This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
-
Search
Our Adventure curriculum stands out as a truly extraordinary and transformative experience. Starting from Year 3, pupils embark on a journey of exploration and growth through Adventure lessons led by our highly skilled and passionate outdoor instructors. These lessons encompass a wide array of activities, including sailing, indoor and outdoor climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, and residential trips, as well as additional extra trips.
The Adventure department is meticulously managed to provide pupils with life-changing experiences in a secure and supportive environment. The team, under the expert leadership of Mr Platt, Head of Outdoor Education, is composed of highly qualified and inspiring teachers dedicated to nurturing a love for the outdoors.
Let’s meet the remarkable Adventure team:
Mr Paul Platt - Head of Outdoor Education
I am a climber and mountaineer and have been since my late teens. I love being in the mountains and often enjoy a bit of hardship—whether it’s being challenged in the Scottish winter or attempting to reach a Patagonian summit. Most important to me, however, is sharing these experiences with friends and people I trust. Because of these passions, I have worked hard to achieve my land-based qualifications.
My favourite adventure lessons to teach might surprise you. While you’d expect it to be climbing, it’s probably caving. I love seeing students rise to the challenges of this environment. As a holder of the Cave Instructor Certificate, I can teach all aspects of caving including vertical caving, which is brilliant.
Qualifications: I hold the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI) certification, the highest instructional award in the UK. This award, along with my experience, led me to become Chair of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors. I also hold certifications for leading paddling, caving, sailing, and skiing adventure lessons.
Mrs Fiona Roberts - Outdoor Education Teacher
If I had to choose my perfect day of adventure, it would be a long mountain day—maybe rock scrambling over the Skye ridge or a big winter mountaineering day in Scotland, perhaps the winter traverse of An Teallach.
I love introducing our pupils to new experiences, so caving is brilliant for challenging everybody and allowing them to realise that there is “more in them than they know.” A ghyll scramble on a hot, sunny day is always fun, and it is fabulous to see pupils helping each other and jumping off higher jumps, challenging themselves. Teaching someone to lead climb is also one of my favourite things. However, the satisfaction on pupils’ faces when everyone knows they have put in a huge amount of effort and succeeded in standing on one of our highest mountains, is hard to beat.
Qualifications: PGCE in Outdoor Education and French, Summer Mountain Leader, Winter Mountain Leader, Mountain Bike Level 2 Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor and Climbing Wall Development Instructor, Local Cave Leader and Level 2 Canoe and Kayak Instructor.
Mr Matt Reedy - Outdoor Education Teacher
New Zealand-born, I grew up exploring the amazing National Parks after school and on weekends. As my skills and confidence increased, adventures became more of a passion and an everyday way of life; skiing, mountaineering, kayaking, and mountain biking were how I spent my free time. in 2001, I started working for adventure travel companies, guiding adults and youth groups in the Himalayas and the mountains of Africa. This then led to me acquiring the skills and qualifications to work within an education setting in the UK.
How I spend my free time now is much the same as in my youth, only now I have the pleasure of taking my daughter with me, empowering her to step beyond what she thinks is possible, make the most of opportunities, and try new things.
For me, it’s all about empowering pupils to take on the challenge of adventure. Realising that facing the challenge of being in a new environment and being prepared to step beyond what seems possible can lead to a mindset that allows us to take on any challenge—be that at school, in the workplace, or in future self-led adventurous activities.
Qualifications: Summer Mountain Leader, Single Pitch Award, Climbing Wall Leader Award, RYA Senior Instructor, Race coach Level 2, Keel Boat, Powerboat instructor, Coastal Skipper, Mountain Bike Leader Award, National standard instructor (cycle proficiency), BCU Level 3 canoe and kayak.
Miss April Whiteley - Director of Sailing
I really enjoy racing in my RS100 boat and love being in the mountains, whether it’s walking or riding my mountain bike. I also enjoy wild swimming and climbing. Recently, I’ve been learning windsurfing and scuba diving, and I’ve found the challenge incredibly refreshing.
My favourite lesson to teach is, of course, sailing—especially when there’s a nice breeze! However, I also love sharing the magic of new experiences and challenging adventure lessons with pupils, particularly caving; it’s a truly unforgettable experience.
Qualifications: RYA Senior Instructor, RYA Race Coach Level 2, RYA Powerboat Instructor, Level 1 & 2 Swimming Instructor and a Primary School Teacher.