Starting a new course at a new college can be a daunting prospect for young adults as it is the first step towards independence and their career path. A vital part of the sports provision at Bridgwater & Taunton College is the annual residential trip to the scenic west Wales town of Haverfordwest.

A hidden gem of this historic town is the Sealyham Activity Centre where students have the opportunity to complete a range of outdoor activities including; surfing, coasteering, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, high ropes and bivvi. This year 50 students from BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science, BTEC Level 3 Development Coaching and Fitness and YMCA Level 2 Fitness Instructing accepted the challenges set by the activity centre.

Dom Hodges, Course Leader for YMCA Level 2 Fitness Instructing said,

“I feel that this trip is important for student experience as it allows an opportunity to improve group cohesion through a range of ice breaking activities. This then benefits the learning environment inspiring students to stretch and challenge themselves on their respective courses.”

As well as being beneficial for the students, it is a great opportunity for tutors to get to know their student cohort, and share experiences with them. For example Lecturer Meg Tuck during coasteering was encouraged by her tutor group to overcome her fear of heights and jump into the sea off of a 10 meter cliff.

Megan Tuck, Lecturer for BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science said,

“It was good for students to see myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself to succeed, that cathartic feeling when I hit the water was overwhelming. The students shared in my success and continually recall the experience within lessons. They are now more comfortable pushing themselves out of their own comfort zone within the learning environment, giving them a great platform to reach and surpass their potential.”

The experiences shared on the residential trip will bond the students for a lifetime, whether it is swimming with seals at Abereiddy, overcoming fears of the dark and the ghost stories during bivvi, or maintaining composure whilst bouldering through small spaces. Students have also developed as young adults learning essential skills such as; independence, resilience, time management, organisation and communication.

Alex Leach, Course Leader for Sport and Exercise Science said,

“It was great to see the students being fully engaged in all activities and showing progression throughout the week. Each took an active role in coaching and delivering sessions, ensuring that everyone enjoyed and were safe in each activity. Students will be able to utilise their newly acquired skillset to progress on their current courses, and be successful in their chosen post-college destination.”

Orla McKay, first year Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science student said,

“Sealyham is one of those trips that you’ll remember for so many years. The laughs, the friends, the staff, and not to mention the amazing activities. Every single penny was worth it! I began the trip surrounded by a handful of friends I’d met only a few weeks beforehand, but throughout the week I met so many amazing people. I left with many more, close friends, with the comfort of knowing I get to spend the next two years at college with them all! My confidence grew day by day, whilst taking the opportunity to place any fears or worries behind me. Climbing and kayaking were particularly enjoyable for me, whilst the bivvy taught me so much! I feel this week has provided me with the best possible start to my Sport and Exercise Science course!“

Pip Dickin, first year Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science student said,

“Going to Sealyham for me was one of the best ways to get to know the other people on the course and a great way for them to get to know me better. Sealyham definitely helped me come out of my shell loads over the course of the week. The activities were all amazing, although coasteering was my favourite. We were all in an environment which we weren’t totally comfortable with so had to rely on each other for encouragement. The instructors were all really enthusiastic and professional but you could still have a laugh with them; inside jokes could be heard from every group leader. Overall, the trip taught me a lot about everyone on the Sport and Exercise Science course and helped me gain a larger friendship group, giving me a fabulous start to the next two years.”

All students thoroughly enjoyed this residential trip and gained a lot of value from the experience. If you would like to know more about studying sport at Bridgwater & Taunton College, call Information and Guidance on 01278 441234.