S1 Induction Day at an Outdoor Centre

Secondary schools throughout Scotland have extensive programmes of links and activities to support the transition of P7 pupils into S1. These develop team-building and closer relationships between pupils from cluster primary schools, as well as pupils who come from other schools as a result of placing requests. A day-long S1 Induction Experience at an Outdoor Centre can provide highly effective support for this. There are a good number of Christian Outdoor Centres which are available for such programmes across Scotland.

All outdoor experiences place considerable demands on pupil-teacher ratios. The outdoor centre staff are crucial here, but the programme can become considerably more effective if adults are involved who will be working with these young people throughout their time in secondary school. Schools Workers, Chaplains and volunteers can all provide major support.

Residential or One-Day Experience?

Many schools use Lendrick Muir, Teen Ranch and other similar centres for a residential experience as part of S1 Induction. Other schools opted for a one-day experience.

There are three main reasons for this choice:

• It is important that this experience takes place close to the start of the school year. Organisation of an overnight event for the whole S1 cohort, 3-4 weeks after the start of term would be very difficult.
• Most schools use a Form Tutor system to deliver basic pastoral care to all pupils. As well as being supported by a Form Tutor who will stay with the Tutor Group throughout their years at school, S1 classes often have S6 Buddies who work closely with them in throughout the first year. It can be hard (because of family commitments etc) for every Form Tutor to go with his/her group on a residential event. A one-day event, however, invariably allows all Form Tutors (and Buddies) to spend a full day with their group, building up a strong relationship.
• A residential experience can be daunting for new S1 pupils, not all of whom may attend as a result. A day-long experience, by contrast, will attract virtually 100% participation.

Case Study: Teen Ranch

Teen Ranch, situated in beautiful grounds in Inchture, Perthshire, is easily reached from schools in Angus, Dundee, Perthshire and Fife. While it generally offers weekend and week-long residentials, this outdoor centre has been happy to work with schools to develop a full day experience.

For the Induction Day, pupils leave the school by coach at the start of the school day, and are returned to pre-arranged drop-off points in the catchment area around 6.00pm, thereby allowing for a full day at the centre.

In the course of the day, pupils experience an introduction to pony-trekking, archery, leather-work, canoeing, water-sliding, cycling, trampolining and sliding on the “Flying Fox” high wire. The centre is self-evidently a Christian-based organisation, and this is clearly and attractively conveyed to pupils by the conduct of the centre staff, as well as though adverts and posters in the refurbished stately home which houses the indoor accommodation.

The full-day programme is built up from a number of sections or modules, which pupils and their leaders rotate round. Values such as respect, cooperation and the importance of teamwork are emphasised.

The basis of all this in Christian belief is explored through a short, highly interactive presentation on Christianity by the centre staff as one of the experiences of the day. The secondary school’s Head Teacher writes to the parents of all P7 pupils inviting participation in the Day. His letter makes it clear that the centre is Christian-based, and that pupils will receive a short presentation on Christianity which fits well with R.O. /RME guidelines. Teen Ranch also offers work experience placements which significantly prove popular for pupils who remember having visited in S1, maybe 4 or 5 years earlier!