Challenge & Responsibility through adventure
Adventure and challenge, combined with great hospitality and hearty meals form the basis of all our residential programmes. Key stage 3 & 4 pupils are at a perfect age to maximise on all that Portland has to offer. Our Instructors will guide them through amazing landscapes providing the chance for them to push themselves and stretch their comfort zones, building the confidence and self belief needed to thrive.
By teaching about, and how to care for, the environments we operate within we hope to foster an appreciation and respect for the natural world, which the young people will carry into adulthood. Further developing young people’s interpersonal and communication skills while they support friends and peers through new experiences in these spectacular environments is only another benefit of a multi activity residential with us.
Design the ideal programme for your group
No two Programmes at Portland Outdoor Centre are ever the same. Our Instructors are responsive to the young people they work with, tailoring each activity session to best suit the needs of the group and what can bring them the most educational and valuable experience.
We truly believe in the power of engaging and immersive outdoor experiences. With an emphasis on outdoors, we make the most of our location with all of our activities taking place off-site within walking distance of the centre. Be it Coasteering at Portland Bill or building fires on Chesil Beach every aspect of our programmes provide engaging experiences and memorable moments!
Whatever the aims and objectives for your group and their stay with us, we’re confident we can build a programme to facilitate them and more.
We utilise the wider landscape to immerse young people in nature
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, by walking the South West Coast Path, we have ample of real environments to utilise for our activities and programmes. We build time into our programmes to allow our groups to fully appreciate and immerse themselves within the surrounding area, not just focusing on the activity itself but the broader value in developing an understanding of the spaces we use and enjoy.
Utilising real environments requires careful safety management and planning. Our experienced team continuously assesses and ensures your group can safely partake in the activities within these landscapes. We often adapt programmes to make the most of the forecasted weather and tidal conditions ensuring the positive benefits of time spent in these landcase can be enjoyed by all.
Building close connections with you and your group
Supporting you every step of the way we aim to make the process of planning and executing a residential trip as smooth as possible. We know residentials can make for a demanding week for the staff attending and that the young people would miss out on the fantastic opportunity for learning that they offer, if it were not for you giving up your time to attend.
Right from your first communication with us and throughout your stay we will work closely with you to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip is had by staff and pupils alike. A small team of instructors including an appointed Course Coordinator will support you and your group through the stay, communicating with you regularly, responding to your feedback and keeping you updated and informed throughout. They will ensure your programme is meeting your expectations and any changing needs of the group.
Overnight a Duty Instructor is available within the building to support you should any issues occur. They will also ensure the smooth running of evening meals and breakfast so both you and your group are well fed.
We understand that the young people need you at your best so endeavour to ensure your comfort and ability to take those precious 5 minutes rests, on our comfy sofas with a hot tea or coffee. There is a small convenience store just up the road allowing staff to pick up anything you may need with ease.
Example of a KS 3&4
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 and Welcome, Settling in and safety procedures
Afternoon
Team Problem Solving Challenges
Evening
Hot Chocolate on Chesil Beach
Day
Climbing, Abseiling and Weaselling on the cliffs of the Jurassic coast
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
Catapult Challenge
Day
Coastal walk and Coasteering at Portland Bill
Evening
Wide Games / Sports evening
Morning
Coastal Bushcraft, a final dose of the stunning Portland coastline
Afternoon
Review of the week, certificates, farewells and departure
Feel welcomed & looked after
We understand that the communal living aspect of a residential is as important as the activities undertaken and therefore prioritise a welcoming stay, with delicious food and great hospitality.
Supervision of your group is made simple at Portland with all of our facilities and accommodation within one building. Our positive and helpful team is 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
Bringing away a two class year group is easy at Portland Outdoor Centre, with the centre sleeping up to 75 people spread across 13 rooms over two floors. Most rooms sleep between 4 and 7 people in bunk beds, many with views across Portland Harbour.
Converted from a Victorian Hotel the rooms have plenty of light and space, with high ceilings and either ensuite or designated bathrooms for every room. Organising room allocation to best suit your group is easily achieved.
For everyone’s comfort
- Classroom space for meeting and gathering groups
- Lounge / common room
- Large dining room within Dorset Adventure Cafe
- Kitchenette for staff
- Overnight Duty Instructor
- Small outdoor courtyard
- Wi Fi throughout the building
Fuel your adventure
Within the 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.
Everyday groups are filled with hearty and nutritious meals. Breakfast consists of plenty of cooked food along with a selection of cereals and toast, allowing people to choose their favourites and fill up for the day ahead. Packed lunches are issued at breakfast time consisting of your chosen in advance sandwich along with fruit, crisps and snack bar. Everyone is required to bring a water bottle to fill for the day. At the end of a long day out and about we know how important a warm meal is and offer a variety of homely dinners which please all. Sample menus can be issued upon request and our catering team are experienced in catering for all dietary requirements. We are happy to discuss any individual needs in advance.
We have experience in adapting programmes to support children and young people with varying SEND to attend our programmes. Although not a specific SEND centre we have a pragmatic approach and will work closely with school staff and parents to offer an as inclusive programme as possible. Early conversations are key to developing understanding and practical support to ensure no one misses out on the adventure.
Activities for Key Stage 3 & 4
An action-packed programme
We believe in the value of rich engaging outdoor experiences and so take time to enjoy the activities as well the natural spaces they are in.
