Bridgwater College Students Rise to the Challenge at Cannington Activity Centre (September 2010)

First year business students had a great start to college life when they visited Cannington Activity Centre as part of their induction process during their first week of term at Bridgwater College. The group of new students joined forces with second year travel students at the College, allowing both teams to bond and make new friends.

Staff and students alike were put through their paces doing a range of challenging team building activities specially designed to get new students working together in a fun environment. Bridgwater College recognises the need for students to make the best possible start to their careers at the College and ensures that students receive a thorough and enjoyable induction programme.

The benefits of a comprehensive induction for new, often nervous students are well documented, including: better retention of students; higher achievement; more productive relationships; and the opportunity for staff to develop trust and respect with their students.

Cannington Activity Centre Manager, Leon Troake said, "It is fantastic that the students have this excellent facility to use and the benefits of this type of activity were clear from the moment the activities began."

During their visit the students took part in a variety of different tasks and challenging obstacles which included Giant's Finger, Trust Fall Platform, High All Aboard, The Spider's Web, The Leap of Faith, The Chasm Crossing, Jacob's Ladder and Giant Crate Staking.

Alan Chandler, Business Programme Manager at Bridgwater College said, "The groups were taken out of their comfort zone and responded brilliantly. It was great to see students and staff working together and having fun enjoying activities which we are still talking about several weeks later. We will definitely return again next year."