Beyond academic studies

In Lower School we believe that participation and involvement in opportunities outside of the classroom is as important as achievements within the classroom, and therefore encourage all pupils to explore the different clubs and activities that are on offer.

Across the year there are over 80 different clubs for pupils to choose from, ranging from bee-keeping and climbing to RockSoc and Warhammer, alongside many sports clubs. The clubs take place during the school day, in either Long Break or Prep and the vast majority of clubs do not require pupils to sign up, allowing pupils to change their selection throughout the term.

Adventure plays an important role in the lives of Dauntsey’s pupils and this starts from day one. We describe our adventure education programmes in the Lower School as ‘accessible adventure’. These programmes consist of larger numbers of pupils having short experiences that serve as an introduction to adventure and to various activities. Not only are these important educational experiences in their own right, but they also act as a gateway to ‘high adventure’ for those that enjoy them and find them rewarding. A highlight in the First Form is an overnight stay at a local outdoor centre, in Second

Form pupils take part in their Challenge Week, where they experience a paddle adventure, a forest adventure, a maritime adventure, a survival adventure and an expedition, and all Third Form pupils participate in the Moonrakers Programme.

There are also numerous additional opportunities for adventure, including the Second Form Arctic Adventure, the Mid-winter Adventure, the Lower School ski trip, Dingy Sailing trips, European language trips and a Classics trip to Greece.

Moonrakers

This is our bespoke programme of outdoor and adventurous activities run every Friday afternoon for all Third Form pupils. Activities include: outdoor cooking, kayaking, cycling, first aid, expedition skills, navigation, orienteering, indoor climbing, sailing, shooting, survival, river crossing, sub-aqua and archery. The programme comes to a close with a week-long Moonrakers Camp in Aberdovey, North Wales, when pupils put to the test all they have learnt throughout the year.