Adventure Training
At Trent our aim is to enable each individual to discover their own strengths and make the most of each one of their talents to become the Renaissance Men and Women of our modern society. Adventure training plays an important part in helping our young people develop self confidence, empathy with others and a positive attitude towards facing new challenges. Here at Trent we are fortunate to have the Peak District on our doorstep and are blessed with a beautiful campus that enables a range of outdoor pursuits to be offered within the curriculum. The addition of our High Ropes Course in Trinity Term 2009 has further enhanced our already enviable provision for Adventure Training.
Current students have opportunities to engage in the following activities:
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Rock Climbing
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Mountain biking
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Canoeing
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Kayaking
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Orienteering
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Slack Lining
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Problem Solving
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High Ropes
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Sub Aqua
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Circus Skills
The Lower School - Year 7-8
As part of our induction procedures for new Year 7 pupils, the whole year group attend a short Residential Course early in their Trent career. This provides an opportunity to engage themselves in a variety of Adventurous, Cultural and Artistic pursuits. Our aim is to help pupils establish friendships in their first few days of their new school; let them get to know each other a little better and to start the important process of developing a sense of identity within their teaching forms. Pupils spend one night in catered dormitory accommodation and one under canvas. Over the two days pupils have the opportunity to tackle a selection of challenges ranging from High and Low Ropes courses, cycling on the Monsal Trail, Weaselling, Orienteering, Problem Solving, building Willow Sculptures and visiting a local Black Marble Mine. Throughout the weekend pupils are accompanied by their Tutor and also a prefect who will be linked to their form during the year.
Our Year 7 and 8s have opportunities to further develop their interest in Adventure Training through the games programme and Field Days, where each spends two or three afternoons Canoeing and Rock-climbing and undertaking problem solving activities within the grounds. Pool Kayaking sessions are offered through the activities programme and the annual Easter Ski trip is well supported by Lower School pupils.
Main School - Year 9-11
As pupils mature and develop within school, their opportunity to exercise choice increases and for some this means greater involvement in Adventure Training. Year 9 pupils have opportunities to become involved in expeditions, which have a strong tradition at Trent, with recent trips to Morocco, Turkey, and to Iceland in Trinity Term 2009. Year 10 pupils access Duke of Edinburgh Awards through the CCF, who also place considerable emphasis on the importance of Adventure Training.
Games sessions offer those involved the opportunity to achieve various competency awards such as the National Indoor Climbing Accreditation Scheme (NICAS) and UKCC Star awards in Canoeing and Kayaking. This is a chance to develop a skill base that enables older pupils to operate with confidence and competence during their Sixth Form, as well as passing on skills to those in younger age groups.
The Upper School - Year 12-13
In the Sixth Form there are a wide range of opportunities for students, including regular Major Expeditions, usually of a month's duration involving mountaineering and water based activities. These normally take place in the Summer holidays. Recent locations have included South America, Norway, Mongolia and this summer a trip to East Greenland for 15 members of Year 12. The annual Ski and Snowboarding trip is always popular and well subscribed.
Those students who pursue Adventure Training through our Games programme spend two afternoons per week developing their skills and completing training for various NGB awards in climbing, Canoe, Kayak and mountain biking disciplines.