Education - Changing Views - Broadening Horizons
Schools courses
Pupils leave our centre after wonderful, enjoyable courses with valuable experiences they can draw upon for the rest of their lives. In consultation with your school staff, we will design the perfect course for your pupils.
Planning Your Course
Aims and Objectives
Outdoor Education focuses on personal development through responsible use of the natural environment and interaction with others. It involves the acquisition of knowledge, values and skills relating to self, others and the environment.
Most of the activities we offer fall into one or more of the following categories:
- adventure in the outdoors
- personal and social skills
- the environment.
A choice of Activity Programmes will be offered to meet the desired learning goals and take account of the students’ present skills and past experience.
Adventure Education
Our adventure activities are both physically and mentally challenging and provide an opportunity to promote aspects of personal development such as independence, determination and self-confidence. Challenging and adventurous activities develop skills that can lead to a lifelong involvement in worthwhile leisure pursuits. It is within the context of these activities that students are encouraged to develop a responsible attitude towards personal and group safety.
Environmental Education
The area surrounding Tower Wood provides excellent opportunities to explore the open countryside. This wonderful Lakeland setting is an exciting 'natural classroom' which provides superb opportunities to increase awareness of the place of humans in the natural world and the need to understand, respect and care for the environment..
Personal & Social Education
Many of the activity sessions are designed to offer groups a chance to explore the concept of teamwork. They will address issues and learn techniques associated with effective decision making, problem solving, respect for others and communication skills. This part of the course is particularly relevant for building trust, understanding and appreciation of individual differences. Whilst activities can be specifically designed to address these objectives, it is envisaged that personal and social education will be an integral part of all aspects of the course.
National Curriculum courses
At Tower Wood we can offer schools individually designed programmes of study to meet National Curriculum requirements. Whether it is Maths GCSE course work or a focus on Art in the environment, our teachers can help you deliver your learning objectives in a stimulating and engaging outdoor environment where learning is fun!
Additional Information
Pupils in Lancashire County Council Schools who are entitled to Free School Meals will only be charged 20% of the basic pupil cost.
If your school is within 15 miles of Blackpool Town Hall then your group could receive funding from the Gerald Richardson Trust. A letter will have been sent to your school inviting you to apply for funding, you need to find the letter. You need to apply from November and applications close in January. You need to be specific about why you are applying e.g. We have a visit to Tower Wood Outdoor Education Centre booked from date to date and we would like a contribution to be provided to help those children who would be unable to afford to go.
Number of Accompanying Staff
Groups should bring one adult per activity group of 10 pupils. These adults can be anyone approved by the school's head teacher, i.e. teachers, parents, governors, etc. and their places on the course are free of charge. Additional adults accompanying the group are normally charged at a bed and breakfast rate. Contact Tower Wood for current prices.
Risk Assessment
Lancashire County Council Schools should consult The Education Visits Guidelines Document. You do not need to carry out a Risk Assessment for Tower Wood’s activities, but only for transport to and from the centre and for any additional or evening activities not on the centre’s approved list e.g. swimming. For all other groups, a resume of our Risk Assessment is available on request.
