22nd September 2025 Adam Hartland

New Adventures and New Friendships: Year 7’s Pioneer Centre Experience

At the start of term, Year 7 students enjoyed a much-anticipated visit to the Pioneer Centre in Shropshire

This annual adventure is designed to help students settle into Senior School life by building friendships, getting to know their tutors, and taking on new challenges together.

Over the course of the trip, the students threw themselves into a packed programme of outdoor activities. From high ropes and zip lines to archery and raft building, there was something for everyone. As well as being a lot of fun, each activity was a chance to practise teamwork, communication and problem solving – key skills that will serve our students well both in and out of the classroom.

Isla (Year 7T) summed the trip up perfectly: “The Pioneer Centre was such an incredible experience. It helped me bond and make new friends. The trip will stay with me for a long time.

Cora (Year 7K) added: “The activities were packed with fun. I loved the zip line the most because it was fast and so cool. I also enjoyed the inflatable challenge. The food was good and the rooms were a lot of fun!

As always, the Pioneer Centre staff were welcoming and supportive, encouraging every student to step out of their comfort zone in a safe and positive environment. Kian (7S) reflected: “We enjoyed many thrilling activities which not only built on our teamworking skills but also challenged us to take part in things we wouldn’t otherwise have tried. The staff there were friendly and supportive, ensuring our safety while we had fun.

The Year 7 tutors were full of praise for the group, noting how enthusiastically students approached each challenge and how supportive they were of one another throughout the trip. It was a fantastic way to begin their Senior School journey, filled with enthusiasm, encouragement and shared experiences.

We’re proud of how well our new Year 7s represented the school, and we’re already looking forward to seeing how the friendships and confidence built during the trip continue to grow over the year.

The Kingsley School