcomes • Develops co-ordination • Encourages freedom and independence • Builds awareness of action and reaction Picking up speed in the land yacht

Back to activities Problem Solving

Pupils work in small teams to both analyse and ultimately solve a number of clearly defined problems and challenges.

This involves working with a variety of puzzles, tasks and activities. Next Teamwork, planning and critical decision making are essential skills to build upon in order to achieve success in this fun, creative and thought-provoking session.

Learning Outcomes • Encourages tactical and creative thinking • Develops decision making skills • Encourages teamwork Working togeher to move the "skis"

Back to activities Circus Skills

In this fun activity, students will have the opportunity to have fun whilst developing concentration, co-ordination and self-awareness.

Trying and learning a range of fun circus skill activities, like plate spinning, diabolo, juggling balls, clubs and flower stick. Next

Your group will get the chance to try a new, fun and energetic activity, giving them the chance to let their confidence build.

Learning Outcomes • Builds confidence and communication skills • Encourages team work • Develops coordination skills Spinning the diablo

Back to activities Sailing We offer sailing at our watersports centre and have a wide variety of boats suitable for all ages and abilities.

Pupils will learn how to steer the boat and control speed and can work towards the various levels of Royal Yachting Association Sailabilty accreditation. Next This activity is fully accessible using extremely stable specifically designed boats and various specialist equipment to assist with getting in and out of the boat including hoists and transfer boards.

Learning Outcomes • Develops co-ordination and strategic thinking • Encourages independence • Builds confidence and trust • Builds awareness of action and Accessing the boat using a hoist reaction Back to activities Windsurfing Windsurfing is a great way for pupils to experience freedom and independence whilst receiving individualised instruction from one of our staff.

We start off with some balancing exercises on the specialist extra wide windsurf boards, then move on to experimenting with how the wind affects the board using the sail. Next

Pupils can learn how to control the speed of the board and maneuver around a course.

Learning Outcomes • Develops co-ordination and balance • Encourages freedom and independence • Builds confidence and trust Exploring balance on the board

Back to activities Powerboating

Our watersports centre is an ideal location for your group to experience the thrills of powerboating.

Accompanied by one of our experienced instructors they will have the opportunity to steer the boat and control the speed. Next Whether it is just a sensory experience participants require or a full powerboat helmsman course where they learn to maneuver the boat independently, we can provide it all.

Learning Outcomes • Develops awareness of action and reaction • Develops co-ordination • Builds confidence High speed turns in the powerboat

Back to activities Raft Building

This is a great activity for learning the intricacies of teamwork, leadership, planning and problem solving and importantly how not to get wet!

Pupils and teachers work together to design and build their raft out of barrels, logs and rope and take to the water to test out their craft. Next Safety is a top priority, so buoyancy aids and protective clothing are provided, and all activities are carried out in carefully controlled, safe environments.

Learning Outcomes • Develops leadership skills and ecourages teamwork • Encourages strategic and creative thinking • Builds confidence Will it float?

Back to activities Canoeing

This activity is available at our watersports centre and on local canals and rivers.

Our fully qualified British Canoe Union trained Instructors organise games and activities in our open canoes.

This reinforces basic canoeing skills, giving Next students the opportunity to try something different and building water confidence and team-working skills.

Learning Outcomes • Builds confidence in water • Builds physical fitness • Encourages team work

Lunch stop on the river severn

Back to activities Kayaking

Taking full advantage of the lake and waterways at our centre and the rivers and canals further afield, pupils get out onto the water developing their skills and confidence.

Our British Canoe Union qualified Instructors teach children basic skills and paddling techniques. Next Skills are developed through a variety of fun games and exercises with the whole group, enabling team working and communication skills to develop.

Learning Outcomes • Builds confidence in the water • Teaches basic kayaking skills and techniques • Develops co-ordination and balance Students using hand paddles

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