Inspired Directions School students vs. the great outdoors!

As our Inspired Directions School settles into the new school year, its staff and students headed out to the wilds of Essex for a day of exciting teambuilding activities!

The trip to Stubbers Adventure Centre was organised to help students new and old get to know each other better and push them to take on new challenges. The group needed to work together and use all their combined cooperation skills to scale a 10 foot wall, while their communication and coordination were tested on a giant seesawing platform.

The Inspired Directions School works with young people from Hackney and neighbouring boroughs who – for a number of reasons – struggle to access mainstream education. Its programme of full-time, bespoke education for up to 12 students offers a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for young people who have only ever had negative experiences of learning.

Working closely with local community organisations and training providers, the School already gives its students access to a wide range of vocational courses and curriculum enrichment activities. Last year our students had the chance to take part in community gardening, construction courses, music and film production and bicycle maintenance, among other opportunities. The day trip to Stubbers is just one more way we’re encouraging students to push themselves and take on different roles and responsibilities.

The highlight of the day, according to both staff and students, was the chance to get behind the wheel of a Jeep on a closed off-road course. The recent rainy weather had left the track churned up and muddy – perfect conditions for putting the 4x4s through their paces!

Joel McIlven, Deputy Headteacher of the Inspired Directions School, said “this was a great day out for students and staff, giving all an opportunity to collaborate to overcome challenges whilst enjoying new and exciting activities. We got to see different sides of each other and work together in a fun environment. All the students are still asking when they will next be able to drive a Jeep!”

We’re looking forward to finding lots more ways to challenge our students and enrich their learning experience as the school year progresses: watch this space for further updates!

For more information about the Inspired Directions School, please email karnjit.birk@inspire-ebp.org.uk