West Bromwich students take on challenges with Edgmond Hall

Year 7 students at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy took part in a week of team building, confidence and resilience activities delivered by staff from Edgmond Hall in Shropshire. The programme gave students the chance to learn outside their usual classroom routines and develop skills through practical-based challenges.  

During the week, students worked on developing the Academy’s allotment space, learned how to put up tents and took part in archery and a series of problem-solving games.   

The activities encouraged students to work collaboratively, step outside their comfort zones and develop relationships with their peers, while also giving them the opportunity to discover something new about themselves. 

Staff from Edgmond Hall praised students for the way they approached the challenges, commenting on how well they completed them and what a pleasure they were to work with.  

Academy Principal, Mary Henderson, said: “Working with the team from Edgmond Hall has given our students the opportunity to experience learning in a different way, right here in school. There is real value in bringing people with different expertise into the Academy and giving students the space to learn through doing, rather than simply being told how something should be done.  

“For young people at this stage, those experiences can make a lasting difference to how they see themselves as learners and what they believe they are capable of. We are looking forward to seeing that continue when they visit Edgmond Hall later in the year.” 

Based in Shropshire, Edgmond Hall provides tailored outdoor learning experiences for primary and secondary students. Its programmes use practical challenges and experiential learning to support personal growth, social development, confidence, resilience and wellbeing.  

The Academy looks forward to taking its year 7 students to Edgmond Hall later in the year for their planned residential, where they will have the opportunity to build on their experiences through a wider programme of outdoor activities.