At Redbridge Community School, we believe that the learning experience extends far beyond the classroom, which is why we offer an innovative and exciting outdoor curriculum. We are proud to embrace the power of the great outdoors as an essential part of our students’ development. Located right on the doorstep of the stunning New Forest National Park, our school is in the perfect position to offer students a wealth of outdoor learning opportunities.
Over the past few years, Redbridge has made significant investments in our outdoor curriculum, resources, and facilities. These include a state-of-the-art low ropes assault course, archery equipment, and mountain biking gear. To further enhance our outdoor programmes, we have four minibuses and a provisions van, ensuring we can deliver a wide range of exciting trips and activities with ease. From adventurous outdoor challenges to educational excursions, we are committed to offering our students a comprehensive and enriching outdoor education experience.
Low Ropes Assault Course
Our Low Ropes Assault Course is an exciting addition to our Outdoor Education and Physical Education curriculum. Designed to challenge students both physically and mentally, the course features a variety of low-level obstacles such as balance beams, rope swings, cargo nets, and tightropes. Each element is crafted to promote coordination, agility, and problem-solving skills, while encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones in a safe and supportive environment.
The Low Ropes Course is not just about physical challenges—it’s a powerful tool for fostering teamwork, communication, and leadership. Students will engage in activities that require collaboration, trust, and strategic thinking, helping them build strong interpersonal skills alongside physical fitness. Whether navigating an obstacle individually or working as part of a team, students will develop resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset, making this course a valuable resource for our students.
Bushcraft Days
Students in Years 7 to 10 are selected to participate in an engaging bushcraft programme in collaboration with their Head of Year and Embers Bushcraft. Designed to develop practical outdoor skills and foster personal growth, the programme is delivered over a series of approximately four standalone days. During these sessions, students learn essential bushcraft techniques such as safe knife handling, local ecology, and the preparation and cooking of game food, including pigeon and venison. They also gain hands-on experience in identifying the best types of wood for campfires and creating natural products for shelter building, including shelter pegs and basic cutlery.
The programme is enriched with fun, fast-paced games that challenge students’ speed of thought and resilience, promoting quick decision-making in dynamic situations. For some, this journey culminates in an exciting 24-hour survival expedition, where students put their skills to the test through activities like night walks, navigation exercises, campfire cooking, and managing shelter comfort. The experience also includes split-sleep routines and adventurous wet and muddy challenges to build grit and adaptability. Throughout the programme, students develop key life skills such as confidence, leadership, decision-making, and resilience, all while enjoying the rewards of outdoor learning and adventure.
Year 7 Camp
As part of our welcome and settling-in plans at Redbridge Community School, we host a Year 7 Camp every September. This camp is an integral part of our school curriculum, enrichment programme, and outdoor learning initiatives for the year, designed to help students transition smoothly into secondary school life.
The camp is a two-day, one-night experience where students have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor camping with their peers, forge new friendships, and build strong connections within their year group. It also provides a chance for students to get to know key members of staff who will support and guide them throughout their five-year journey at Redbridge. Set in the New Forest this camp is packed with a variety of fun and engaging activities, including forest walks, archery, axe throwing, tunnelling, fencing, climbing, low ropes, abseiling, and a range of team-building games and challenges. This memorable experience not only fosters confidence and teamwork but also sets the foundation for a positive and successful start to life at Redbridge.
Year 8 Camp
As part of our ongoing partnership with Embers Bushcraft, we are proud to offer Year 8 students an unforgettable outdoor camping experience filled with adventure, fun, and personal growth. This unique experience takes place at Embers’ rural New Forest campsite near Brockenhurst, providing the perfect setting for students to connect with nature and embrace the great outdoors.
Students camp in bell tents alongside their peers, fostering friendships and teamwork in a supportive environment. Over the course of three action-packed days, they participate in a wide range of exciting activities provided by the camp organisers, which vary each year to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Activities include fire lighting, shelter building, team challenges, archery, axe throwing, and an exciting programme of evening events. Students also enjoy a variety of fun sports, including the ever-popular giant water slide (weather permitting). Additionally, there is the opportunity to visit the New Forest Activity Centre for even more outdoor adventures.
Sustainability and environmental awareness are key themes throughout the camp, with a strong focus on protecting and respecting our natural surroundings. This enriching experience not only builds resilience, confidence, and teamwork but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Outdoor Education Programme
The 2024/25 academic year marks the launch of an expanded outdoor education provision at Redbridge Community School. We are proud to have broadened the range of opportunities available to our students through the introduction of a comprehensive outdoor education programme. Each term, small groups of students from across all year groups participate in sessions designed to enhance key life skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience, all within an engaging outdoor environment.
