Lessons in life on the wild side (From Stourbridge News)

Lessons in life on the wild side

2:12pm Monday 25th June 2007 in Local By Lucy Reynolds

YOUNGSTERS from Quarry Bank took to the great outdoors in a team building trip to boost classroom performance.

Pupils from Thorns Community College, off Stockwell Avenue, teamed up with Kinver adventure company Closer to the Edge for a weekend of activities designed to show how working together can improve communication skills and concentration levels.

The students were joined by members of their families, who had no idea where they were going.

They told to wear waterproof clothing and wellies and were given only a sleeping bag before setting off to camp at the outdoor training company's Kinver base.

Organiser, Kay Scampton, who works in adult education at the school, chose pupils from Thorn's year eight to participate in the event, which took place last month.

Kay said: "Everyone learned to let go and learn for themselves, they worked together as a team and helped others."

The families took part in activities like building fires and shelters out of branches, leaves and bracken, they also caught, prepared and cooked fish.

Parent Vivenne Ball said: "I learned to stand back and listen, there was no arguing, no moaning, it was totally positive and a learning experience."

Vivenne's son Michael Ball, aged 13, said: "It was really good and amazing, really great fun.

"It has helped me focus more on what I am doing in class."

Kay hopes to hold similar events in the future and is looking for help with funding, for more information call her on 0776 4404 588.