Email: info@bramwell-int.com
We are the UK and Ireland Distributors for Meindl, Source & Gregory
Bramwell International receives thanks from Altrincham College Students and Staff for supporting them in a life changing experience
PRESS INFORMATION
14 December 2011
Altrincham College of Arts Celebrates Opening of New Sixth Form by Sending Students on Outdoors Activity Weekend Sponsored by Bramwell International
Outward Bound Trust activity course helps students to improve leadership skills and boosts self-esteem and confidence.
To celebrate its first year the Altrincham College of Arts Sixth Form College has sent a group of 26 students on an Outward Bound experience to the Lake District thanks to sponsorship from leading outdoors distributor Bramwell International.
Organised by educational charity The Outward Bound Trust (OBT), the three day weekend course which took place at Ullswater in October, enabled students to get involved in a number of outdoor activities they may not normally have had the chance to experience.
With funding and support from Bramwell International, suppliers of Meindl footwear, Source hydration systems & sandals and Gregory backpacks, the South Manchester based Sixth Form College, which opened for its first term in September, was able to offer all students the opportunity to take part in the course.
Participating in the course gave the students, some of who come from a range of challenging backgrounds, the chance to improve their self-esteem, confidence, leadership and communications skills. Activities included hiking, high rope activities, gorge walking and site based group activities such as climbing, and were designed to take them out of their comfort zones. The course helped students to realise their potential and let them benefit from the experience of being challenged in a non-academic environment.
Katherine Tovey, Assistant Head & Head of Sixth Form at Altrincham College of Arts, commented: “Feedback from students who went on the course has been extremely positive. Many didn’t know what to expect, however once they got there they were very enthusiastic. The experience has been very rewarding, teaching students to enjoy working in teams and improving their ability to communicate with peers and staff, as well as giving them the confidence to try and experience new things. I was particularly impressed with some of the less outgoing students who demonstrated real courage and confidence in more challenging activities; this will hopefully stand them in good stead for the future.
Katherine Tovey: Head of 6th form (pictured left) and Peter Brooks: Head Teacher (pictured right)
“The support we received from the Outward Bound Trust (OBT) course instructors has been fantastic. They took the time to get to know and bond with the students. Without the support from the OBT and Bramwell International we wouldn’t have been able to give our students this wonderful experience, and we look forward to working with the charity and Bramwell International again in the future on similar initiatives.”
Bramwell International spoke to two groups of students who participated in the course. A group of boys studying sports courses commented they had enjoyed working together and competing with each other and were excited to take part. Although quite active, the boys said the experience had further sparked their interest in the outdoors and they would be keen to get more involved in outdoor activities in the future.
A group of girls studying childcare said that although they were initially nervous about the course, they had enjoyed the experience once they got involved and were proud they had managed to challenge themselves and felt their confidence had grown.
Both groups said they bonded with other students and now have a better rapport with peers. They say they would take part again and would also encourage fellow students to sign up to gain the same experiences. They would also be happy to get involved in any college fund raising initiatives so they can take part in more similar activities.
Nick Bramwell, Director of Bramwell International commented: “It is great to be able to give young people the opportunity to push themselves and realise their potential. I hope that the course has given the students a feel for the outdoors and what it can offer along with the benefits of working together with fellow students.”
The Outward Bound Trust inspires young people to fulfil their potential through challenging outdoor experiences and has centres in Wales, the Lake District and Scotland.