Erdington Academy PGL trip: Thirty pupils from Erdington Academy made everlasting memories on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to PGL, after the school won an external competition sponsored by the Great British School Trip.
The competition tasked students with envisioning what the future may look like – and Erdington Academy came out on top, winning a trip to PGL in Boreatton Park in Shrewsbury.
The lucky students stayed in the site’s new Camping Cabins from the 23rd to the 27th September, giving them a chance to put away their phones, leave the digital world behind and connect with nature.
The trip tapped into Erdington Academy’s core values of enrichment and development on a social, intellectual and spiritual level, which it shares with its fellow academies in the Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust.
The Great British School Trip is a programme run by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, which provides students with access to high quality learning outside the school environment, enhancing academic attainment and personal development while promoting health and well-being.
Mollie Duncanson, who teaches Art and Design Technology at the academy in Kingsbury Road, said: “The pupils had no electricity outlets in their rooms, so for five days and four nights they were disconnected from their phones and social media.
“It really encouraged them to be present during the trip, a special experience that’s hard to come by these days.”
Full days for students on Erdington Academy PGL trip
Each day had an early start and a late finish, with pupils being up and ready for 7.30 am and going to bed at 10pm.
Their days were filled with incredible physical activities many of them had never been exposed to before, including rock climbing, archery, trapeze, silent disco, axe throwing, paddleboarding, laser tag, high ropes and PGL’s famous giant swing.
Pupils also had the chance to exercise their minds in challenging quizzes and problem-solving activities.
The fun then continued beyond activity sessions, as pupils laughed, sang and danced late into the night, giving them a unique opportunity to socialise with peers they may otherwise never have spoken to.
Miss Duncanson said: “The pupils who attended were from mixed years, ranging from Year 8 to Year 11. Throughout the week, they were spilt into three groups, each led by PGL staff and myself.
“It brought pupils together who wouldn’t necessarily spend time with each other in everyday school life. They have now built relationships with other pupils outside of their usual friendship groups, and have been exposed to people with different interests, passions and experiences.
“It’s opened their eyes up to the world beyond their typical routine.”
Miss Duncanson added that the overall experience was one filled with laughter, adrenaline and exploration.
She said: “It was an experience I will never forget – and most importantly, the pupils, who participated in something bigger than themselves, will never forget it either.”
Principal Simon Mallett said: “One of the things we work hard to create at Erdington Academy is a sense of belonging, where students are proud to come to a harmonious and happy school.
“This unique trip to PGL – which the students won through their own creativity – helped build that sense of belonging for everyone who attended, as well challenging them in ways that will drive their aspirations beyond school.”