Activities Week 2017
Explore the Peaks
We are delighted that your child will be taking part in the Explore the Peaks activity during Activities Week at Cambourne Village College. This activity will be split between two locations: the College on Monday 17th July to learn more about life in a National Park, and the Peak District (Tuesday 18th July – Thursday 20th July). Students will return to Cambourne Village College at approximately 5:30pm on Thursday 20th July.
Where to Meet: Students should meet in Pink 2 for registration at 8:35am on Monday and Tuesday.
Focus: This is a great opportunity for your son/daughter to take part in a variety of adventurous outdoor activities in the Peak District National Park.
Activities:
Your child will explore an extraordinary world of underground caves and mines, letting their torchlight guide them from one place to the next. Caving will appeal to your child if they have a sense of adventure and a desire to explore. Your child will also take part in mountain/hill walking. They will gain an understanding of mountain weather and learn valuable survival techniques. Depending on their preference, students will also have a unique opportunity to participate in stream scrambling and go on an exciting journey along a river valley, climbing up and down waterfalls, taking the plunge in a pool and learning how to scramble over rocks. Other activities that are offered include canoeing on a reservoir, abseiling or rock climbing, and zip wire.
Students will stay at Crowden Outdoor Education Centre, which has been delivering high quality outdoor education for over 35 years. The centre can be viewed at http://www.crowdenoec.org.uk. The centre is purpose built providing comfortable residential accommodation with the maximum of 4 people sharing a bedroom (2 bunk beds in each room). Our group will have sole use of the centre with all the safety equipment including items such as waterproofs and wellington boots provided.
What Equipment/Clothing doesyour child need?
On Monday, students can wear their own clothes to the College. For the rest of the trip, students will need:
· Waterproof clothing and spare warm layers. The weather can be changeable when mountain walking, while the caves can be quite cool. Pupils must be prepared for different weather. Once the walk has started there is very little shelter from the sunshine or rain!
· Loose-fitting clothing (walking/tracksuit trousers, leggings, shorts). Jeans are not suitable.
· Walking boots or sturdy trainers. Canvas shoes or plimsolls are not acceptable for the outdoor activities.
· Full-length socks (not trainer or ankle socks), underwear, pyjamas. All bedding is provided by the Centre.
· Casual clothes for the evening including indoor shoes like trainers, canvas shoes or plimsolls.
· Suncream, sunglasses and a sun hat in case of fine weather.
· Water bottle (preferably two litres).
· Wash kit and towel. Please bring roll-on deodorant if possible, due to aerosols affecting the fire alarm system.
· Black bin liners (for wet or dirty clothes).
· Snacks such as cereal bars and dried fruit. Pupils should also bring a packed lunch with them on Tuesday 19th July.
· A small rucksack that can hold lunch, water, sun cream, extra clothing, etc.
· Please ensure your child has given any medication/inhalers to the teacher so that they are available for themduring the activities.
· Your child may have a mobile phone in their bag BUT it must be switched off and away throughout the activities.
What Equipment/Clothing can be borrowed from Crowden Outdoor Education Centre?
· Hiking boots
· Waterproof jacket and trousers
· Small rucksack appropriate to the activities
· All specialist equipment for the activities
Details:
This trip is suitable for your child if they enjoy the great outdoors. It will introduce them to the cave or mine environment and other outdoor activities, and is suitable for those with little or no experience. We will be accompanied by qualified and experienced outdoor instructors. Mrs Mallett and Mrs Jacques will also be assisting with this trip.
Please complete and return the attached Crowden Consent Form by Monday 19th June latest to Mrs Noble in the Admin office.
Parents should note that participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege which is offered to pupils who consistently meet our Code of Conduct; students who do not meet high expectations of behaviour may not be offered the opportunity to take part in such events.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email on or by calling Mrs Noble on 01954 284 000.
Yours faithfully,
Mr Dion Burgess
Explore the Peaks Activity Coordinator