Bridgwater College students studying Level 3 Public Uniformed Services and Sport and Exercise Science, embarked on their annual residential to the Sealyham Residential Centre in the scenic West Wales countryside.

The residential trip is a vital part of the students holistic experience at Bridgwater College, as it allows an opportunity for team building, as well as developing a rapport with the teaching staff. Over the course of the week the students had the opportunity to partake in a range of activities; kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, coasteering, camping and surfing.

Coasteering, as always, was a favourite activity among the students, which includes navigating the coastline, scrambling across rocks and jumping off of cliffs. Groups are also created on the first day, where the students have an opportunity to take part in a range of problem solving activities in order to win points. This is always a great way for students to develop bonds and new friendships.

During the activities, the highly skilled Centre Instructors encouraged students to take leadership roles where they taught their peers’ specific paddling strokes, undertook essential safety talks or ensured all equipment was suitable and safe. This gave the students the opportunity to take ownership of their experience, not only by having fun, but developing essential life skills too.

On completion of the week all students returned home with a smile on their faces due to the experience they received, but also had a sense of regret that it had come to an end. All students embraced the week away and the range of activities they participated in, some also overcame fears such as heights or embraced new situations like swimming with seals.

Trip leader and course tutor Alex Leach said,

“It’s great to see the students out of their comfort zones and thriving in a new environment. The residential is a great opportunity for students to develop their independence, resilience, leadership and teamwork, all of which are skills which will help them to be successful on the course. All of the students embraced the activities, giving 100% effort and taking away memories which they will keep for life.”