Learners Swap Classroom for Countryside
Twenty Preston’s College Sport learners took a residential trip to an 18 acre activity park on the Scottish border as part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme.
Located in the heart of the Hexham countryside, Dukeshouse Wood activity park focuses on providing experimental outdoor education and non-academic methods of learning outside of the classroom. 
The adventure facility allowed learners to undertake team building exercises and embark on exhilarating challenges as part of the NCS programme’s first phase.
Boasting over 35 exciting activities, from high ropes, zip wires and a leap of faith to team building initiatives, the facility aims to challenge young people and equip them with key communication skills employers look for.
The four day residential trip saw Level 2 and 3 Sport learners take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities including abseiling, climbing, archery, fencing and survival skills.
The experience gave learners a breath of fresh air from the comfort of the college classroom, learning how to communicate and support one another in high-adrenaline and pressure situations.
Sarah Cooper, sport and FIT education curriculum leader, said: “The residential trip provided learners with a fantastic foundation of key employability skills.
“The opportunity equipped learners with a positive attitude towards learning, helping them to overcome different challenges and support one another.
“At Preston’s College, we aim to make learners the most employable and participating in the NCS programme has built their confidence and communication skills, both of which are important attributes to have in the workplace.”
Preston’s College offers Sport courses ranging from Level 2 to Level 3.
