Recreation and Leisure

Recreation and Leisure has a unique part to play within the weekly routine of all students. Physical activity can enable the development of spatial bodily awareness, enhance mobility, build self-esteem and cooperation and promote a healthy lifestyle. Physical activities can be used as an expressive, creative and developmental medium through which individuals can communicate emotions and feelings.

As a College, we aim to provide a diverse and challenging spectrum of leisure activities. Students will be given the opportunity and support needed to experience a wide variety of physical and sensory activities that will contribute to an enhanced quality of life.

With an emphasis on facilitating independence and increasing students’ autonomy, our students will be encouraged to choose and explore community based activities suitable to their personalities, needs, skill and interests, whilst developing and understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

So that each student feels a sense of ownership regarding their own leisure program they will be

given the opportunity to visit local amenities and explore brochures and websites in order to make an informed choice about the design of their individual leisure timetable

In addition to the weekly programme of leisure activities within the local community, we run residential visits and overnight camps. The visits serve a number of educational outcomes and give students the opportunity to:-

• Experience an unfamiliar environment
• Build new relationships and show concern for others
• Work as part of a team towards shared goals
• Accept responsibility for self and others
• Develop communication skills
• Show initiative
• Enjoy living and working with others

Also, outside of the students’ weekly programme, we provide the opportunity to undertake both The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Gateway Award Schemes. These awards offer the opportunity to develop and apply skills from all subject areas within a nationally recognised accrediting body.

The accredited awards relevant to each sporting activity will continue to run and develop throughout the student’s time at Beechwood.

Perhaps most importantly, the recreation and leisure team are committed to each student’s enjoyment and positive experiences. Ultimately our students will be encouraged to develop positive routines as part of a healthy and experience-enriched life beyond Beechwood College.