Outdoor Education Pathway

Developing character and resilience

Kingsley School's Outdoor Education Pathway is truly unique, offering a range of outdoor skills and activities designed to ignite new interests and fuel existing passions for outdoor adventure. As part of our Expansive Curriculum, every student is able to progress through different levels in a range of activities as part of their weekly timetable.

Our range of Outdoor Education Activities

Students may select from the following activities which they will do for half a term so that each student can choose up to 6 activities per year. Those activities with an asterisk* are offered at an additional cost per course to cover the cost of external hiring facilities.

Students are advised to select no more than three additional cost activities to ensure a breadth of experiences. Please note that from September 2024, there will be no additional costs to pay for any of the activities.

Activities for Years 7&8

• Cycling & Surfing*
• Coastal Exploring & Surfing*
• Surf Academy*
• Climbing*
• Paddle Sports*
• Forest School & Surfing
• Orienteering / Exmoor Challenge
• Hiking
• Forest School

Activities for Years 9&10

• All of the above, plus
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Ten Tors Training
• Camp Craft
• Dinghy Sailing*

Activities for Years 11-13

• All of the above, plus
• Bushcraft
• Parkour*
• Wild Swimming*
• Horse-riding*

Outdoor Endeavours

Embracing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme for Unforgettable Adventures and Life Skills

All students in Year 9 are enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award scheme, and many will complete the exhibition component of this to achieve the award. High numbers of students continue to complete the Silver and Gold Awards, with a trip to Buckingham Palace to collect their badges and certificates.

Epic Expeditions

Engaging in Exmoor, 10 Tors, and Jubilee Challenges Amidst the Natural Splendour of Kingsley's Surroundings

Students from Year 8-13 also take part in the annual Exmoor Challenge, the 10 Tors challenge, and the Jubilee Challenge which incorporate 16 – 55 miles challenges across the stunning national parks close to the school. With the infamous south-west coastal path on our doorstep too, Kingsley is a ready-made activity centre with unique opportunities for our students.

Adventures Beyond the Classroom

Unleashing Thrills and Skills through Kingsley School's Outdoor Activities and Nature-Based Learning

With kayaking on the local rivers and coastline, Pilot Boat Gig Racing, bouldering and canyoning, climbing and wake-boarding, Kingsley won’t disappoint the most adventurous and extreme thrill-seekers!

Kingsley School boasts 24 acres of sports fields, woodland and rewilding projects. This provides the very best environment for Forest Schools and students from Pre-school to Sixth Form enjoy and appreciate the opportunities to be outdoors. Trained practitioners deliver an active curriculum that allows students to develop their interest, skills and knowledge of the outdoor world, and further enhance their mental health and wellbeing.

Exploring the South West

The Exciting Journey of Prep School Students Through England's Most Beautiful Landscapes and Activities

Children in the Prep School have residential opportunities to enjoy the south west of England. Residentials start in Year 2 and occur every year afterwards all through their primary curriculum. We enjoy a range of activity centres situated in some of the most beautiful parts of England: Dartmoor, the Quantocks, the Mendips and the South Devon coastline for a wide variety of activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, caving, kayaking, gorge walking, orienteering and paddle boarding.

The Tarka Cycle Trail runs close to the school, and boasts the longest traffic free cycle route in the UK, perfect for young cyclists. Prep School children make great use of this cycle route (and the famous Hockings ice cream along the way!). Along with Bikeability, cycling becomes a popular pastime for the Prep School children.

Kingsley Outdoor Instagram