Adventure

Our rural surroundings provide an ideal setting for many outdoor activities. Participation in the Outward Bound Moonrakers programme is compulsory during the Third Form, when courses such as survival and navigation run alongside a choice of activities, as varied as rock climbing and kayaking. Run by Dauntsey's staff and qualified instructors, it provides an introduction to various senior school societies and groups, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and the Ten Tors expedition.

The Moonrakers course culminates in a week's residential camp late in the summer term, where our own staff work alongside trained outdoor education instructors at an Outdoor Education Centre in North Wales.

Perhaps surprisingly for a landlocked school, we also maintain and sail the 'Jolie Brise'. Built in 1913, this 56-foot gaff cutter has won the Fastnet Race three times, and any girl or boy in the Fourth Form (year 10) or above can join the sailing club. Since 2000, Dauntsey's Sailing Club has competed in six Tall Ships Races and in the summer of 2009, pupils will crew her on the Tall Ships Transatlantic Race.

Canoeing is taken particularly seriously with several teams entering the annual Devizes to Westminster race and the Brecon's Challenge which attracts pairs of senior girls and boys to spend a weekend canoeing, cycling and running through the Welsh mountains. The Triathlon is another event that is gaining in popularity and consists of 400m swim, a 1.55 mile cycle ride and ends in a 0.25 mile run.

For more detailed information on adventure activities at Dauntsey's and to view our slide shows, please click on the activities listed on the left of this page or use the following link to read our latest Adventure News and Highlights.