St Edward's School
OUR
EXPEDITIONS
SELF DISCOVERY
Our enduring aim is to enable every pupil attending St Edward’s to encounter a caring, interested and considerate team of adults. We are committed to ensuring our pupils derive satisfaction, success, enlightenment and fun from their school days, emerging from this experience of school as more confident, more assured and more concerned young adults with a renewed determination to do their best in the world.
YOUR EXPERIENCES
Our activities programme, whilst incentivising pupils to engage in the curriculum and display expected behaviours, also serves to encourage pupils to step outside their comfort zones and gain confidence as they embrace new experiences; often ones that they thought inaccessible to them.
Our expeditions, whether camping in the tranquillity of the New Forest on our doorstep, negotiating the high ropes course of an outdoor activity centre in Brecon, or learning to surf off the coastline of North Devon, are there to promote health, encourage positive attitudes towards the environment, enhance communication skills and increase self-reliance and confidence in every pupil.
WATER SPORTS CAMP
Eight pupils from St Edward's recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to North Devon for a water sports camp. Over several days, our pupils engaged in various activities that tested their limits, built teamwork and created memories that would last a lifetime.
Upon arriving in Devon, the group set up their campsite at Combas Farm Campsite near Croyde Beach, the perfect backdrop for their adventure. Camping itself was a novel experience for many, and the pupils quickly adapted to life outdoors, pitching tents and settling into their temporary homes. For some, this was their first-ever experience of sleeping under canvas.
The first significant activity on the agenda was surfing. Under the guidance of experienced instructors by Nick Thorne Surfing, the pupils learned the basics of balancing on a board, paddling out, and catching waves. Despite a few tumbles and splashes, everyone managed to ride the waves and experience the exhilarating feeling of surfing.
The adventure continued on land with mountain biking. The trails around Exmoor offered a mix of challenging terrains and breathtaking views. The pupils cycled through coastal paths, steep hills, and thrilling descents. It was a great way to explore the area and build physical stamina while enjoying the region's natural beauty.
Next up was coasteering, an adrenaline-pumping activity that involves traversing rocky coastlines, climbing, swimming, and jumping into the sea. This activity tested the pupils' courage and physical endurance as they navigated the terrain. The sense of achievement and the rush of excitement after each jump into the cool, refreshing water made coasteering a favourite among the group.
Of course, only a trip to the beach would be complete with some fun and relaxation. Our pupils enjoyed various beach games, from football and kite flying to Frisbee and sandcastle building. These activities provided a break from the more intense sports and fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
The warmth of BBQs and campfires marked evenings at the camp. As the sun set, the group gathered around the fire to roast marshmallows and reflect on the day's adventures.
The water sports camp in North Devon was more than just a series of activities; it was an opportunity for personal growth, teamwork, and experiencing the great outdoors. The trip exemplified the spirit of adventure and the value of stepping outside one's comfort zone.
ROUND THE ISLAND
BOAT RACE
The annual Round the Island Race is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight, over a distance of 50 nautical miles. The race attracted over 1,200 boats and around 12,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.
We carried our replica of the Lampedusa cross lashed to the guardrails to demonstrate our support for the CAFOD ‘Share the Journey’ initiative; raising awareness of the plight of refugees around the world and also contributing mileage to the cause.
The pupils, who had previously attended Wednesday sailing at Royal Lymington Yacht Club, spent many hours training aboard Moonbeam through the winter months, preparing for the race and learning a range of skills that included personal safety and responsibility for others, heavy weather sailing and man-overboard drills.
The hard effort and resilience displayed by the ‘Moonbeam’ crew secured a win in its class. The boys were presented with the Raymarine Young Sailor Award and are now the proud custodians of the splendid trophy.
WALES EXPEDITION
We are pleased to share with you some highlights from our most recent Expedition to Wales. Our pupils enjoyed taking part in activities led by the Cardiff International Whitewater Centre. A selection of year 11 pupils ended their time at St Edward’s School with a week-long expedition to Wales. Here our pupils put into practice learnt skills and knowledge that they had acquired whilst being a St Edward’s pupil.
The week consisted of exhilarating activities such as White Water Rafting, Paddle Boarding, Gorge Walking, High Ropes and Raft Building. Our pupils exceeded expectations when conquering these activities, however; most of the highlights were produced in our down time at camp, visiting the lake of Pen Y Fan and taking a trip to see Brecon’s beautiful waterfalls. This is when the pupils displayed a number of excellent traits which confirmed already what we knew, all of them being ready and prepared for the next chapter in their life. Good luck to all of our leavers. You are and will always be part of the St Edward’s family!