Primary education groups

If you are looking for an outdoor education experience for primary education we can work with you to provide a tailor made activity programme to match both curricular and student needs.

We offer one day activity courses either on site in your school grounds or off site at a venue local to you. We also offer residential school trips with accommodation, transport and a full programme of varied activities included.

Tailored programmes

As our programmes are tailored to meet your learning objectives, we will take time to understand your requirement and tailor the activities to meet the needs of the group. 

We can work with you to tailor activities to meet curriculum requirements for key stage 1 (age 5-7) and key stage 2 (age 7-11).

More information on our courses

We support the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement and promoting a sense of wellbeing as well as opportunities to develop skills and self-confidence. Our activities give pupils contact with the outside world, offer unique experiences and build creativity and imagination. The children will leave energised and talking for months to come about the exciting experiences they have shared.

Through our relationships with multiple accommodation providers we have access to a variety of country houses, bunkhouses, camping barns, hotels, hostels, and campsites in stunning rural, coastal and city locations throughout the UK.

The benefits of our programmes include:

  • enhanced learning
  • increased self-confidence and self-esteem
  • increased independence and responsibility
  • improved communication and team work skills
  • increased resilience and determination
  • face challenges and gain experience in the outdoors
  • learn trust and respect
  • builds friendships amongst students
  • enhances pupil/teacher relationships
  • can form the foundation of life-long interests
  • improved health and wellbeing
  • ability to empathise and understand new perspectives
  • increased aspirations and motivation
  • increased knowledge and understanding of the outdoors and natural environment

Group jumping into a river
Yvette Leece Deputy Head Teacher, Rectory CE Primary School

This year our school holiday was one of best that we have ever had. It was enjoyed by both children and staff alike. It was physically challenging and the children all felt that they had achieved something by the end of it. The two instructors that were allocated to our group were excellent and could not be faulted in any way. They were truly professional. They engaged with every single child and they couldn’t do enough for us. We had pupils with additional needs (autism) and both James and Will were absolutely brilliant with them all. The positive praise and encouragement that they demonstrated was commendable and we most definitely would love to work with them again.

Parents FAQs

If your child needs to follow a special diet or has any allergies, ensure you inform the teacher or leader who is organising the school trip - they can then pass on the information to us and the accommodation provider.

Carnegie Great Outdoors will provide all the specialist equipment necessary for your child to participate in our activities. Daily safety and equipment checks are made by our Course Directors and risk assessments have been carried out for all activities and sites in which we operate. You will be given a kit list which identifies clothing that will be required for your child.

Please be advised:

  • Clothing and equipment will become wet and dirty during the residential
  • Denim jeans are not suitable for any of the activities
  • Please bring extra synthetic t-shirts and underwear for each wet activity
  • Boots are recommended to have ‘good tread’ and ankle support
  • Please remember to provide any medication your child needs for the week. Inform the teacher/group leader and highlight your child’s medical needs on the Medical Consent Form which will be provided.
  • Personal items are not covered by our insurance and although your child may wish to bring valuable items (i.e. cameras, jewellery, etc.) this is at your own risk

No previous experience is necessary. Our friendly instructors will tailor the activities to the experience of the group and encourage and support your child.
Yes, we provide buoyancy aids for all participants and our instructors will provide additional support for those less confident in the water.
Different venues offer different rooms types and some venues are available with exclusive use - meaning only your group will stay there for the duration of your trip.
If your child has special needs, please ensure you inform the teacher or leader who is organising the school trip - they can then pass on the information to us to ensure activities are suitable and support is provided. We will always endeavour to ensure our activities are inclusive wherever possible.
Your child’s teacher or group leader will have ultimate responsibility for the welfare of their group throughout their excursion and are expected to take an active role in the supervision and support of group members. This will be under the overall direction and supervision of Carnegie Great Outdoors instructors whilst activities are running.

Safety is our primary concern. As providers of adventurous activities to children and young people under the age of 18, we are required by law to operate with the use of an AALA licence. This licence will ensure, through the guidance provided by its inspectors that we not only offer courses to young people safely, but that all our courses are delivered in line with recognised industry best practice.

We work with the aid of Technical Advisors and other experienced staff and have established a system of policies and procedures to ensure our clients get the most from our programmes without being exposed to unnecessary risk. We aim to provide appropriately challenging experiences while ensuring all members of our parties are not exposed to undue risk or danger.

Our licence number is R1845. This licence covers:

  • Kayaking
  • Open Canoeing
  • Improvised Rafting
  • Rock Climbing
  • Abseiling
  • Hill Walking & Mountaineering
  • Gorge Scrambling
  • Sea Level Traversing
  • Ice Climbing
  • Caving
  • Pot Holing
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority
For all off-site visits and all activities, we complete a full health and safety risk assessment and provide a set of operating procedures to ensure that delivery of activities is safe and complies with all regulatory conditions. Our risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated and take full account of site specific activities at all our delivery locations.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). All Carnegie Great Outdoors instructors are DBS checked.

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