Outdoor education at William Ellis, and why I think it is so important.
By George Hallam
Head of Outdoor Education at William Ellis School
As we start the summer term, I am excited to be organising and leading another year of William Ellis residential trips to the Mill. The William Ellis Trust asked me to write an article about the importance of these trips in my role as Head of Outdoor Education at the school which I am delighted to do.
Outdoor education is a vital element of William Ellis School’s diverse and supportive programmes, which focus on student development and sense of belonging outside of the classroom. Our outdoor education programme is not seen as an ‘extra’ or as something which is only available to some students, typically those whose families can pay, which is the case in many schools. It is an integral part of our curriculum, which we believe enriches the experiences of all students. We also believe this inclusive approach to it brings benefits to the whole school community.
The school is fortunate to own its own site, the Mill, which is located in the Surrey hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can learn more about the Mill here, as well as see a video exploring some of the benefits I am speaking about from a camp last summer. Our unique position of owning our own centre allows us to offer accessible, affordable and consistent annual summer term camps for all of our students in Key Stage 3. We also run smaller trips through the year which often focus on a key student group within the school such as pupils with SEN or who are supported by the pastoral ‘Bridge’ department.
These trips are essential for bringing students out of the classroom environment and are brilliant for both social development with their peers and their teachers. They also help us focus on our important work with the 5 Rs: Responsibility, Respect, Resourcefulness, Reflection and Resilience. There is certainly a lot of resilience required when the weather isn’t as sunny as we might hope.
During their trips to the Mill students participate in a variety of workshops, games and activities such as hiking. These all have the goal of encouraging rounded development and creating a trusting, inquisitive and respectful relationship with the natural world. This is something it can be hard to experience growing up in North London, and the trips take the pupils into a very different environment to what they are used to. There’s great value in growing up in London, but I believe it is also important for students to feel comfortable in nature, and that it is something for them as much as anyone else. The countryside around the Mill tends to provide a more delicate and mindful space than their North London neighbourhoods.
We also take the opportunity to introduce pupils to other activities such as campfire making, foraging, den building, water fights, kayaking, caving and independent hiking which increases in challenge as they get older and return each year in Key Stage 3. One thing that is important to me is that all pupils will have different experiences of school, and different levels of challenge in adapting and thriving in a school environment. It is always a privilege for me to see pupils who perhaps do find school more challenging opening up on trips to the Mill, and building confidence and connection in a completely different environment.
Beyond our annual residential camps, which are more pastoral in focus, we also run a variety of more challenging but rewarding Duke of Edinburgh programmes. Running from Bronze, which pupils complete as part of their Year 9 camp, through Silver and Gold we really challenge their resilience and responsibility through independent planning, teamwork, motivation and tougher physical activity. For some pupils, these trips may be the hardest physical activities they have experienced, and we are beyond proud to be able to support pupils from very different backgrounds through these experiences. Aside from the massive benefits to areas like university and job applications, the DoE award framework pushes them into exhibiting their talents, interests and perseverance while opening opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise get.
As Head of Outdoor Education at the school, my personal goal with the outdoor education department’s programme and ethos is accessibility to the activities, and therefore to the benefits of nature and being in the outdoors. I strongly believe in the emotional and mental benefits to having the confidence to plan a camping trip, go on an expedition, or even just get the train out of London and going for a day walk. Unfortunately access to these experiences and skills is often hidden behind lots of knowledge pupils may not have access to, or expensive equipment. It is my goal that every student graduate William Ellis with the confidence and skillset to be able to embrace the wonderful natural resources all around them.
Some examples of our work towards this more recently include a brand-new set of high spec tents for all our students to use, kindly purchased through the staff innovation fund run by the William Ellis Trust. These will ensure a safe and comfortable experience when camping either on the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or on site at The Mill. Our current Silver award program placed emphasis on anyone regardless of experience and background being able to join and complete, achieving this through both extra offered training and support sessions, as well as a total cost of £91, compared to the average £250 - £450 per participant. Support from the Trust is again vital in subsidising these costs, and I would like to thank everyone who financially supports their work. We have also supported a variety of students with additional needs through the program, creating alternatives and provisions for students which makes their participation safe and comfortable, whilst remaining a challenge that is personalised to each student.
The Mill season is upon us and I am looking forward to another year of great participation, achievement and fun from all the William Ellis boys on their annual camps, and a big good luck to all the Year 9s completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh in the months ahead.
At the William Ellis Trust we are delighted to be able to support the Mill being an opportunity that is accessible to all. Over the past year we have funded a key infrastructure project, as well as providing £7,500 towards subsidising costs for attending to families. Our thanks to the Bluespark Foundation who have also supported this work, as well as all in the growing membership of our Rather Use Than Fame Club.
The Mill is looked after by an independent charity, The St Marylebone Camp of William Ellis School Trust, which is a sibling charity to our own. They are currently looking for a new trustee to join the board and help shape the next chapter in the Mill’s long history of providing residential trips to London schoolchildren. With its 100th birthday on the horizon in 2029 it is a great time to be part of these celebrations, and safeguard this special place for generations to come. Learn more about the trustee role, and what the board are ideally looking for in a new trustee here.