I recently completed a course of 7 weeks in the Cuckoo Hill Boot Camp, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe with my class of 31 fifth class children (mixed boys and girls)
From the onset it was obvious that the course was:
- Clearly planned and laid out
- Effectively managed and supervised
- Suitably differentiated to ensure that each child was encouraged and enabled to stretch themselves and reach their potentials in a safe, positive and exiting environment.
The level of instruction and supervision throughout our 7 week experience was extremely professional and I was confident at all times that the health and safety of the children was carefully considered and catered for. Extra supervision and guidance was always provided for children who needed additional help to complete aspects of the course and thoughtful differentiation was incorporated to ensure that regardless of ability or difficulty, all the children were enabled to achieve their potentials.
The changing facilities were spacious and clean and included additional facilities for special needs should they be needed. We were escorted to and from the bus by the instructors and I was fully informed of all aspects of the activities (including differentiation) in advance. This enabled me to make informed choices throughout the sessions about groupings, use of SNA and my own responsibilities.
The Boot Camp itself is an excellent venue. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, we were encased in the world of nature. Excellent use has been made of the natural slopes, valleys, rocks and trees to create several ‘assault’ type courses. There is also great use made of nets, tyres and ropes to create a unique physical challenge. The Bootcamp also includes climbing pits and bog slopes. The sheer scale of the operation is awe inspiring. The problem solving aspect of the course makes use of yet another part of the site. During these sessions the children engaged in physical and mental challenges where team work was fostered and improved.
The thing that impressed me most was that during our 7 week adventure was the fact that every week brought something new. All the children in my class benefited hugely from the experience. The athletic/ sporty children were considerably challenged while the less sporty children were so encouraged and motivated by the excellent instruction that they surpassed all my expectations and achieved personal bests.
The benefits have extended beyond the course itself and I have found my class to be much more co-operative and collaborative during group based activities in classroom situations since.
I would highly recommend this course for 3rd to 6th classes.
The elements of the P.E curriculum covered throughout the course. included aspects from both the ‘Athletics’ and ‘Outdoor and Adventure Activities’ strands. See below for curriculum objectives.
Athletics/Running
- jog or run in a non-competitive setting for periods extending from 30 seconds to 5 minutes
- sprint distances of 50-70 m, developing good acceleration and finishing technique
- practise reaction sprints
- practise the standing start
- practise shuttle sprints (repeat sprints) over a distance of 30 m
Outdoor and adventure activities/ Outdoor challenges
- undertake an adventure trail
- undertake co-operative (trust) activities
- undertake physical challenges
Outdoor and adventure activities /Understanding and appreciation of outdoor and adventure activities
- develop positive attitudes towards caring for the environment
- plan, observe, describe and discuss activities outdoors
- discuss the safety aspects of activities undertaken
Outdoor and adventure activities / Walking, cycling and camping activities
- undertake forest walks
The camp also includes excellent facilities to complete the orienteering aspect of the Outdoor and adventure activities. We did not do this aspect of the camp during our 8 week session but we did have the opportunity to see what was available and it certainly seemed to be suited to orienteering at primary school, level.