Students from Samworth Church Academy, Mansfield, went on a character-building trip to Outward Bound in Aberdovey, Wales.

The 190 students faced a challenging list of activities during their one-week stay, including jetty jumping, raft building, canoeing, kayaking, gorge walking and caving.

David Hunt, leader of transition at the academy, said the trip was more than just fun and exercise.
“I never had this kind of opportunity when I was in my young days. It would have unlocked my potential as I wasn’t confident at school,” he said.

“The aim of all of the activities was for the students to find out a little bit about themselves in terms of stepping out of their comfort zones.”

Student Molly Greasby (12) said: “I loved doing the jetty jump into the sea after I had been kayaking.

“I didn’t think I could do it but I just found myself walking off the jetty. It made me feel proud.”

Taking the plunge: Alfie O’Rourke, of year 7, gorge walking.