Around 80 students took part in a three-day programme at PGL’s Dearne Valley activity centre, where they engaged in a range of team-building and outdoor challenges, including raft building, buggy construction, the ‘leap of faith’, and bushcraft.

The trip forms part of the school’s wider efforts to enhance students' personal development beyond the classroom, encouraging its youngest learners to step outside their comfort zones and take part in activities designed to build confidence, inspire teamwork, improve communication and develop resilience.

Leading to the trip was assistant headteacher, Mr Burnitt, who provided the following diary of the experience:

Day One:

“We arrived around midday after a slight delay caused by a flat minibus battery. Spirits, however, remained high. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the ever-enthusiastic PGL staff, who – true to form – immediately engaged with the students and began getting to know them. With the sun shining brightly, students stepped off the coaches full of anticipation for what the next three days would hold. Our staff team, equally excited, were well-prepared to support the students in making the most of all the opportunities PGL had to offer. Once packed lunches were eaten and everyone refuelled, it was time to get started.

“The first set of activities – including buggy building, low ropes, and a scrap heap challenge – quickly got everyone involved. During the buggy build, students had to learn new practical skills to assemble a vehicle using knots and ensure it was sturdy enough to carry teammates across a set course. Competing against other groups, they rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and teamwork. Feedback from staff at the end of day one was overwhelmingly positive: students were fully engaged and clearly having a great deal of fun.”

Day Two:

“Following a night of varying amounts of rest, students were gently woken at 6:30am for a 7:15 breakfast – some more horrified than others at the early start! Nonetheless, all made it down on time, ready to fuel up for the busy day ahead. With continued good weather, PGL were able to offer raft building to all students who wished to take part. Those who didn’t go on the water contributed just as enthusiastically, working together to construct a raft worthy of any captain. Before long, a corner of Dearne Valley resembled a thriving shipyard. With guidance from PGL instructors, students learned how to build something that could not only float but be manoeuvrable on water. Even a curious swan stopped by to observe the unfolding scene!

“Elsewhere, groups were taking part in other high-adrenaline activities. One of the highlights was the leap of faith – a thrilling challenge where students scaled what resembled a telegraph pole before leaping through the air to catch a suspended bar. It required real courage, and many students showed incredible determination by attempting it more than once, overcoming nerves and achieving personal goals.

“Some groups also tried their hand at bushcraft. Our budding Bear Grylls’ gathered kindling and built their own fires, guided by PGL staff through fire safety, outdoor survival, and woodland preservation. These hands-on sessions offered students a new perspective on nature and the importance of respecting our environment.

“Throughout the residential, students could earn raffle tickets as rewards for effort and attitude. The final day’s prize draw created much excitement, with some pupils jokingly hoping for an all-inclusive three-week holiday to Florida rumoured to be up for grabs! In reality, hundreds of tickets were handed out over the course of the stay – a clear reflection of the effort and energy students poured into their activities.

“Leading up to the trip, students had been working on The Road to Residential booklet – a preparatory task designed to build excitement and offer incentives. The top prize, a fully funded place on the trip, became a golden ticket for one lucky winner, with several others receiving vouchers for the on-site gift shop. Completed booklets were judged by a staff panel and the winners were announced live on the final day, creating a fantastic atmosphere and celebrating the students’ hard work.”

Among the staff members who accompanied the students on this year’s trip was head of personal development Mrs Monaghan who said: “At Withernsea High School, we recognise that delivering a robust academic curriculum is hugely important, but it is far from being the only thing we do. We also work hard to provide a wide range of opportunities for personal development beyond the classroom setting, and this residential experience for our Year 7 students is part of that provision.

“The venue, combined with the support of our own staff, ensures that the experience is accessible to students of all ability levels and inclusive of any additional needs. Students face challenges that test their character and build both resilience and responsibility. As a teacher, it is inspiring to witness a student so determined to succeed that they persevere through setbacks. This kind of motivation and determination becomes a lasting part of their character.

“Another personal highlight is watching a real sense of 'team' emerge over the three days, with students supporting, encouraging and celebrating one another - whether they are reaching the top of the leap of faith, or spending their first night away from family. We see students learning that although they may have many differences, those differences are strengths that help make their team stronger.”

Student feedback was equally positive, with many keen to share their thoughts and offer words of encouragement to future participants. Dylan T said: “It was really fun. My favourite activity was the raft building because it was really good for teamwork - and we got wet! I definitely think there should be more water activities. It was also great to be in groups with different people that I don’t usually see at school. For any Year 7s who are not sure about going next year, I think they should try it because I know they’ll enjoy it. It’s a great opportunity to do something different and learn life skills.”

Fellow student Hayden T added: “I really enjoyed it because it was so much fun. My favourite parts were the raft building and the leap of faith because they were both filled with action. I think the trip helped me feel more confident in the water and I made a lot of new friends. I’m also proud that I managed the leap of faith because I thought this was something that I’d never be able to do. I’d definitely encourage other students to give the trip a go – you’ll have fun with your friends and come back with lots of great memories.”

One of the most valuable benefits of the residential experience was the opportunity for students to disconnect from their screens and fully engage with the activity programme. A spokesman for PGL said: “At PGL, we encourage children to escape from modern stresses and reconnect in the great outdoors. Having a break from digital distractions allows them to be present, live in the moment, make new friends and get the most from their outdoor adventure.”

This experience brought to life the themes explored in Personal Development lessons, as Mrs Monaghan explained: “Students learn that excessive screen time can pose problems for their mental wellbeing, physical health and social development. The impact of spending almost three screen-free days, out in the fresh air, making new friends and trying new activities, was clear to see. It was a great pleasure to watch the students coming up with games to play together during their free time and enjoying the freedom of no longer being at the beck and call of their notifications.”

Between 2012 and 2019, the Kingswood Centre in the Dearne Valley was the school’s preferred destination for outdoor activities, until the Covid pandemic caused a break in continuity. After a three-year hiatus, the residential experience returned in 2023, temporarily relocating to Newby Wiske Hall in North Yorkshire.

Last year, the trip made a successful return to the Dearne Valley. While preparations were underway for this year’s visit, it was announced in the national media that the site’s previous operators ‘Kingswood’, a subsidiary of the Inspiring Learning Group, had gone into administration, resulting in the closure of several centres. The Dearne Valley site was among three former Kingswood centres acquired by outdoor education provider PGL, who confirmed that “planned residentials for over 50,000 young people will go ahead."

Reflecting on the trip as a whole, Mr Burnitt said: “This year’s residential was a great experience for all involved. Exceptional weather allowed us to enjoy all the activities on offer, including raft building, which quickly became a highlight for many students as they took to the water on their hand-built crafts.  

“PGL’s recent takeover of the Dearne Valley site introduced new activities to the programme, including bushcraft and buggy building. These were welcome additions alongside established favourites such as ‘Jacob’s ladder’ and the leap of faith.”  

“An event that students always look back on with fond memories is the school residential. This year’s trip once again highlighted how important these opportunities are in developing life skills beyond the classroom. All the planning and preparation is made worthwhile when you get to join in activities with students and see their enjoyment from taking part.

“Students threw themselves into every activity with enthusiasm, with many pushing well beyond their comfort zones. The residential is all about discovering what you’re capable of, and we saw so many examples of courage, resilience, teamwork, and new friendships taking root.

“A massive thank you goes to the students, whose conduct was exemplary, and to the accompanying staff who freely gave up three days away from their own families to allow students to have such a worthwhile experience. Thanks also to the behind-the-scenes team whose meticulous planning and organisation make such opportunities possible.”