Visit to Kilve Court

 



 

Today I took the Level e Outdoor Education students from Bridgwater College to Kilve Court Outdoor Education Centre. Kilve Court is a local education authority centre owned by Somerset County Council. The visit formed part of their equipment and facilities in outdoor adventure module.

 

The day started with a tea and coffee on arrival followed by a tour of the centre. The rest of the morning was spent looking at the way Kilve Court check, monitor, maintain and replace their equipment. This is an integral part of the module and we have been to various centres to see the different methods used.

 

After lunch We took the opportunity to take part in a bush craft and environmental art session. During this session the students had the opportunity to make campfires, lighting them with fire steels, Build shelters and create some art using the natural surroundings.

 

Thanks to Dave and his team for a good day.



Mountain Biking on the Quantock Hills

 

 

 

 

Back out on the Quantock hills today with the Level 3 Outdoor Education students for a spot of mountain biking. As we have 16 students I took 8 for the morning session and 8 for the afternoon session. Both groups covered the same loop from Crowcombe Park Gate via Triscombe stone and Great Wood.

 

The basis of the day being to look at various leadership techniques, appropriate use of the equipment and to enjoy a ride in a beautiful setting. The sun was shining and the trails dusty. 

Level 2 Public Services - Navigation Skills

 

 

 

Gail and I were out on the Quantock hills today with Level 2 Public Services students remotely supervising them walking a route to test their navigation skills.

 

The two groups were set an 8km loop starting from Dead Woman's Ditch. One going clockwise and the other anti-clockwise. All the students did really well and supported each other. Gail and I moved swiftly across the ground to spot check groups on route and also observe from a distance.

Mixed weather for Mountain Biking

Following a half term break from Bridgwater College I was straight back to practial sessions on the first day back. Continuing with the mountain biking training sessions for the Level 3 Public Services students I headed back to the Quantock Hills with the 'C' group.

The weather foreast was true to its word. Heavy wintery showers on higher ground with sunny spells and winds gusting 30mph+.

We headed out from Lydeard Hill car park taking in some nice open trails, forest tracks and short sections of technical rocky terrain.

The students all did really well in the conditions and are setting themselves up nicely for the assessment at the end of the module.

More Navigation Training on the Quantock Hills

 

 

 

 

 

Back out in the beautiful Quantock Hills AONB today with the other half of the Level 3 Outdoor Adventure students from Bridgwater College.

 

No snow on the ground this week but the morning did start with heavy fog and a very chilly northerly wind. The route took in open moorland, wooded valleys and managed forest over the 12km distance.

 

We spent the day going through some basic navigation techniques: Collecting and Catching Features, relating map to ground, contour lines, timing, pacing and grid bearings. As a group we also discussed the environmental impact of outdoor activities on the area and looked at some of the flora including Lichen such as Devil's Matchsticks and Pixie Cups. 

A really good day with the students being challenged both individually and in pairs. We even found time to shelter from the wind in the natural undulating terrain.

Biking on the Quantock Hills for the third time this week - 'Love my Job'!

The last day of a very practical week working for Bridgwater College saw me out with the final group of the Level 3 Public services students for their introduction to Mountain Biking.

Due to the very frosty morning and icy country roads we decided to start from Holford today meaning the students had to take on a classic Quantocks climb to get up onto the northern commons. 

Todays group consisted of 7 students who had previous experience and a better level of fitness so we managed a much longer ride taking in some singletrack, open moorland tracks, rocky descents and technical climbs.

It was a beautiful blue sky day but with a piercing 10-15mph northerly wind. 

All the students performed really well and showed a promising skill level from the outset.

Navigation Training on the Quantock Hills with Level 3 Outdoor Education Students

Today I was out on the Quantock Hills with half of the Level 3 Outdoor Adventure Education and Leadership students teaching Navigation.

It was a chilly start to the day with the remnants of yesterdays snow still covering the higher ground and a biting northerly wind. The students made full use of their college branded outdoor clothing. 

We spent some time covering various terrain in the 12 kilometer route. Open moorland, wooded valleys  and managed forest were all incorporated in the route.

The students implemented some of the previously learned techniques from lower level walks and classroom sessions. Walking on bearings, timings, pacing, collecting and catching features as well as the relating the map to the ground were covered.   

Next Tuesday I will be taking the other half of the group for a similar day to make sure we are consistently covering the criteria for the course. 

Mountain Biking with Bridgwater College Public Services Students

Today was the start of the most practical week i've had for a while. Three days mountain biking and a day teaching navigation on the Quantock Hills.

The Quantock Hills are also the venue of choice for the three biking sessions this week with Bridgwater College Level 3 Public Services students.

We started at Crowcombe Park Gate where the students started by getting themselves kitted out with all the appropriate equipment and taking part in a pre ride assessment to check their skill level. Following this we went on a short loop via Withyman's Pool and Halsway Post before stopping for lunch at the minibus.

After lunch we headed off towards Triscombe Stone and descended down into great wood before climbing back out of the valley and returning to Crowcombe Park Gate.

All the students did really well in the cold weather conditions. The day started at -2 degrees and finished at +2 degrees with snow showers.  

Thursday and Fridays sessions will mirror todays so there wont be too much to comment on but I will pop up some images. 

Open Canoeing with Bridgwater College Outdoor Education Students

Back out on the Bridgwater and Taunton canal today with the Btec Level 3 Outdoor Education students. Today was their last practical session for their 'skills for water-based outdoor and adventurous activities' module.

The 16 students were split into two groups of 8, each group attending a 3 hour session. One AM and one PM.

We spent the first half of the each session looking at bank based rescue techniques and on the water towing/pushing strategies. The second half was spent assessing their personal skills on flat water. A 10-15mph wind made the students have to think as their previous sessions have luckily been in very clam conditions.

All of the students have made good progress through the module which is great to see.