Second Years adore Aberdovey adventure
During the last week of the Summer Term 60 Second Year pupils made the journey to Aberdovey (Aberdyfi) in mid-Wales to take part in an outdoor personal development week with The Outward Bound Trust.
The activities and environment are set up to challenge and teach pupils about themselves, their roles within a team and how to overcome and manage tasks.
The week was centred around a tough two-day expedition, which often is the first time pupils will have carried a large rucksack with all of the items they need – objects such as tents, stoves and food.
Once you add in the mountainous terrain, similar to that found on the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, pupils really are stretched and need to pull together to make it to the end in good spirits.
From the very start the pupils embraced the experience and immersed themselves in the activities and challenges.
No group had the same activity programme, but the overall experience was tailored and adapted throughout the week to allow them to get the most out of their course.
The standard of activity and high level of challenge they experienced during the expedition was a testament to their attitude and effort to push themselves.
With the nice weather, a number of groups completed their expeditions without tents!
Pupil Holly Stephenson said: “My trip to Aberdovey was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Before we went, I was quite nervous because I worried that I wouldn’t make many friends. But once we got there, I quickly realised how friendly and supportive everyone was. By the end of the week, I had made loads of new friends and grown much closer to people I didn’t know as well before, which made the whole experience even more special.
“One of the moments I’m most proud of was jumping off the pier. At first, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, but I decided to be brave and go first. Not only did I do it once, but I was so happy with myself that I went back and jumped again! That moment showed me that if I push myself, I can achieve more than I think, and it gave me a lot of confidence.
“The overnight expedition was the biggest challenge for me. Carrying my rucksack and walking such a long way felt difficult at times, but the views along the way were absolutely stunning, which made it worthwhile. When we set up camp, I loved sleeping in a cosy tent with my friends – it felt like a real adventure. Waking up in the morning and opening the tent to see the lake and the beautiful scenery around us is something I’ll never forget.
“From Aberdovey, I’ve learnt so much about myself and about working with others. I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought, both physically and mentally, and that challenges feel much easier when you support each other as a team. Back at school and at home, I want to remember how important it is to try new things, step outside my comfort zone, and work together with the people around me. I know the confidence I gained in Aberdovey will help me in the future too.”
Outdoor Education Co-ordinator Mr Adam Hughes concluded: “Even after nine years of running this trip I don’t remember a better star filled sky than the one experienced this year.
“I hope that those who attended enjoyed their week and will be able to take some of the things they have learnt and experienced with them into the rest of their time at SGS and beyond.”
