Outdoor Education at Highfields

At Highfields we are proud of our extensive Outdoor Education programme, and understand the importance of learning outside of the classroom. Many of our students come to us having never been for a walk in the country side, therefore, we ensure that by the time they leave us every student has had a taste of what the outdoors has to offer. In every year throughout their time at Highfields, students have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, from our prospective students in Year 6 all the way up to our Sixth Formers. Outdoor activities give students the ability to learn new skills, develop teamwork and leadership, make new friends and most importantly, have fun.

All new students attending Highfields have a one-day transition day before their induction day. The purpose of the day is to socialise and get to know one another. Students participate in a range of team building activities and are supported by staff and junior leaders.

In Year 7, the vast majority of students take part in an activity day introducing them to Llandrinio.  They are set the challenge of reaching the summit of Rodney’s Pillar and then either complete team building activities at the centre or orienteering on Nesscliffe Country Park. When students reach Year 8 they have two days of activities where they will either canoe or raft build at Lake Vyrnwy, then on their second activity day they go rock scrambling over Moel Y Golfa. 

Once students are in Middle School they are able to enrol on to the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award. Year 9 students start the scheme with the Bronze Award where they have to take part in two overnight expeditions and are self sufficient when it comes to food and sleeping arrangements as a pair in the tents. Students are then able to continue on the DofE Scheme taking on the Silver Award in Year 10 and then Gold in Sixth Form. See below for more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Highfields.

Year 11 is a very busy time for all students, however, at Highfields we still manage to fit in Outdoor Activities. All students are given the opportunity to undergo a two night study residential, where they spend time Outdoor Adventure Centre both revising for their upcoming exams and also enjoying themselves on all the activities on offer. This is an extremely valuable experience for students; the revision is English and Maths focused, with teachers in small groups which gives them the ability to highlight areas for improvement in students and ensure they are fully prepared.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme was launched in 1956. It aims to recognise the achievements of young people and to inspire, guide and support them in their self-development. Students engaging with the DofE follow their own exciting and challenging programme of activities to help them reach their full potential.

Employers, colleges and universities really value Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards and recognise that an Award holder has something more than just academic qualifications to offer.

Students can achieve a Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Bronze, Silver or Gold standard by completing a personal programme in four sections; Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition, plus a fifth section at Gold level; Residential. All five sections are underpinned by 10 guiding principles:

  • Progressive

  • Balanced

  • Non-competitive

  • Demands Commitment

  • Enjoyable

  • Voluntary

  • Achievement Focused

  • Personal Development

  • Achievable

  • Personalised

Hundreds of Highfields students have taken part in the DofE programme since the school started running the scheme 17 years ago. Every year we host a celebration event for those students who have completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at each level where students are presented with their certificate and badge. Students who have achieved their Gold DofE are presented with their certificate by a member of the Royal Family at either St James Palace or Buckingham Palace.