We’re supporting students to push their limits in a process of self-discovery. Through a variety of experiences and challenges, we’ll venture beyond stereotypes and self-doubt to build confidence, develop resilience, broaden horizons and create possibility.
Venture Beyond in action
OA-Havering students reach new heights
Students from OA-Havering embarked on a fully funded ski trip to Italy – the first of its kind in alternative provision – developing confidence, independence and new skills.
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Community to Classroom event creates connections that venture beyond
Our Community to Classroom event connected local leaders, businesses and supporters with students and staff, showcasing how community collaboration helps young people re-engage with education, build confidence and access new opportunities beyond the classroom.
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Cambridgeshire students achieve DofE success
Two of our academies became the first alternative provisions in Cambridgeshire to have students complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award - a milestone opening new opportunities beyond the classroom.
Learn moreHow it began: outdoor learning for inner growth
The initial goal for Olive Academies (OA) Foundation was to raise funds to deliver specialist residential enrichment programmes for all OA students to participate in.
This programme was successfully delivered, giving students the chance to challenge themselves, connect with others and discover new strengths. Planned and led by OA staff, in partnership with specialist outdoor learning providers, the programme was tailored to meet individual needs and ensure lasting impact for every participant.The experience helped students to:
- build resilience
- develop confidence
- increase positive engagement with learning
- improve interpersonal skills
- support relationship-building
- learn self-regulation
- broaden horizons
- discover new interests in physical activities and healthy habits
OA staff have continued to build on these outcomes in the classroom, helping students apply what they learned outdoors to their wider education and personal development.
What is Venture Beyond now?
While Venture Beyond began with outdoor learning, it has since grown into a broader theme that represents how OA Foundation helps students step beyond their comfort zones across every area of learning and life. It’s about giving our young people the courage, opportunity and support to reach further, to develop practical skills, creative confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. These are transferable traits which will stand them in good stead for a successful future.Today, Venture Beyond encompasses a wide range of programmes, with a focus on initiatives that will benefit current and future pupils. From gardening projects that teach hands-on skills and provide a creative, therapeutic outlet, to Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities that offer accredited qualifications and unforgettable experiences, each initiative is designed to help students build self-belief and purpose.
Venture Beyond also encourages students to take pride in their academies and communities. Initiatives such as the Community to Classroom event empower students to showcase their achievements, welcome visitors and recognise how far they’ve come, developing social skills and self-confidence they can use throughout their lives.
Through these experiences, they can learn that venturing beyond is about discovering what they are capable of, finding their place in the world and shaping their own futures with confidence.
The impact of outdoor learning on attainment and behaviour
University of Edinburgh
The authentic and informal outdoor context provides rich opportunities for the development of peer and pupil-teacher relationships. Such connections improve behaviour for learning and are central to young people's attachment, sense of belonging and commitment to school and their academic career more generally.”
Jaxon
OA student
Taking part in new experiences has given me confidence in myself. If I’m willing to try, and I put the effort in, I can achieve things. It’s made me think about what else might be possible.
Yusuf
OA student
Rock climbing has taught me to push myself. To not give up when things get tough, but to find ways to work around problems.
The Institute for Outdoor Learning
Adventure learning interventions consistently show positive benefits on academic learning and wider outcomes such as self-confidence.
Leah
OA student
I feel better about myself. I’m learning not to give up and that it’s ok to ask for help.