Woodlands offer a wide range of courses with the most popular option being a 5-day multiactivity course. These courses offer students a unique opportunity for personal development linking in with educational strategies such as Every Child Matters and Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning. The personal development that results from their experience links directly to the educational ideals outlined in All our Futures and the values and aims of the National Curriculum which are “essential to raising standards of attainment for all pupils”.

Students are encouraged to focus on four key areas during their week. They will have daily opportunities to set targets and review their progress allowing them to take ownership of their learning and recognise their achievements and those of their peers. The four key areas are:

Communication is identified by most students as a key skill.

During the week students learn to listen to others and value their opinions and ideas, and all are encouraged to participate in team discussions and feedback.

They may also have the opportunity to instruct others in their team, giving advice and encouragement to ensure all are successful.

Self awareness is something that many students struggle to define at the start of a week, but an area in which all progress during the week.

Whether they discover they are a determined individual that doesn't give up easily, or learn to give and receive feedback to improve their own and others' performance or perhaps grow in confidence and achieve things they never thought possible...self awareness is a key focus during a week at Woodlands.

Students recognise from the outset the importance of working with others as part of a team.

Most teams require some support to be able to cooperate well at the start of the week, although with time and encouragement most teams are able to work well together in a variety of tasks, delegating roles and responsibilities amongst themselves and giving constructive feedback to help everyone make progress and fulfil their potential.

Taking responsibility for yourself and others is a fundamental part of a week at Woodlands.

All students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to think through the consequences of their actions. Whilst out on activity students are involved in assessing risks and making decisions, and may have opportunities to lead their team.

At the centre each student will be delegated an area of responsibility to look after for the week, and everyone takes it in turns to help out at meal times. On top of this students will have to keep their bedrooms tidy and organise their personal belongings during the week.

 We believe that by the end of the course students will have developed a deeper understanding of themselves and the contribution they can make to group success. Be believe they will have a broader understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and how to reduce the impact that we have on fragile habitats. We believe they will return home buzzing with memories that will last and influence them into the future.