Home > Extra-Curricular > Adventure Programme
At Ardmore House we strongly believe that engaging in adventurous actvities can have a multitude of benefits for our students . By participating in the adventure programme, students will have the opportunity to try new outdoor pursuits and challenge themselves in a variety of places.
In Key Stage 3, we use the Adventure Programme to help children become more resilient and explore new areas.
At Key Stage 4, we build on the experiences children have gained in Key Stage 3 and link the Adventure Programme with their OCNNI Adventure Studies units and Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
All outdoor pursuits at Ardmore House are delivered by qualified and experienced staff, who have completed a Risk:Benefit analysis of the activity.
We are fortunate to have a fleet of bikes, a BMX pump track and Mountain Biking trail onsite, which we use with students to build their confidence. When ready, we progress to more technical venues, such as Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks.
Mountaineering at Ardmore covers many different activities including; Caving at Percy Bishe, Hillwalking and Navigation in the Mournes and Weaseling at Pigeon rock.
We introduce all of students to climbing by using our onsite bouldering wall to build strength, confidence and balnce. We also use Hotrock Climbing Wall and Altnadue Quarry where the students use ropes and harnesses during the sessions.
At Ardmore we have access to a short Archery Range. The students will play games, receive coaching to improve accuracy and take part in competitions.
Each year we organise camping trips and expeditions for the students, where they will learn how to navigate, set up tents and safely manage a campfire/ stove. In September 2022 some Year 12 students paddled acroos Lough Neagh to Coney Island and camped overnight.
By participating in the Adventure Programme students will have the opportunity to try a wide range of watersports such as: Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Wet Bouldering and Coasteering.
Duke of Edinburgh Award/ Joint Award Initiative
In Key Stage 4 students are given the opportunity to work towards and achieve the Bronze Award. To complete the Award they must fulfil specific requirements in 4 areas: Skill, Physical, Volunteering and Expedition.
Achiveing the Award requires commitment and this is something the students can look back on when seeking employment or further study.