A total of 24 Year 3 pupils stayed for one night, while 28 Year 5 pupils enjoyed a four-night stay. The trip offered an exciting mix of outdoor activities, aimed at fostering personal growth, teamwork, and developing new skills.

 

The Year 3 group had an action-packed stay, enjoying a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Among their highlights were thrilling activities such as the zipline, where they soared through the air, and caving, which provided a fascinating exploration of the underground world. They also did on a forest walk, connecting with nature and learning about the local environment, and tackled the low ropes challenge, which tested their balance and teamwork.

 

Meanwhile, the Year 5 pupils experienced a more extended stay, taking full advantage of the many activities Peat Rigg has to offer. Over the course of their four days, they took part in a range of exciting challenges, including archery,  and the zipline, which was just as exhilarating as it was for the Year 3 pupils. The students also faced obstacle courses that encouraged them to work together and problem-solve as a team. One of the most memorable challenges was Jacob’s Ladder, which pushed them to face their fears and support one another in a high-energy team-building exercise. Pupils were introduced to bushcraft survival techniques, where they learned essential outdoor skills such as fire-making, shelter-building, and navigating the wild. They also had the chance to climb trees and try abseiling, gaining confidence as they tackled new heights and challenges. As part of their adventure, the group took to the water for canoeing – a new activity introduced at Archibald in 2025 – where they learned to navigate together and build cooperation skills in a completely different environment.

 

The theme for this year’s trip was ‘Try Something New,’ and both Year 3 and Year 5 pupils really grabbed the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones. Whether it was trying a new activity like canoeing or pushing themselves to complete an obstacle course, every pupil was encouraged to challenge themselves and grow. Throughout the trip, the pupils developed key life skills such as resilience, communication, and teamwork. They were encouraged to support one another through challenges, build trust, and push their boundaries, all while having fun and making lasting memories.

 

The residential trip to Peat Rigg not only provided an exciting adventure for the pupils but also helped to create a sense of community within the year groups, with pupils working together. By the end of the trip, every pupil had gained valuable experiences that will stay with them for years to come, all whilst trying something new and discovering their own strengths.