Senior School and Sixth Form

Beginning in Year 7, the LFA (Learning, Friendships and Adventure) activity uses the space and resources of Failand to explore and develop team roles, with emphasis on applying these skills in day-to-day life. Your child will also have the opportunity to go away on an overnight Year 7 camp, giving them the chance to get to know their new classmates, as well as trying their hand at orienteering or map reading, lighting fires and tackling a variety of team challenges.

Canoeing, rock climbing and first aid are all offered in Year 8, while in Year 9 your child will take part in a Year 9 camp. This teaches campcraft, navigation, independent travel and cookery skills, and can be used as practice for the Duke of Edinburgh award. BGS is one of the largest centres for DofE in the southwest; around ninety per cent of our students take part in the Bronze award.

In the Sixth Form, large numbers continue to the Gold DofE award, and expeditions take place not just on foot but also by bicycle, kayak and canoe. There is also an outdoor education option on the Games rota in Years 10 and 11, which has included kayaking, climbing, cycling, orienteering and low ropes.

The 2023–2024 academic year saw teams of BGS pupils return to the Ten Tors challenge, the fist BGS teams to take part since the 1970s. This tough but rewarding event requires teams to visit a series of set checkpoints on Dartmoor along routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles, carrying with them everything they need to complete their route, including an overnight camp. Participating in Ten Tors offers a fantastic opportunity for our students to progress their outdoor education journeys at BGS.