Outdoor Education

The seven-year Outdoor Education Programme operated at St Aloysius’ College is unique. Not only does it introduce pupils to a variety of challenging pursuits, such as climbing, hill-walking, mountain biking, sailing and canoeing, but it also places an emphasis on getting the right balance between individual and team work.

The College employs its own full-time Outdoor Education Director, Mr Bagshaw, who coordinates all activities. The programme starts in the Junior School, but continues throughout the Senior School, with pupils from S1 right through to S6 enjoying the benefits of exciting activities and outdoor pursuits.

The Senior School Outdoor education programme starts with the residential in S1 during Activities Week. The pupils travel to the Lake District to enjoy the excellent facilities there, the perfect introduction to the more challenging and adventurous outdoor programme.

S2 and S3 pupils enjoy an extensive programme of events, making the most of the run up to the more intense examinations years at the College. S2 start with Rock Climbing, after which they will be able to sign up to the College’s mountaineering club, with the possibility of being selected for the College Climbing Club. A group of 30 S2 pupils can also sign up for a two-day canoe and kayaking trip.

Joining with their S3 colleagues the S2 pupils have the opportunity to indulge in a number of exciting Activities Week day and residential trips. The Sailing Programme helps pupils move towards achieving national proficiency awards. There is also an Activities Week Canoe and Kayaking day, as well as a Climbing day. S3 pupils can also participate in the Glencoe Rock Climbing trip. Not only will the pupils hone their climbing skills and enjoy new challenges, but they will see some of the most beautiful and diverse countryside in Scotland.

S4 to S6 pupils also have access to the Outdoor Education programme, with the Spanish Rock Climbing Trip to Calpe near Alicante, Southern Spain and the Winter Mountaineering Skills Weekend in the Scottish mountains. All members of S6 set off on a three-day Leadership course to start the term. The action packed weekend incorporates physical and strategic challenges, highlighting particular skills that will be required in their final year at the College, and again in later life.

Outdoor Education Programme: Senior School

S1 Outdoor Education Residential: All of S1; Activities Week; Cost TBA

S2 Rock Climbing: S2 Form Classes; December; Cost N/A

S2 River Spey Trip: Approx. 30 S3 pupils; September; Cost approx. £65

S2/S3 Water Sports Skill Day: Approx. 30 pupils (per day); April; Cost approx. £45

S2/S3 Italy Ski Trip: Open to all S2/S3 pupils; February; Cost approx. £850

S2/S3 Activities Week Sailing Programme (Residential): Approx. 30 pupils; Activities Week; Cost approx. £215

S2/S3 Activities Week Canoe and Kayaking Day: Approx. 30 pupils per day; Activities Week; Cost approx. £45

S2/S3 Activities Week Climbing Day: Approx. 10 pupils per day; Activities Week; Cost approx. £30

S3 Glencoe Rock: S3 rock climbers; May; Cost approx. £65

S4 to S6 Spanish Rock and Beginners Language Trip: Approx. 15 pupils; October; Cost approx. £500

S4 to S6 Winter Mountaineering Skills Weekend: Approx. 12 pupils; February; Cost approx. £90

S6 Leadership Programme:  All of S6; August; Cost approx. £100

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