Adventure & Exploration in Sixth Form
A programme of development
Adventure and exploration at Kimbolton
Our unique Adventure and Exploration Programme unites pupil experiences in outdoor pursuits, experiential learning and exploration from Pre-School up to Sixth Form.
The programme:
- Delivers high quality and sometimes unique experiences
- Is integral to our Learning DNA
- Builds in a coherent way throughout each pupil’s time at Kimbolton
- Supports the holistic development of every pupil.
Programme structure
Pupils progress through stages that reflect increasing skill, challenge and responsibility.
Each stage has a strong identity, building motivation and a sense of belonging.
In Sixth Form, pupils become Wayfinders.
Programme experiences including:
- Archery club
- Curiosity club
- Field Weekend
- Sports Leadership
- Iceland trip (Geography)
- India immersion trip
- Biology fieldwork
- Barcelona immersion trip
- Senior ski trip
- Kimbolton Environment Initiative (KEI)
- Combined Cadet Force
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
In Sixth Form, the programme is focused on developing skills such as leadership, mentoring and service.
Outdoor adventures at Kimbolton
Our Outdoor Pursuits Department offers fantastic opportunities to:
- Sail
- Canoe
- Climb
- Windsurf
- Powerboat
Highly qualified, dedicated staff provide an extensive programme either as part of Games or during after school activities.
Kimbolton School is an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Recognised Training Centre and is also affiliated to British Canoeing.
Canoeing
Our Senior canoe team (5th/Y10 – U6th Forms) competes regularly in marathon races, notably the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race (DW) – ‘the canoeist’s Everest’. Starting in Devizes, Wiltshire, and finishing downstream of Westminster Bridge in London, the race is 125 miles long and passes 77 locks around which competitors must carry their boats.
Training takes place on local rivers and canals from September to February; this is followed by the Waterside Series of races and finally DW, which takes place over Easter weekend. We have a strong record of success in the race.
Sailing
We have a large, modern fleet of sailing dinghies based at nearby Grafham Water Sailing Club. These include Picos, Lasers, Fireflies and 2000s, as well as exhilarating Dart 16 catamarans and the ultimate test of ability – the 29er!
From the Third Form, pupils can opt to sail during their Games lesson; no experience is necessary as the staff and more experienced sailors will show beginners (quite literally!) the ropes.
Team sailors train at weekends and take part in wide variety of races, from club racing at Grafham Water and matches against other schools, to regional and national competitions organised by the British Schools Dinghy Racing Association and National School Sailing Association.
To join the sailing team, pupils should be able to competently sail around a triangle course (e.g. RYA Stage 3 / Level 2 ability). Our holiday sailing trips are popular, most recently to Portland, Dorset.
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“Kimbolton Sixth Form is a superb mix of freedom and responsibility. I’ve studied English Language, Art History and DT, while outside the classroom I’ve captained our canoe team and thoroughly enjoyed training for and taking part in the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster canoe race.”
Ellie, Sixth Form student
