Peak Activity Services – Chasewater Outdoor Education Centre

What will students see and do?

Located in Burntwood, Staffordshire, this activity centre opened in 2021. The centre offers a wide selection of activities on land and water and has options of residential or non-residential visits.

Chasewater Activity Centre proudly holds the Learning Outside the Classroom award, highlighting the educational quality of the activities offered.

The team put together a package of activities depending on the learning outcomes or curriculum focus of the trip. Activities can be offered as half-day visits, or action-packed week-long residentials.

For residential visits, the dormitories are equipped with 90 beds. There’s a range of catering options available, which the booking team can discuss with you upon enquiry.

The classroom spaces are perfect for regrouping between activities, while the bushcraft barn is the ideal base for activities.

The centre is located in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which makes it a protected conservation area. The area is abundant in wildlife and protected species of plants and animals, enabling students to learn about local habitats and lifecycles.

Chasewater Outdoor Education Centre is an opportunity for participants to test their limits and stretch their comfort zones. Experienced facilitators will help to get even the most apprehensive of students taking part and having fun.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

Chasewater Activity Centre is part of Peak Activity Centres. Their motto is ‘education through adventure’ and they have identified core learning outcomes for their activities. The overall objectives are:

Inspiring Learning
Building Relationships
Expanding Horizons
Boosting Confidence
Raising Self Esteem

Land-based activities are suitable for those aged 4 upwards. Water activities are suitable for children aged 7 and up. All activities are adapted to the age and abilities of the group.

Archery enables students to develop control, precision, concentration, and coordination. Using a traditional bow and arrow, they also get a little history lesson as they master the tools of their ancestors!

Bushcraft teaches participants how to work together to complete a task. This activity also encourages problem-solving, innovation, communication and resource management.

In the bushcraft workshop, students will construct a shelter from natural materials, and learn how to safely build and light a fire. They’ll find out how to forage for food and find drinkable water in the wild.

The canoeing session uses Canadian canoes, enabling up to three pupils per vessel. Participants will learn how to stay safe on the water and will play some fun games to build team skills. More advanced groups learn about safety leadership and rescue skills.

Kayaking workshops have a similar approach and learning outcomes. There are two types of kayaks used: sit on top kayaks are great for more nervous beginners. Closed cockpit kayaks encourage more advanced students to develop their skills.

The outdoor climbing wall and bouldering space are suitable for all levels. This activity is designed to foster determination, confidence and a sense of achievement.

In the orienteering activity, students are introduced to navigation using a compass and map. They find their way around the course as a team, completing challenges at each checkpoint. This activity expands on team-building and problem-solving skills.

Raft building is the perfect combination of land-based and water-based activities. Starting on land, students will work together to build a raft from barrels, logs, and rope. They then put their creations to the test on the water.

The surrounding nature reserve is an opportunity to discover protected wildlife. This can tie in with projects relating to life cycles, natural habitats, and food chains.

Subjects covered

Details of risk assessment

Full risk assessments are provided for each activity, and will be shared with you prior to your visit.

All instructors hold a specific first aid certification for outdoor activities. All members of staff are enhanced DBS checked.

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