Unforgettable outdoor experiences for young people
The Isle of Portland offers a perfect adventurous playground for your Key Stage 2 residential experiences. Our staff provide the ideal balance between nurturing support and challenge, creating a positive and memorable experience away from home. Aiming to develop the individual as well as offering fantastic activities our programmes can build confidence, independence and resilience as your children begin to prepare for the transition to secondary school and Key stage 3.
Knowing that the residential experience, away from home with friends, is as important as the beautiful landscape and activities that will be experienced, a friendly welcome, comforting home cooked food and a cosy bed, underpin all our programmes.
Tailor the perfect programme for your group
We pride ourselves in delivering safe and engaging outdoor programmes tailored to the needs of each group. With emphasis on the outdoors, all of our activities take place off-site, making the most of the beautiful settings within walking distance of the centre. From Portland Harbour to the spectacular Chesil beach, our Instructors will work with your group to engage them in positive experiences that aim to develop a personal understanding and appreciation for the environment whilst experiencing, often new, exciting activities.
Be it an end of year celebration, start of a new academic year team building trip or aimed specifically at developing children’s interpersonal skills, we can create a perfectly balanced programme that meets your specific objectives and needs, bringing the best out in your children.
We run our activities out in the landscape to engage children in nature
Utilising real outdoor environments and allowing time within our programmes to engage with nature are key principles to any programme at Portland Outdoor Centre. With the famous SSSI site of Chesil beach only 10 minutes from our front door, Portland harbour across the road and access to miles of the surrounding Jurassic Coast accessible by walking the South West Coast Path, why would we go anywhere else.
Real environments present fantastic opportunities however require careful planning and management. Our experienced team remains flexible during a programme to adapt to changing weather and tidal conditions ensuring your children can safely experience these stunning locations, building lifelong memories and connection to the natural landscape.
Guided by our instructors, time to reflect on their experiences with us assists the children in understanding and recognising their learnings from a day’s activities. Helping children to draw parallels to home and school life, seeing that what they have archived during one of our residentials can stay with them in everyday life. Heading home with reinforced self confidence and many a story to tell.
Building close connections with you and your group
Without you generously giving time and attention to organising and supporting these residentials, children would miss out on fantastic developmental opportunities. We understand that residentials can be demanding weeks for the Teachers attending and so wish to ensure your comfort and support, allowing you to be at your best for the children.
Your specifically appointed Course Coordinator will work closely with you during the programme to ensure everything is well organised and as smooth as possible, regularly checking in and discussing the programme with you. We can act promptly to your feedback ensuring we are meeting any changing needs of the group.
A small team of Instructors, including your Course Coordinator, will work with your school throughout the week, allowing our staff to get to know your children and them us, creating positive relationships that can help your children achieve.
Overnight our Duty Instructor is available to support you with any issues and oversee busy meal times. Tea and coffee will always be available at the centre, along with cosy sofas for those precious 5 minute rests. A small convenience store is a short walk away offering staff a chance to pick up anything you may need with ease.
Experienced & pragmatic
Working with school staff and parents we can support children with varying additional needs to attend our programmes. Although not a specific SEND centre our team have experience adapting activities to create programmes which are as inclusive as possible. We have a sensible and pragmatic approach that combined with early conversations and practical support allows for SEND children to experience the adventure too.
Example of a KS2
4 night programme
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
Morning
Arrive at Centre
Introductions and welcome
Settle in & safety procedures
Afternoon
Project T.E.A.M Tasks
‘Together Everyone Achieves More’ Team challenges on our local field
Evening
Night walk
Hot Chocolate on Chesil Beach
Day
Coastal walk and Coasteering at Portland Bill
Evening
Fully immersive and interactive D Day Centre
Day
Watersports on Portland Harbour
Combining a mix of either Big Canoeing, Kayaking, Raft Building or Mega SUP
Evening
Murder Mystery challenge
Day
Climbing, Abseiling and Weaselling on the cliffs of the Jurassic coast
Evening
Movie night
Morning
Coastal Bushcraft
A final dose of the stunning Portland coastline
Afternoon
Review of the week, certificates, farewells and departure
Feel welcomed & looked after
Great hospitality, scrumptions home cooked food and adventurous activities, all in a stunning location, combine to create a fantastic stay. With all of our facilities and accommodation contained within one large building, supervision of your group at the centre is made simple. Our supportive and friendly team are always on hand to support you and your group.
Knowing the significance of the communal living aspect of any residential, we work hard to ensure everyone’s comfort during a stay with us.
Plenty of light and space
As a converted Victorian hotel our rooms have high ceilings with plenty of light and space. Many of the rooms offer views over Portland harbour sleeping between 4 and 7 people in bespoke built bunk beds. All rooms have either an ensuite or designated bathroom just across the hall.
Sleeping up to 75 people the centre is perfect for year group sizes of 60 plus the supporting school staff. Spread across 13 rooms over two floors, room allocation can easily be arranged to best support your group.
All in one place
- Large dining space within Dorset Adventure Cafe
- Classroom space for meeting and gathering groups
- Lounge area
- Small outdoor courtyard
- Kitchenette for staff
- Overnight Duty Instructor
- Wi Fi throughout the building
Fuel your adventure
Within the Portland Outdoor Centre building the Dorset Adventure Cafe resides, offering Fuel for Adventure to both the general public and our residential groups. Closed to the general public during residential meal times, our guests can enjoy a hearty meal while soaking up the Adventure Cafes atmosphere.
We offer comforting home cooked meals and tasty desserts that refill everyone after a day’s adventure on the Island. Each day, large breakfasts include cooked food alongside cereal and toast allowing children to choose what they like best ensuring they leave the centre fueled for the day’s activities. Packed lunches are provided including fruit, snacks and a sandwich with a filling of their choice, selected in advance.
Our team of cooks are experienced in catering for all dietary requirements and can discuss individual needs when necessary. Sample menus can be provided upon request.
Activities for Key Stage 2
Build your adventure
Combined with great hospitality and an experienced team of instructors we offer high quality engaging activities within the natural landscape.
