Challenge Academy Adventure Hub and High Ropes West Midlands

Challenge Academy CIC is a specialist in delivering learning and outdoor adventure activities for all ages and abilities. We have over 10 years’ experience in delivering school programmes and we believe that nothing inspires and engages pupils more than a session outside the classroom. 

At Challenge Academy, we provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and develop a range of life skills whilst having fun in the great outdoors. We have a range of programmes to suit all budgets but we also work closely with schools to develop tailored programmes for the day to meet their specific needs and desired outcomes. 

Some of the outcomes we focus on include reward, challenge, well-being, health and fitness, targeted intervention and personal and team development.

All of our sessions are delivered by experienced teachers, outdoor practitioners and ex-military instructors who are great at helping children of all abilities to conquer their fears and reach new heights. Our aim is to ensure that every student learns something positive about themselves and others; we want everyone to leave at the end of the session feeling empowered and proud.

Our Adventure Hub is based in Baggeridge Country Park near Sedgley and is the home to our obstacle course, nets adventure park and high ropes facility. Offering individual adrenaline elements (Climbing, Zip-wire, Powerfan, Totem Poles, 3m Explorer and 9m Adventure Obstacle Course) and team challenge climbing activities (Jacob’s Ladder, High All-Aboard and Big See-Saw). 

If you are restricted by transport and budget then Challenge Academy staff can come to your establishment to deliver a day of challenge, problem solving and team building.  

We also have a range of outdoor learning resources including our ‘Mobile Big Rig’ – portable obstacle equipment and ‘Bags of Character’ – over 50 challenges, which can both be purchased with approved training.

We place great emphasis on getting students outside of their comfort zone in a fun and adventurous environment on our aerial ropes course, all in total safety and closely supported by our amazing team. 

Some people would rather get out of their comfort zone with feet firmly on the ground! We have something for everyone and our aim is to get everyone outdoors, adventurous, working as a team and having fun. 

Our school programmes and activities will help fulfil your National Curriculum requirement for ‘taking part in outdoor and adventure activity challenges both individually and within a team’. We create a learning and development environment that facilitates the development of resilience, social and emotional skills and a metacognitive approach. 

At the end of the programme, the senior instructor will review the learning and celebrate success.

We hold the LOTC Quality Badge.

We have always ensured that our delivery and qualifications are of the highest standard, appropriate and safe for young people. Staff at Challenge Academy undergo constant training and standardisation to ensure that every participant’s experience is positive and safe.

• Institute for Outdoor Learning – Accredited Practitioners for IOL.
• Member of the British Activity Provider Association (BAPA).
• AIM Awards – Enhanced Quality Mark – OFQUAL approved awarding organisation.
• All staff hold a current DBS and are fully trained to deliver engaging and safe opportunities for learning.

We have three school programmes on offer, facilitated by our instructors to ensure a fun and positive experience. These are available for half a day or a full day.

Typical Day

Half Day lasts for 2hrs 15 mins, Full Day 5 hrs.

• Start time normally 10:00 or 12:45. Arrive 15 mins prior to start.
• Students divided into groups. Trip organisers can do this in advance.
• Welcome and Safety Brief and harness fit.
• Groups will be led by Challenge Academy instructors throughout the day.
• Activities include combination of ground-based activity and high ropes team/individual challenge.
• Lunch normally lasts for 30 minutes and can be taken on-site.
• At the end of the day the senior facilitator/instructor will review the learning and celebrate success.
• We want teaching staff to get involved so we actively encourage participation. If teachers are in a supportive role then participation is free.

Programme 1: Aerial Traverses and Climbing Challenges

Fun, personal challenge, engaging and experiential learning – ideal for KS1/2 reward and enrichment. We sometimes combine this with fun activities on the ground. For ages 5+.

Programme 2: Multi-Activity Day, Aerial Traverses, Climbing Challenges and Team Challenges

Fun, individual/team challenge, personal/team development and focus on learning. Ideal for enrichment, whole year groups and large groups with specific outcomes. For ages 8+.

Programme 3: Facilitated Programme, Aerial Traverses, Climbing Challenges and Team Challenges

Personalised learning, specific focus, changing behaviour, improving performance and attainment. Ideal for an alternative provision, phased training, personalised programmes, inclusion groups and leadership development.

Mobile Outreach

If you are restricted by transport and budget then Challenge Academy staff can come to your establishment to deliver a day of challenge, problem solving and team building. Terra Firma Mobile is utilised for this purpose.

We deliver to groups of up to 180 pupils! (only on full day packages)

Challenge Academy offer further resources and training to educators, facilitators and trainers who share our passion. Our training packages and courses are intended to upskill your staff to enable delivery of our services. All training is supported by relevant Ofqual approved qualifications and for continuing professional development.

The Mobile ‘Big Rig’ resource and activities are suitable for all ages and abilities from KS1. The training focus on facilitation skills, how to pitch the learning and achieve desired outcomes. Think of Big Rig equipment and activity as a playground for everyone, but with measurable and meaningful outcomes!

It is widely recognised across all sectors that ‘soft skills’ enable the qualities, behaviours and attributes needed for young people to succeed in the workplace after school. Challenge Academy delivers specific services to support these qualities and behaviours. Our services have been commissioned to support different sectors.

A ‘Bag of Character’ is a sturdy weatherproof holdall full of the equipment required for 50+ warm-ups, team challenges and reviews. Furthermore this resource includes a comprehensive operations manual and associated Ofqual approved training ‘Facilitation Skills for Experiential Learning’. 

For further information on our resources:

https://www.challengeacademy.co.uk/old-home

School groups are encouraged to take photographs, videos, etc.

We provide onsite safety guidelines with risk assessment information via email with the booking confirmation, which can also be downloaded from our website.

Our team are available to answer any queries and organise bookings 5 days a week (9:00-16:30).

Call us on 01384 429866 or email team@challengeacademy.co.uk.

2021 prices

Explorer Programme: Half Day – £10, Full Day – £15 + vat. Minimum 20 participants.

Adventurer Programme: Half Day – £15, Full Day – £20 + vat. Minimum 20 participants.

Mobile Outreach: From £10 per pupil – dependent on session length, numbers, level of facilitation and outcomes.

We advise to wear whatever you feel comfortable in along with sturdy footwear such as trainers or boots. Skirts, sandals and Crocs are not permitted. Always dress for the weather during the winter months don’t forget your hat and gloves! Please bear in mind that you will be asked to wear a harness across the chest and top of the legs.

Our lead instructors are qualified First Aiders and there is access to first aid kits on site.

Baggeridge Adventure Hub has seating areas with great viewing of the aerial course.

Just outside our site in the park there is a cafe, toilets, parking and 250 acres of country park and woodland.

Our Site is DDA compliant with fully accessible toilets. Challenge Academy lead facilitators are qualified teachers with significant experience in the field of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our low course has an access ramp and is geared to students with specific needs.

We are open all year round for School groups!

Half day times: 10am – 12pm or 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Full day times:  10am – 2:30pm

https://www.challengeacademy.co.uk/old-home