Outdoor Education & Activities

From Year 4, Outdoor Education is timetabled as a subject. Junior students experience orienteering, archery, climbing, den-building, bushcraft and kayaking, all of which encourage teamwork, problem-solving and independence. Many talk about the joy of cooking over a campfire or navigating the school grounds with a compass for the first time.

In Years 7–11, students build on these foundations with more demanding activities. They learn advanced navigation, survival skills, and expedition planning, often culminating in multi-day treks. Archery, cycling, kayaking and climbing all feature heavily, helping students grow in confidence and resilience. From Year 9, students can join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), where they take part in fieldcraft, drill and leadership training.

Older students are encouraged to take leadership roles, mentoring younger year groups and helping with expedition planning. Many also complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, with recent groups completing expeditions in the Brecon Beacons and volunteering in the local community.

A unique part of our outdoor programme is our working farm. Students of all ages get involved, from feeding animals in Junior School to achieving vocational qualifications in agriculture in Sixth Form. The farm is home to sheep, pigs, cattle, goats, ponies and poultry, and it provides endless opportunities for learning about responsibility, sustainability and the natural world.

Outdoor Education doesn’t stop at lessons. Students can choose from a wide variety of co-curricular clubs including climbing, gardening, kayaking, shooting and cycling. Boarders also enjoy weekend trips such as paintballing, hiking and adventure centres, ensuring that life at Bredon is always active, engaging and memorable.

Outdoor Education at Bredon is about much more than activity. It is about shaping young people who are confident, resilient and ready for the future. Whether navigating a forest trail, paddling on the river, or caring for animals on the farm, our students are developing the character and skills that will stay with them for life.