A GROUP of local students braved the weather recently to test their skills and explore some of Cornwall’s stunning and iconic landscape.

Year 6 pupils from Lifton Community Academy have had a brilliant time on a three day residential at Pixie’s Holt Outdoor Learning Centre this term.

The pupils, all in their final year of primary school, immersed themselves in the moorland adventure learning valuable skills of kindness, resilience, wonder and belonging. Students were treated to a took a range of activities, all of which they threw themselves into headfirst.

One of the activities saw the young people testing their orienteering skills around the Pixie's Holt site, practising map skills while navigating tors on Dartmoor and spotting nighttime wildlife.

The pupils also got to do some ‘weasling’ a challenging and fun outdoor activity involving climbing and scrambling through natural rock formations, tunnels, and tight gaps, requiring physical agility, problem-solving, and determination. The group even found the energy to take part in a talent show one evening, taking to the stage to showing off their music, dance and magic skills.

Pixie’s Holt Outdoor Learning Centre has been hosting residentials for schools since 1963 and has provided happy memories to thousands of children. During their stay children complete a variety of tasks designed to encourage teamwork and promote its benefits. The residential trip was designed to build the group's confidence and resilience as they start to prepare for the transition to secondary school next year.

A spokesperson for Learning Academy Partnership, the group explained: “At Lifton Community Academy, pupils are encouraged to become independent learners and thinkers. In their most recent report about the school, Ofsted inspectors noted that the school’s approach to pupils’ personal development has been thoroughly considered.

“The Learning Academy Partnership’s core mission is to enable flourishing futures for children by working together as a values-led family of exceptional academies, delivering an entitlement to exceptional education both inside and outside the classroom.”

The school’s headteacher, Mr Adam Hill has said that trips like these give the school’s young people a chance to grow resilience and independence.

Adam Hill, headteacher at Lifton Community Academy said: “Our Year 6 pupils had a truly memorable time at Pixie’s Holt. It was wonderful to see them challenge themselves, support each other and embrace every activity with such enthusiasm. The experience gave them the chance to grow in resilience and independence, while also creating memories and friendships that will last long after they leave primary school.”

Tracey Cleverly, CEO of Learning Academy Partnership has praised the trip, saying that it helps provide opportunities for students to flourish.

Commenting, she said: “At the Learning Academy Partnership, we believe education is about more than what happens in the classroom. Experiences like the Pixie’s Holt residential give children the opportunity to build confidence, discover their strengths and learn the value of teamwork. These are the foundations that help our pupils to flourish, both at school and in life.”