Adventure

Using the historic Jesuit Gardens as a setting, pupils are introduced to the skill of archery in a safe and supportive environment. Over five weeks, they learn to manage equipment responsibly, develop focus and accuracy, and participate in engaging games that challenge their concentration and perseverance. This activity not only builds physical coordination but also fosters self-discipline and confidence.

The Bushcraft programme offers pupils an immersive experience in survival skills and environmental awareness. Following a carefully designed curriculum, students learn essential techniques such as shelter building, water purification, fire lighting, and crafting with natural materials. The course culminates in an exciting ‘survival scenario,’ where students apply their knowledge to create camps and thrive in a simulated wilderness setting. This hands-on approach encourages creativity, resourcefulness, and a deep respect for the natural world.

This programme combines adventure and skill-building using the school’s state-of-the-art Lazertag system. Set within the school’s expansive grounds and woodlands, pupils participate in dynamic, objective-based games that require strategy, communication, and teamwork. By taking on specific roles within their teams, students hone their leadership abilities, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, all while enjoying an exhilarating outdoor experience.

This programme invites pupils to explore the rich biodiversity surrounding Stonyhurst College. Through activities like scavenger hunts, bird feeder crafting, ornithological studies, and self-guided exploration, pupils gain a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna native to the Ribble Valley. By fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship, this programme highlights the interconnectedness of all living things and inspires students to protect and cherish their natural surroundings.

Located next to St Mary’s Hall, the Mission Garden provides a hands-on introduction to sustainable gardening. Depending on the season, pupils engage with the garden’s abundant fruits and vegetables, learning practical skills such as building planters, distributing crops, and planting trees. This programme not only reconnects former St Mary’s Hall pupils with a familiar space but also introduces all participants to the joys and benefits of cultivating a garden, encouraging sustainable practices and a love for nature.

Orienteering offers pupils a challenging and engaging way to develop essential navigation skills. Through the use of maps and compasses, pupils participate in races and events that test their ability to plan routes, locate checkpoints, and avoid penalties. This activity promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance, making it an excellent precursor to the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. By combining physical activity with problem-solving, orienteering helps pupils build confidence and resilience in a fun and collaborative environment.

Through the campcraft programme pupils focus on learning how to conduct themselves on campsites, both wild and paid for, in what is hopefully a stepping stone to either completing their Duke of Edinburgh award or simply being able to spend time in and enjoy the outdoors in future years. Looking at camp cooking, tent and camp set up, learning to observe and use the natural environment as well as how to conduct and look after one another in a camp setting.

As the pupils work towards their fundamental paddle sports skills award they learn to paddle canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Learning to work independently and in small teams to manoeuvre a variety of crafts around Spade Mill Reservoir.

As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, it is great to be able to provide pupils with the opportunity to experience different types of climbing. Over the 5 week programme pupils experience bouldering and wall climbing. Bouldering is one of the purest forms of climbing with participants using just climbing shoes and some chalk to scale short walls over crash pads. Wall climbing requires more specialist equipment such as harnesses, ropes and belay devices, as well as the knowledge on how to use them! With the prospect of representing the school in future competitions, learning the many disciplines of climbing is a worthwhile investment for all involved.

Under the guidance of experienced coach David Varey and his assistant, Sophia, pupils learn to handle foils and Eppes in competitive, fun fencing sessions. Through these and afterschool sessions techniques and tactics are developed which may be of use to pupils when competing in future years.

Fishing has historical importance to Stonyhurst with the school even having their own fishing fly design, The Stonyhurst Black. This fly was designed to catch fish to feed the entire school. From Fishing lakes to riverbanks, pupils practice and perfect the different fishing techniques required to fish for different species of fish.

Exploring the trails and terrains surrounding Stonyhurst College, the mountain biking programme provides pupils with an opportunity to develop their technical riding skills and physical endurance.

Over the course of five weeks, participants are introduced to key techniques such as gear management, braking, cornering, and navigating challenging landscapes. The programme focuses not only on building individual confidence but also on promoting teamwork through group rides and collaborative challenges.

With an emphasis on safety and environmental awareness, pupils are encouraged to respect the natural trails they explore while gaining an appreciation for the exhilarating freedom that mountain biking offers. This activity serves as an excellent gateway for pupils looking to pursue mountain biking recreationally or competitively in the future.

Stonyhurst College provides pupils with the opportunity to enjoy clay pigeon shooting either on its own outdoor range or at the nearby Toplands Clay Shoot in Woodplumpton. Toplands offers comprehensive layouts, including 50 Bird Sporting, Skeet, and Down the Line, providing a variety of challenges for both beginners and experienced shooters. This enriching activity helps pupils develop discipline, focus, and camaraderie, while offering a unique and engaging pastime.

Stonyhurst has also seen its pupils participate in the Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition at the International Shooting Competition.

Indoor target rifle shooting at Stonyhurst College offers pupils the opportunity to develop precision, focus, and discipline in a controlled and supportive environment. Taking place in our dedicated onsite indoor range, this co-curricular activity is guided by experienced instructors who prioritise safety and skill development. Pupils learn the fundamentals of marksmanship, including breathing control, posture, and sight alignment, while also building confidence and concentration. Whether competing in school matches or simply enjoying the challenge of personal improvement, target rifle shooting fosters patience and perseverance—qualities that benefit pupils far beyond the range.

Dog walking at Stonyhurst College is a popular and rewarding way for pupils to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the companionship of our friendly resident dogs. Set within Stonyhurst’s stunning 1,000-acre estate, these relaxed walks offer pupils the chance to explore the beautiful grounds while enjoying the calming presence of our four-legged friends. Pupils take turns caring for and walking the dogs, developing a sense of responsibility, empathy, and mindfulness. It’s a simple yet enriching activity that brings joy, fresh air, and a moment of calm to the school day.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards are recognised by universities and organisations around the world for the self-improvement and charitable works a young person must undertake to earn them.

With the help of our adult leaders at Stonyhurst, pupils choose their tasks and set their own objectives to attain their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, which require increasing levels of commitment to:

• Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
• Physical activity: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness.
• Acquiring skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
• Undertaking an Expedition: planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey.

Pupils must complete an additional shared residential activity which involves staying and working away from home to achieve the widely respected Gold Award, which offers exceptional opportunities for personal development and forging connections which last a lifetime.