St Aidan’s pupils take on the great outdoors

From caving to canoeing, intrepid children from St Aidan’s Catholic Primary in Wallsend tested their mettle when they took part in a four-day adventure at High Borrans.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils rose to the challenges of a range of outdoor activities, which included caving, ghyll scrambling, canoeing, coastal scrambling and traversing, rope courses, orienteering, and hill walking.

“We did various activities that challenged everyone, linking with our main objectives of resilience, independence, and teamwork,” said Year 5 Class Teacher Rose Stock, who accompanied the group along with Year 6 Class Teacher Maria Nicholson, and Teaching Assistant Lillian Alexander.

“The children enjoyed all the activities but the caving stands out to them as the highlight, as many had never experienced anything like it before. Some of their best memories are pushing themselves to complete challenges that they initially thought impossible – squeezing through tiny holes in the caves, jumping into freezing cold water, and navigating canoes on the tarn.”

“All children found some independence and resilience, especially in the very cold weather,” continued Miss Stock.

“The conditions really meant that they had to work together, and really keep on going when it was tough. They had jobs to do each night and morning to keep the centre clean and tidy, as it was their home for the week, and successfully made their own beds, kept things neat and tidy, and cleaned the dining room after meals.

“The children were amazing and had an incredible experience.”