Learning Outside the Classroom

Students have been enjoying sessions at the forest school at Trafford Ecological Park, funded by Cargills in Trafford Park. Forest School teaches students survival skills such as camp fire building and cooking, building - and staying in - a hammock, and recognising different types of wildlife and foliage in the local area.

Wild Tribe is an outdoor therapeutic programme, which aims to help young people develop their communication, teamwork and social skills whilst having lots of fun in a woodland setting. Each week the tribe set up camp in the woods: gather wood, make a fire, cook and share food together. A range of different activities are planned to facilitate the building of a sense of identity, belonging and self-esteem. Students make new friends and learn how to care for others in their ‘tribe’. The activities run for eight weeks and are led by qualified staff. ​

Pupils at Arbour Academy have the opportunity to engage in a number of extra curricular activities such as visits to local museums and theatres. They are also encouraged to participate in sporting activities and take advantage of the local facilities within their local area Some pupils also choose to take up of the offer of music lessons from Salford's peripatetic music service. 

Residentials are held at least once a year. Pupils have previously had the opportunity to visit many places, such as Derbyshire, Wales and France. All school trips and residentials are subsidised by the school to ensure inclusion, in that minimal cost is passed onto parents.

All young people are encouraged to make friends by sharing common activities and developing good listening skills.