Outdoor Education & Adventure
All teachers at Woodridge are encouraged to adopt the Experiential Learning Approach. Children for their part are involved continually and in various ways in conservation which is taken very seriously here. We are proud recipients of the coveted, work-renowned ECO-SCHOOLS GREEN FLAG. Recycling, litter prevention and collection issues are routinely focused on daily.
All the pupils from grade 1 to 7 are taught outdoor adventure skills, including climbing – fishing – camp cooking – recognizing flora and fauna – reading topographical maps – orienteering – basic 1st Aid – camp craft – cycling proficiency and bike maintenance.
We offer skills/stamina development in activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, archery and trail running. These are often included in the camping expeditions that senior grades undertake; however, they are also recognised school sports and certain pupils are taken to events in the province, (Canoeing is still in its infancy).
Hopefully, by the time pupils leave the Prep, they will have realised that
‘There is more in them than they thought’. – Kurt Hahn
Camping/Adventure Learning
Adventure Learning occurs as part of the extra mural programme, and camping fall into the category. The camping programme comprises a gradual progression from Grade 1 to Grade 7.
Grade 1 and 2: A single night out in tents on campus in the 3rd term.
Grade 3’s : One night out at the Van Staden’s Mouth in the 3rd term.
Grade 4’s : A single night on/near the Campus in the 1st term and a two-day expedition to the foot of the mountains in the 3rd term.
Grade 5’s : A three-day expedition hike to and from school on the neighbouring farm and the gorge in the 1st term and a three-day tented camp in the vicinity, in the 3rd term.
Grade 6’s : A three-day expedition (hike or bike) from school to a location in the vicinity in the 1st term and a three day Survival Skills camp in the gorge to the Van Staden’s Mouth in the 3rd term.
Grade 7’s : A four day expedition – THE GREAT TRI – in the first term from school via the
sills, river and coast to Van Staden’s Mouth, and then the four day Ingwe residential camp/SWD tour in the 3rd term.
Extra Adventure Activities
Our programme offers occasional single and multi day trips such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking for Grade 6 and 7 pupils who are not involved in other sports over the weekends.
Woodridge Way
The outdoor adventure programme at the Prep culminates in the WOODRIDGE WAY, the greatest challenge of them all. This is a 3-day adventure race from Woodridge to Jeffrey’s Bay via the hills, valleys, dams, rivers, footpaths and beaches, In teams of 4, chosen on the morning of departure, the individuals have to combine as groups to tackle mental and physical problems that are thrown in the ‘Wayfarer’s’way (the name given to all participants). The children are taught to ‘Deal with it’.
