Posted 1 November 2017

A group of Year 11 boys from Airedale Academy attended a residential at Herd Farm in Leeds to build their resilience and challenge themselves in advance of their GCSE exams later this year.

Split across three groups, the boys took part in challenges such as a zip wire, army assault course and crate stacking, facing some fears and working effectively within teams to achieve success.

As well as the physical tasks they had to complete, the boys also had a visit from Wakefield College where they got to meet two student ambassadors who talked them through various different routes and options available to them after their GCSEs.

The experience was a hit with the students, receiving brilliant feedback from those who attended. Year 11 student Anthony said, “This has been a very good experience, and there was a huge range of exciting activities to do.” Other students commented on learning useful new information about colleges, universities and degree apprenticeships.

Tracey Heptinstall, the school’s Higher Education Progression Officer, said, “The boys were brilliant throughout the residential and really shone in terms of behaviour, attitude and building the resilience they need to face their exams.”