Physical Education - Junior and Senior Cycle

Cappanalea OETC is equipped to provide the Outdoor Activity modules as

detailed in the Physical Education curriculum. The activities would include Individual

and team challenges which can be catered on both a residential and non- residential basis.

It also provides an opportunity for the group to learn skills in decision making, communication, and problem

solving as well as gaining a sense of achievement and camaraderie as they accomplish each task. Cappanalea can tailor

a course specific to the needs of the group. Cappanalea OETC also provides an annual Adventure Activities Module

Rich Task in the form of a major Inter Schools Orienteering Event, where over 500 first year students part take in

a day’s orienteering programme.

Environmental Studies – Including Biology; Geography and Conservation Studies

Our sister centre Killarney National Park Education Centre is a joint venture between Kerry Education and Training

Board and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. KNPEC run a wide number of environmental courses, focusing upon

the unique flora and fauna of our special part of the world. The Centre runs specific school programmes which are

targeted towards junior science; biology; ecology and geography. A complete range of fully guided field studies courses

is available for post-primary schools visiting Killarney National Park. All courses fulfil curricula requirements and are

designed to allow the student to practice a variety of field techniques. Key concepts of ecology and geography are dealt

with in depth. For more details on Leaving Certificate; Transition Year and Junior Cycle environmental programmes or

Primary School nature based programmes, please contact KNPEC directly at (064) 6635960 or

knpeducationcentre@eircom.net

“ The students are still talking about how much they enjoyed it, and of course the great thing was that they were learning so much while they were having fun. Ecology is becoming a more and more important part of the leaving

certificate syllabus, so to be able to cover the fieldwork so comprehensively in one day is invaluable.”

– Anna Walsh, Sutton Park School.

This is a guide of the dynamic and adventurous courses which are aimed at post primary schools.

The courses can be run on a residential or non – residential basis. The programmes are aimed at

supporting and enhance the learning which occurs within the schools. All our courses are student

focused and include adventure, fun, knowledge and skills throughout.

The Explore Course - Expedition in Personal and Life Skills through Outdoor Education

This continues to be a popular course which is specifically aimed towards transition year students. It is a five day

residential course which involves three days training, followed by a two day self-guided expedition. The training includes

elements such as; navigation, canoeing, abseiling and camp craft as preparation for the expedition. The Explore Course

is designed with an emphasis placed on the development of Personal Skills through the medium of Outdoor Education.

The course has numerous adventurous elements such as canoeing, abseiling, hill walking and wilderness camping with a

campfire. Course presents students with powerful shared experiences with their peers, provided opportunities to reflect

on wider life issues and above all creates fond memories of transition year. (Surprisingly this mountain expedition is

currently not recognised by An Gaisce).

Team Building

Cappanalea OETC offer both residential and non-residential Team Building Programmes. These can be overnight, a day

long or half day non-residential Team Building programmes. These can run at a class level; year group level or at school

or inter-school level. These programmes can be run in your school grounds or out in Cappanalea. Students work in

small groups to complete a series of mini outdoor challenges over the course of the programme. They are targeted to

engage all students, those active and those less active; the bright students; the practical hands on students and those who

like to be challenged mentally. All facets of student performance are engaged in the Team Building Programmes.

“I learnt a lot about myself on the expedition. It was a huge boost to my confidence and has changed the way I view things. I would highly recommend the expedition to everyone as it was an opportunity of a lifetime” – Daniel Cheung (2015)

Leaving Certificate Applied - Leisure & Recreation, (PE) Outdoor Education Module

Cappanalea OETC have developed a five day programme that can be run residentially or run one day over a series of

weeks to fulfil the requirements for each module. The modules consist of Orienteering, Basic first aid, Navigation, Camp

Craft, Team Challenges and Emergency procedures and Mountain hazards. The students will be issued a logbook on

commencement of the course and will be assisted with its completion throughout each module.

E2 - Adventure Expedition

This Adventure Expedition is aimed at the senior cycle students, as part of the Kerry Active School Programme.

The Expedition runs annually over the Easter break and application onto this prestigious expedition is open to all senior

cycle. There is two day’s training provided prior to the expedition in skills such as camp craft, cooking and rucksack

packing in preparation for the expedition, and on media skills. The expedition focuses on a journey which includes the

outdoor skills of hill walking, rock climbing, sea kayaking, camp cooking, and camping skills as well as the inter personal

skills of decision making, problem solving, team work, communication and team bonding around the campfire, whilst

fostering a sense of independence and understanding of the environment.

Gaisce - the President’s Award

Gaisce the President’s award is a school and outdoor centre based programme.

It provides an opportunity for the participant to train, plan and complete a journey

involving challenge, adventure and fun. Cappanalea can deliver on the requirements to

groups wishing to complete each of the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Each programme offered can be

tailored to the specific needs of the group. Just call us and we can help your students reach their full potential

on this incredible journey.

Outdoor Challenge

The Outdoor Challenge courses can be designed to run as single day programmes

up to multi day programmes. They focus on key areas of; Problem solving,

Adaptability, Team work and using their Initiative in an outdoor setting. The challenges

involve training in a range of outdoor activities followed by challenges where the students get to put their

newly acquired skills to the test. The Outdoor Challenge can also include an overnight camp and campfire or they

can choose to Bivi out under the stars. It is a memorable experience for the students to reflect and look back

on in the years to come.

Day Courses

Cappanalea also offers non-residential adventure programmes for post primary schools. Here the students can

participate and choose from a variety of outdoor adventure activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling raft

building, stand-up paddle boarding; orienteering etc. These are just some of the activities which can help to create

an adventurous and memorable school trip.