Course Content

Themed Programmes

This year sees changes in the way we offer programme choice to schools. The developments are aimed at assisting teachers deliver the Curriculum for Excellence and various other educational initiatives.

All our courses will continue to use outdoor activities to achieve personal and social development. Learning outcomes are stated and achieved through the reviewing of the participants' experience - facilitated by instructors.

However our themed weeks will specialize in aspects of one of the four capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence.

John Muir Award

Participants complete the John Muir Award as part of this theme. Focused on the adventurous discovery and exploration of wild places, this environmental award involves children actively conserving and “making the mountains glad”, usually in our Woodland Study Area. Outdoor adventurous activities are also included, as is a big day out. Sharing these “wild” experiences, a key part of the award, can be done on the final morning, or back in school. Pupils depart Ardroy with a clear concept of sustainable living.

For more information on our John Muir courses, click here.

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”  John Muir.

Enterprise Education

This theme promotes Enterprising behaviour, the cornerstone of which is our ‘Lost at Sea’ day. Also, as part of the programme, a big day out is encouraged. The rest of the week will comprise a selection of challenging activities that require both an enterprising nature and positive approach to teamwork.

A further page of information about the enterprise theme is available here.

“We need successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to build a smarter Scotland”  Fiona Hislop MSP.

Healthy Mind and Body

This programme is designed to promote a healthier, more positive outlook on life, as a result of taking part in aerobic activities in the green environment, enhancing self-esteem and self-worth. A big day out is part of this course, but so is time for reflection and the development of action points for life back home and at school.

For more about Healthy Mind and Body, please click here.

“Children who learn to take control of their own lives in the short term develop the long-term vision and skills required to reduce risks to health.”  Health of the Nation 2005, Scottish Office Publication.

Primary to Secondary Transitions

This theme is intended mainly for cluster schools bringing P7’s prior to going up to secondary school. Self-reliance and independence are facilitated, and we recommend groups are mixed with members of different schools. Groups for the evening program will be different to daytime activities to further encourage bonding. Children should depart Ardroy having formed friendships that can be built on at secondary school.

Please click here for additional information about transitions.