Picture the scene. Bright blue sky, hills dusted with snow, water as still as a mill pond shimmering in the winter sun. Birds swoop down and dart into to the nearest tree. Only a group of excited students, paddling ferociously on a canoe and shouting contrary instructions at each other, breaks the silence.
The Outward Bound Trust was set up during the Second World War for merchant seamen to prepare them in case they ever got ship-wrecked. Now the trust aims 'to create moments when everyone can see and believe in themselves as never before and to translate such moments into lessons for everyday life'. As well as having 'a belief in the power and magic of learning through adventure in the wild - as a means of bringing out the best in people.' I love that the trust is one of the few organisations I have come across that is brave enough to use the word magic in connection with learning. And it's right that they do. Learning is magical. Or it can and should be.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy myself. The culmination of the start of January, freezing Welsh temperatures, outdoor activities and a chilly bottom bunk did not seem like a recipe for happiness. However enjoyment is infectous and it was impossible not to feel good when the children were so engaged, enthusiastic and positive about each new experience. From climbing and orienteering, to hill walking and even simple fun with a a long skipping rope - they loved it.
Walking in the dark, the path lit by moonlight on to the beach at Aberdovey our guide Jen explained about how the sand dunes absorb the sea's energy. We saw the sparks made by little creatures when you rubbed the cold wet sand with your palm. And the stars, ahh.. the stars. More than our inner city eyes had ever seen. We even learned about the stories the Greeks made to explain them. Magic is the only appropriate word.
The trip would not have been possible without the funding from one of our academy's sponsors. A great way for them to spend their money. And a good argument for having a sponsor and business link for our school. No amount of begging letters could have coughed up that cash.
The challenge for us now is how this learning applies when back in school. Certainly students learned much that will be essential to them in later life. They worked in teams, overcame challenges, learned independence, supported others and made new friends. However, it is the magic that comes from a trip like this that I believe will have the greatest long term impact. Children are more likely to feel positive about school, develop positive relationships with teachers and appreciate that what they learn about in school really does apply to the big wide world.
So amongst our routines and strict school culture there is definitely still space and a need for magic. And where better to find that magic than the home of Merlin himself.
