Matravers School

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Outdoor & Adventurous Education

Outdoor & Adventurous education form an integral part of life at Matravers as a result of years of development. There are many facets to our outdoor provision that allow our pupils to experience a range of different activities.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Scheme

An underpinning part of school provision, is our pupils’ participation and achievement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. We understand the positive impact DofE can have the members of our family, which is why we became a directly licensed centre. Which means our pupils can complete their award here at school with limited cost.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

All of our pupils can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender or background. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.

Pupils will normally engage by directly participating in the Silver award during Yr 10.

National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS)

Matravers School is one of only 2 schools in Wiltshire to operate the The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS), which is a personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get out and enjoy the countryside.

The Bronze Award covers the essential map reading skills. You'll learn about using “handrail features”, like paths and walls, to guide you along your way. You’ll also learn the basics of how to use a compass and how to use it with your map to ensure you don’t get lost. A bronze course will take you from relying on friends or guidebooks, to being able to plan a walk and follow it successfully.

On a Silver Navigator Award course, you’ll start to leave the paths behind. You'll navigate in open country on short bearings. As your confidence increases you’ll learn more advanced compass skills and add timing and pacing into the mix too.

Silver courses take place on more difficult terrain and away from easy-to-follow paths and trails.

Sports Leaders UK

Once you move into our Sixth Form you will be able to develop your skillset further by undertaking leadership qualifications. Our delivery of the level 2 assisting lowland expedition leadership course will focus on developing you as the outdoor leader, teach you how to plan, lead and evaluate your delivery of learning outcomes, enhance your understanding of environmental responsibility and how you promote that with your group, alongside the improvement and reflection of your personal skills.

Should you excel during the level 2, we are licensed to deliver a Level 3 in Lowland Expedition Leadership an industry qualification that will enable you to lead groups in the Lowland areas.