Challenging two-day expedition in the great outdoors for keen pupils

The students are completing the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Activities). Within the course, learners are taught about the values of outdoor education and learn the practical skills and rules relating to a range of outdoor activities, including: mountain biking and orienteering alongside units in anatomy and physiology, sports psychology and sports training.

James Gordon, Head of Faculty for Business, Sport and Social Sciences explained: “The year culminates in a two-day expedition where students are asked to plan, then navigate a 30 kilometre route independently. This year the group visited the New Forest, which was a hugely challenging but incredibly enjoyable and stunningly beautiful environment.”

Collyer’s Assistant Principal, Melanie Russell said: “Massive thanks to James Gordon and Melanie Kavanagh for creating this wonderful opportunity and managing the expedition so brilliantly. These are exceptional students and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their exciting adventures in the New Forest!”

The level 2 course is ideal preparation for advanced level 3 study at Collyer’s, with students also using the year to retake core GCSE’s in either Maths, English or Science.

Vice Principal Steve Nicholls was delighted: “What a cracking expedition! These students will remember it fondly for a very long time indeed. Well done to all concerned and thanks again to the indefatigable James Gordon and Mel Kavanagh for making it all possible.”

“Our great students and staff had a great time, in the great outdoors! They are all a credit to the College of Richard Collyer and an example of what makes Collyer’s such a special sixth form college.”

James Gordon added: “We are incredibly proud of these talented students, who have demonstrated so much potential. They adapted quickly and were keen to learn new skills and adapt to the challenge over the two days. I’m delighted that 80% of the group have applied to return to Collyer’s next year to complete Advanced or Level 3 equivalent qualifications.”