These skills are developed through a variety of problem-solving tasks, complemented by practical bushcraft activities including shelter building and fire lighting. The programme is designed to provide students with the benefits of working in smaller groups, allowing for more focused, hands-on learning while enjoying the unique experiences that outdoor settings offer. This two-hour, timetabled weekly programme enriches students’ educational journeys, complementing traditional classroom subjects with meaningful, real-world experiences that foster personal growth, confidence, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Bikeability Training
Bikeability is a government-funded active travel programme designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to ride their bikes safely. Delivered by trained instructors, the programme is structured across three progressive levels, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation before advancing to more challenging cycling environments.
At Redbridge Community School, we are proud to partner with Pedal Power, a Southampton-based provider, to offer this valuable training. The programme helps students build the confidence and ability to cycle safely on the road, navigate faster-moving traffic, handle roundabouts, and manage longer distances. By the end of the course, students are empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to cycle safely, whether commuting to school or exploring further afield, promoting both independence and a healthy, active lifestyle.
Mountain Biking
This year, we are excited to announce our partnership with British Cycling, who have generously donated six hardtail mountain bikes for our students to use. This fantastic contribution has allowed us to expand our outdoor education programme by introducing mountain biking adventures within the school groups and the New Forest.
As part of the Year 10 Public Services course, students have the opportunity to experience the excitement and challenge of off-road cycling while exploring the natural beauty of their local surroundings. This hands-on experience not only promotes physical fitness and resilience but also fosters an appreciation for outdoor environments, enhancing both their personal development and understanding of outdoor public services.
Bike Maintainance
This year, we are excited to launch the Bike Maintenance Club at Redbridge, an initiative aimed at empowering students with the skills and confidence to repair their own bikes. By learning the fundamentals of bicycle maintenance, students will be better equipped to cycle safely to school and around their local area, while also gaining valuable knowledge about potential careers in the cycling industry.
A key goal of the club is to make it self-sustaining. We envisage students repairing donated bikes, which will then either be given to those in need or sold, with all proceeds reinvested into the club to purchase parts and supplies. If you have an old bike, tools, or spare parts that you no longer need, we would be grateful for your donation. Please contact Mr. Millikin at tmillikin@redbridgeschool.co.uk , and we will gladly accept any items you wish to donate to support this initiative.
Ardeche Adventure
This biannual trip, open to students in Years 7 to 10, offers a week-long adventure of a lifetime in the breathtaking South of France. Students stay at a scenic campsite near the charming town of Ruoms, surrounded by natural beauty. The trip’s highlight is a thrilling two-day kayaking adventure along the Ardèche River, famous for its stunning limestone gorge. One unforgettable night is spent camping under the stars at a specially designed bivouac site, allowing students to fully embrace the wonders of the great outdoors.
In addition to kayaking, students take part in a variety of exciting activities, including high ropes courses, climbing, and local excursions, all led by experienced instructors from Acorn Adventure, a trusted partner we have worked with for many years. This incredible experience is not only designed to challenge students and build resilience, but also to create lasting memories while fostering a deep appreciation for outdoor adventure and personal growth.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award
Redbridge Community School is proud to be a licensed Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) centre, offering both Bronze and Silver Awards. To ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate, the school has made significant investments in high-quality tents, rucksacks, and outdoor equipment. Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities, including developing a skill, engaging in community service, and completing either a 2 day or 3 day expedition. We take great pride in our students’ achievements and our long-standing association with this prestigious award scheme.
The DofE Award is more than just an achievement – it’s a journey of adventure, personal growth, and fun. By participating, students take part in a range of activities that culminate in earning an award recognized by universities and employers alike. Whether you’re looking to help your community, improve your fitness, or develop a new skill, the DofE programme offers endless opportunities for growth.
The DofE experience is an exciting adventure from start to finish. It’s open to anyone aged 14 to 24 who is ready to step out of their comfort zone and embrace new challenges. With three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – students can tailor their journey to suit their interests and ambitions.
To achieve your award, you’ll complete a personal programme consisting of four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. The best part? You get to choose the activities that excite you most, whether it’s helping others, improving your fitness, or tackling a new challenge. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable experiences, make lifelong friends, and develop skills that will stay with you well beyond the award.
For more information, please visit the official DofE website at https://www.dofe.org or speak with our DofE Leader, Mrs. Mason, lmason@redbridgeschool.co.uk for guidance on how to get started.
