Ropes Courses
High ropes courses for schools
At Cumulus Outdoors we offer high and low ropes courses as part of our residential trips in Swanage. Both courses can be included in our bespoke outdoor adventure activity programmes, which are designed to meet the individual needs of visiting school or youth groups.
Our high and low ropes courses are great fun and enormously rewarding for all that take part. Students often surprise themselves with their achievements and climb to heights they thought impossible before starting the course.
KEY INFO
- High and low rope adventure courses
- Manoeuvre over tricky obstacles at height
- Helps conquer fears and improve team work and confidence
High and low ropes courses in Dorset
During our high and low ropes sessions school and youth groups will tackle a selection of obstacles at varying heights. Students will have the opportunity to swing, zip, jump and climb as they tackle various elements of the course. There are a wide selection of obstacles to overcome – each requiring a slightly different skillset and approach. Our favourites are the gladiator rings, high all aboard and high sea-saw!
All of our activities begin with a detailed safety briefing from our highly qualified and experienced team of instructors. They will talk students through the course and highlight the importance of listening carefully and following instructions at all times. The Cumulus Team will provide students with all the necessary safety equipment and will ensure that they are fitted correctly.
Challenge by choice motto
Team work is required to successfully complete some obstacles, including Jacob’s ladder. Students must work together to overcome challenges and help each other to finish each obstacle.
We operate a strict ‘challenge by choice‘ ethos in all of our outdoor activity sessions. This means that no one will be pushed to climb to a height they are not comfortable with. However, more often than not, even the most apprehensive students are inspired by their peers to overcome their initial worries. For us, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching students overcome their fears to accomplish things they previously thought impossible.
Learning outcomes
There are a number of learning objectives that can be achieved during our rope’s courses. As well as having an enjoyable time, students often leave the session with a new found confidence in themselves and their peers. We regularly see interpersonal relationships improve and quieter students come out of their shell.
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Communication
Communication skills are key to overcoming many of the ropes course challenges. Likewise, peer encouragement and support from class mates on the ground can spur students to carry on. Celebrating everyone’s achievements improves confidence and creates a shared experience and feeling of inclusion.
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Coordination
A good level of general fitness is required to complete our courses. Students motor skills will be put to the test as they traverse wooden beams and scale the tower. Students will need to control their movements and balance in order to finish the climb.
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Teamwork
Team work is essential if teams are to successfully complete the ropes courses as a group. There must be a shared understanding that everyone is working together towards the same goals. During the session students will place trust in their peers and instructors to look after their safety.
Get in touch
Start planning your bespoke school residential trip itinerary today!
Ropes Courses FAQs
Where can I find your ropes courses certificates?
If you would like to see all our information, including risk assessments, policies, emergency procedures, insurance and affiliation certification, please ask. You will be sent a link to our website with a password to access and download as much as you need.
Are you insured for ropes courses?
Yes, we are insured for ropes courses and have £10 million public liability insurance. We are accredited by: Institute of Outdoor Learning, National Coasteering Charter, Adventure Activities Licensing Service, DofE Approved Activity Provider and Learning Outside the Classroom.
What happens if there is bad weather before the ropes courses?
We only cancel ropes courses due to high winds and we will be in touch at least 2 days prior to discuss an alternative activity. We will always do our best to deliver the activities as per the agreed programme.
What if my child doesn’t want to do the ropes courses?
During the ropes course we challenge the students to participate voluntarily, to push their comfort zone and test themselves. We operate a ‘challenge by choice ethos’, which allows the students to choose the level they are comfortable with. This may be touching the top of the climb or getting one foot off the ground!
What is the instructor to participant ratio for ropes courses?
The participant to student ratio for ropes courses is 1:10
What kit do students need to bring for the ropes course?
Students should wear clothing and footwear suitable for the outdoors to our ropes courses. Please ensure they bring a full set of waterproofs, rucksack with an extra layer, snacks, something to drink and any personal medication.
