A weekend of challenge and adventure was enjoyed by Pocklington Prep School Year 6 pupils when they travelled to Bewerley Park in Nidderdale.

Pocklington Prep School pupils have been visiting Bewerley Park for over 20 years.  The outdoor education centre allows children to experience a variety of activities, such as a canoeing, climbing and a zip wire plus scrambling at Brimham Rocks. It is an action-packed couple of days designed to help youngsters experience the rewards of stepping out of their comfort zone.

Pupils visit the centre at the end of Year 4, which serves as an introduction to being away from home, whereas the Year 6 visit is aimed at taking this experience further, developing team building and adventurous activities involving communication and problem solving.

Year Six teacher David Tyrell explained: “The weekend before the October half term is an excellent time for the visit, as it is far enough into the term for the children to feel settled and confident to take on personal challenges.  It also creates a chance for everyone to get to know their year group, including their teachers and more importantly their peers; friends who they will work alongside for years to come.”

He continued: “Once we arrive it is full-on, the children are kitted out with waterproofs and boots to cope with anything the elements throw at us and no time is wasted after tea with a night walk and orienteering around the centre.

“The activities run by the Bewerley team always stretch our children, and Pocklington Prep has established a solid reputation in attitude and effort at the centre.  The children always finish the trip tired and muddy and we always say the hardest part of the experience is getting up on the Monday morning after we’ve returned!  By then half term is nearly upon us to recharge our batteries!”

Mr Tyrell reflected: “In the end-of-year review when the children look back over their time at the Prep School, Bewerley Park stands out, always in a good way, as funny, happy or just memorable for what they achieved.”

This year was no exception as the following quotes reveal:

‘My highlight of Bewerley Park was flying down the zipwire because I was out of my comfort zone and it felt good facing my fear, it was amazing.’

‘The best part of Bewerley Park was when we went to Brimham Rocks, I’m small and could fit through very small gaps and I had to help other people through.’

‘My highlight was being in the dorms and having free time with my friends because being free with friends is awesome. I felt so happy.’

‘I loved the climbing; the first time was hard but the second was so good because you knew that your friends were holding you up.  I was excited and scared at the same time. I also loved the ‘Smartie Tube’ ….no not the chocolate smarties - it’s a rock which has a tiny hole in it which you climb through. It was exhilarating.’

‘I had never been to Bewerley Park but what an adventure it was, with new things to try around every corner - it was full of fun.  It brought everyone together to make friends you wouldn’t usually talk much to. It was brilliant.’

Please click here to view a Flickr album from the trip.