Supported Learning make a splash at Grafham

Over 40 Supported Learning students from both CRC’s Cambridge and Huntingdon sites descended on Grafham Water at the end of March for a three-day residential visit, aimed at improving teamwork, organisation, resilience and confidence among other skills.

Run from Monday 24^th – Wednesday 26^th March, the students – from different pathways such as Archway, Horticulture, Animal Care and Sport to name but a few – took part in a series of activities, including archery, rock climbing, and low ropes – with an expedition across the reservoir taking place on the Tuesday.

The expedition element incorporated canoeing across the waters, before a short hike from the landing ground to the visitor centre. From there, it was a bike ride back to the residential lodge across the reservoir’s iconic dam.

Students also made their own lunches for each of the days, developing food safety and hygiene skills alongside independent living skills.

Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Principal – SEND, said: “Our students have really benefited from the opportunity to get involved in the residential trip to Grafham Water Centre. The range of activities they have been involved developed a range of different skills including resilience, goal orientation, achievement, teamwork, organisation and planning including the development of greater independence.

“It was great to see how the visit supported a range of preparing for adulthood outcomes including employability skills, wellbeing and health opportunities and more widely in developing friendship and having a lot of fun.

“These trips are an essential part of the journey into adulthood for many of our students and we thank everyone involved who helped to make this happen.”

Gordon Baines, Outdoor Learning Instructor and trip lead for the residential, added: “All students had a great time at Grafham Water Centre.  This year, all groups participated in an expedition – which involved them preparing their own packed lunches and traveling a set route of around 8 miles around Grafham via canoeing, sailing, biking and walking.

“It was a great experience all round for our students as they were able to work on the life skills that are vital to life after college, all whilst gaining confidence and independence.”