Challenge Academy – Baggeridge Adventure Hub

What will students see and do?

Set across 150 acres of green space and woodland, Challenge Academy at Baggeridge Adventure is the perfect outdoor activity centre. Combining nature exploration workshops with adventure activities and educational outcomes, you don’t have to venture far in the West Midlands to find the perfect school trip.

Challenge Academy has been awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom badge. This demonstrates their commitment to delivering classes which are fun and of high educational value.

A registered Community Interest Company, Challenge Academy is committed to offering programmes for a range of ages and abilities, including engaging programmes for children with social, emotional and mental health challenges.

As a CIC, Challenge Academy aims to be inclusive and affordable, making it a great option for lower budgets. Their ethos is that active environments can unlock the potential in students and help them find their purpose.

To further address potential budget challenges, the Challenge Academy mobile outreach team can bring a program of activities to your school site. These can be delivered as a single session, a full day, or over a course of sessions.

There are two activity packages suitable for different age ranges and abilities. Each of these is available as half-day or full-day programmes. The team are also able to put together a custom package of activities depending on your student needs and learning objectives.

The Challenge Academy team are very aware that each participant will have their own comfort zone. They aim to stretch these comfort zones with a personalised approach, always operating on a ‘Challenge by Choice’ basis.

As well as the activity facilities, there are 4 indoor classrooms which accommodate 10 people. Alternatively, two classrooms can accommodate 20 students. The woodland shelter is an outdoor learning centre that can accommodate up to 40 people at a time.

The Baggeridge Country Park is a wildlife haven perfect for enjoying a peaceful moment and connecting with nature.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

Challenge Academy aims to fulfil the national curriculum requirement for ‘taking part in outdoor and adventure activity challenges’ – individually and as part of a team.

Key Stage 1
For KS1 pupils, the outcomes-based Explorer Programme is perfect. The Obstacle Course includes a total of 15 challenges, which encourages students to balance, climb, swing and jump. This develops problem-solving skills, builds confidence and promotes teamwork.

The Nets Adventure is suitable from age 4, and perfect for confidence building. Floating islands, hanging vines and the broken bridge are all supported by safety nets so children can challenge themselves and explore with confidence.

The Woodland Challenge includes orienteering trails with challenges to solve along the way. These tasks combine problem-solving with teamwork to solve mysteries and continue the route.

Forest Skills and Bushcraft workshops teach participants outdoor skills such as fire making, pioneering, and den building using natural materials. There’s also the option to try out cooking using ingredients from the forest, or participate in woodland crafts.

Key Stage 2
For KS2 and up, the Adventurer Programme is a little more challenging. This includes all the Explorer Programme activities with adaptations to suit the age and ability of the group.

In addition to the Explorer Programme activities, the Adventurer Programme includes the High Ropes adventure challenges. This includes 3m and 9m aerial obstacles courses, designed to build resilience and confidence.

The 30ft platform is perfect for team challenge. The Powerfan Descender activity simulates a parachute jump. Meanwhile, the 70-metre zipwire is a fun way to round off the adventure.

Expert team members supervise all activities and will encourage participants to challenge their own personal comfort zones. No students will be pushed into an activity and can chill out in the tree house if they become overwhelmed.

If you’d prefer the adventure learning to come to you, the mobile activities centre also has measured learning outcomes.

The Mobile Explorer Programme is suitable for Key Stage 1 upwards, with a focus on developing engagement, cooperation, communication and team spirit. This is achieved through a series of ground-based exercises.

The Mobile Adventurer Programme is more advanced and aimed at Key Stage 2 onwards. These problem-solving exercises emphasise planning, reviewing and improving performance as a team.

Subjects covered

Details of risk assessment

Risk assessments are provided for each activity booked.

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