Secondary School courses

At Arran Outdoor Education Centre, we provide outstanding residential experiences that combine adventure, personal development, and outdoor learning in one of Scotland's most inspiring natural environments.

Whether you are a pupil, teacher, parent, or guardian, our aim is to ensure every young person gains the maximum benefit from their time with us. Through carefully planned programmes and expert instruction, students are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, develop new skills, and build confidence that extends far beyond the residential experience.

While the excitement of adventurous activities is often what initially attracts young people to the centre, we recognise that some of the most valuable learning takes place outside the activity sessions. Living, learning, and working together in a residential setting provides students with unique opportunities to develop essential life skills, strengthen relationships, and grow as individuals.

Our experienced team creates a supportive and inclusive environment where young people can challenge themselves, increase their resilience, improve communication skills, and develop greater independence. These are qualities that contribute not only to academic success but also to future education, employment, and life opportunities.

Adventure Field Studies

This secondary Geography course has been developed for the S3 to S4 year groups, however it would be appropriate for any secondary groups. It follows a mix of experiential, adventurous activities and more traditional fieldwork methods and techniques. North Glen Sannox Gorge is our gorge walking venue - which provides some adventurous challenges while experiencing upper river system features.

The jumps in the pools and slides on the granite slabs are interspersed with discussions on erosional and depositional features. Key processes are discussed such as; abrasion, attrition, and hydraulic action contributing to students’ geographical river knowledge. Other adventurous fieldwork sessions may include; abseiling back in time on Devonian conglomerates, snorkelling in the ‘No-take-zone’, mountain day walks in the glaciated landscape of the Northern Granites, sea science sessions on the Coastal Explorer research boat - looking at sea-bed geomorphology.

Key processes are discussed such as; abrasion, attrition, and hydraulic action contributing to students’ geographical river knowledge. Other adventurous fieldwork sessions may include; abseiling back in time on Devonian conglomerates, snorkelling in the ‘No-take-zone’, mountain day walks in the glaciated landscape of the Northern Granites, sea science sessions on the Coastal Explorer research boat - looking at sea-bed geomorphology. Evening sessions can include follow up workshops on the days fieldwork or more relaxing activities at the centre. The programmes are very flexible and teachers are encouraged to contact the centre to co-design their bespoke adventure fieldwork programme.

Geography Field Studies

Geography fieldwork courses for all secondary year groups S1 to S6 can be catered for. Traditional fieldwork venues to study physical environments include:

• Glen Rosa – a classic location to observe; Post-Glacial environments and alpine mountain landscapes, coupled with river studies and landuse discussions.
• Kildonan Shore – evidence of constructive plate margins and former tectonic regime (basic fieldwork measurements and analysis). Beach profiling on various raised beaches around the island.
• Land-use and soils with general transects.
• Human Geography projects and data gathering can be integrated and follow; settlement studies, service and traffic studies in the island villages.

Evening sessions on residential fieldwork courses can spend time analysing and reviewing the data gathered during the day and have some time to relax with down-time. We offer a tailored approach to fieldwork methods and techniques and encourage teachers to contact the centre to co-design their course.

Leadership and Wellbeing

The Outdoor Leadership and Wellbeing Course at Arran Outdoor Education Centre is a residential programme for secondary school pupils designed to develop leadership, confidence, resilience, teamwork and personal wellbeing through outdoor adventure and challenge.

Participants take part in activities such as canoe team rescues, abseiling, mountain days, gorge walking, rock climbing, team-building challenges, and outdoor wellness experiences, all of which encourage them to step outside their comfort zones and develop new skills. The course focuses on understanding team dynamics, identifying personal strengths, coping with challenges, setting goals, building trust in others, and reflecting on personal growth, helping young people become more confident, capable and positive leaders in their schools and communities.

Study Weekends

Boost confidence, improve attainment, and prepare for exam success in an inspiring island environment, help students to achieve their full potential.

Our School Supported Study Weekends at Arran Outdoor Education Centre combine focused study with outdoor activities, helping students prepare effectively for forthcoming Term four examinations. Set against the stunning backdrop of Arran, these residential weekends provide a positive learning experience away from everyday distractions.

Programmes can be tailored for targeted groups or whole year cohorts. Structured study sessions give students dedicated time to focus on key subjects, while outdoor activities support wellbeing, resilience, teamwork, and stress management. This balance helps young people develop academically and personally, returning to school refreshed, confident, motivated, and better prepared for exam challenges.

School bookings during term time will open on 19 October 2026 for term 2027 to 2028.