Hartlepool schoolchildren enjoy first day out together in more than a year

Clavering Primary School pupils enjoyed an adventurous day out.

A brave band of Year 6 adventurers from Clavering Primary School travelled down to the North York Moors for a full day of outdoor adventurous activities.

The trip was organised by deputy headteacher Neil McAvoy, in collaboration with managers and instructors from Carlton Adventure.

The children enjoyed a range of activities, including a high ropes course, the Carlton Abseiling Tower and weaselling and bouldering at Scugdale up on the Cleveland Hills.

Mr McAvoy, who is also director of the nationally recognised Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA) Programme at the school, said: “After fourteen months of not venturing out of school because of the pandemic, it has been wonderful to give our Year 6 pupils the chance to get out into the wild and make some magical memories together.

"The children tackled their individual challenges brilliantly.

"However, what was even more impressive was how they have taken their skills in communication, co-operation and collaboration that we have been developing at school and applied them successfully into the wild environment.

"Our children embrace being out in wild places and love taking part in adventures as part of our PESSPA Programme. It is fantastic to – finally – be providing opportunities like this again.”

It was the pupils' first trip in 14 months.

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Throughout each lockdown, children at Clavering have explored wild spaces through social media and won a national award with the Youth Sport Trust and Sky Sports for continuing to be active during the pandemic.

Ten-year-old Alfie said: “After waiting so long for our next school trip, it was absolutely brilliant to be able to get out with my friends and make some fantastic memories.

"All of the Carlton activities and instructors were great and I am really looking forward to my next adventure day at How Stean Gorge.”

Year 6 pupil Calell enjoying the adventure day.

Lorenza, aged 11, added: “We have missed out on so many residentials, sports competitions, festivals and other opportunities with our PESSPA Programme because of the pandemic.

"However, as Mr McAvoy always says, ‘the comeback needs to be stronger than the setback’ and this adventure day has been one of everyone’s favourite experiences during the last fourteen months.”

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