SO important are residential trips for young people, Bolton School has its own outdoor adventure learning centre, which is used by pupils at the school and others throughout the borough.

Patterdale Hall, which is situated in a 80-acre estate on the southern shore of Lake Ullswater and has its own qualified instructors and domestic staff.

Pupils can walk out of the licensed residential centre and straight into their first activities of the day, which might include sailing, kayaking, mountaineering, orienteering, gorge walking, abseiling, canoeing, a ropes course, archery, bushcraft or camping.

Philip Britton, headmaster of Bolton School boys' division, said: "This has always been an integral part of a Bolton School education, teaching the boys resilience, perseverance and team-working skills whilst instilling in them a lifelong love of the outdoors.

"For many students, old and new, these adventures provide some of their most enduring school memories."

Sue Hincks, headmistress of the girls’ division, added: “Patterdale provides a wonderful opportunity for girls from an early age to learn how to manage risk and to conquer their fears while developing new skills and their leadership and problem-solving capabilities.

"It also provides an opportunity to make new friends. Pupils are always guaranteed a warm welcome at the hall and we are lucky to enjoy such a facility."

Bolton School is one of just a few schools in the country to have its own outdoor adventure learning centre.

Bolton pupils start their visits to the centre from year four onwards and gradually build up the range and intensity of the challenging activities that they undertake.

Each year, the year nine girls undertake their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition in and around the Patterdale estate.

The setting is also used to develop and enhance children's learning in the classroom

And sessions have included a creative writing workshop, a German study course, an Ogden Physics event and business enterprise learning.

This included pupils from Thornleigh Salesian College and Harper Green School and Bolton School boys taking part in Physics X.

Young people were encouraged to think about the physics in exciting outdoor pursuit activities.

Pupils took part in a various activities, learning about the physics in sailing, archery, gorge walking, climbing and bushcraft.

They also competed in various challenges including rocket building and accurate timing. Pupils were challenged to light a fire using friction fire lighting.

The south wing of the accommodation has been completely refurbished recently.