Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre is a local authority-run establishment that offers high-quality outdoor learning packages designed to support and enhance the curriculum for class day visits. The outdoor education centre is part of the Children's Service and can provide targeted interventions to improve attendance, attainment, sense of belonging, and overall engagement in school. The team are experienced specialists in working with individuals and small groups, including those with behavioural and SEND needs.
The centre holds the following accreditations:
- Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) Licence
- AHOEC Gold Standard
- Learning Outside the Classroom (LoTC) Quality Badge
- AdventureMark
- Ofsted - voluntary register
During your visit to WOEC, both children and teaching staff will share unique experiences, fostering improved relationships and understanding. The team of instructors can deliver sessions that meet your intended learning outcomes whilst developing resilience, self-confidence, risk management, and many other key skills.
We can offer everything from one-off day visits, through to regular progressive sessions or residential packages working with local accommodation providers.
Talk to one of the team to compose a bespoke package for your out-of-school learning 01305 784 927.
Safeguarding your children
At Dorset Children's Services, keeping children safe and thriving is at the heart of all that we do. Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre works in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
We also have a Designated Safeguarding Lead; their role is to lead safeguarding and child protection within the centre, ensuring that children, young people, and families are protected from harm and that safeguarding practices meet the standards set by the Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre works in accordance with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Finally, we take care in our recruitment of staff and volunteers, using DBS checks, interviews and references to ensure they are suitable to work with children and families.
Adventure Sessions
Choose one or multiple three-hour activity sessions, to suit the needs and adventure level of your group. The Adventure sessions are ideal for KS2 and KS3 students, working in groups of up to 12 for an energetic taster of what we offer.
On site activities
Choose from indoor options such as team games and traversing in the hall though to navigating the indoor tunnels by head torch. Taking one step outdoors, you can stay on site but get the feel of adventure and climb the Portland stone tower or test your fire lighting skills with a spot of Bushcraft. For those wanting to head out in our minibuses and explore, we offer rock hopping and sea cliff climbing on Portland too.
Activities:
- archery - sticky arrows or live arrows in the sports hall
- animal Oorienteering - inside navigation learning about map orientation. This activity is a good warm up to the off site activity
- climbing tower - outside stone tower with group belaying
- climbing wall - indoor roped wall with group belaying
- traverse wall - indoor sideways climbing games. This activity is a good warm up to roped climbing
- fire lighting and shelter building - outside bushcraft area, marshmallow toasting included
- team games - unlock the code to the tunnels by completing the challenges as a team
- tunnels - follow the animal tracks and explore the indoor cave system by head torch
Off site activities
For those wanting to head out in our minibuses and explore, choose one or two of the below activities. Choose a maximum of two off site activities or hire some additional transport for larger groups.
- Beach safety - learn about the dangers and how to keep safe at the beach
- Mega SUP - all aboard the giant paddle board for a very wet session
- Orienteering - work as a team to complete the orienteering course at local country parks
- Rock hop - explore the wonders of Tout Quarry sculpture park climbing on, over and through things!
- Mount Chesil - the next level rock hop for KS3+. Scramble up to the top of Portland for a view across Chesil Beach
Price
From £19.75 per person
Bookable per group of 12 at £237 per Adventure session
Prices valid until March-end 2027
20% Winter discount for onsite activities Nov to March-end
Adventure+ Sessions
Choose one four-hour activity session per day or mix it with a shorter on-site activity for a full day of adrenaline-fueled fun. The Adventure+ sessions are run with 2 instructors and are set in a more challenging environment. These activities are ideal for KS3 and KS4 students who have a little more resilience and want to dial up the challenge level. All of the sessions are off site and include minibus transfers. Choose a maximum of two activities or hire some additional transport for larger groups.
Water based
Explore the coastline and immerse yourself in the seashore habitat for a geography lesson with a twist.
- Coasteering - guided exploration of Portland Bill, including geology, swimming, jumping and climbing
- Kayaking - guided paddle around Portland Harbour, including maritime history and you might even see dolphins
- Stand up paddleboarding - work on your core stability and sense of adventure with a paddleboarding session
Land based
Explore the Dorset landscape from a different perspective.
- Trail biking - explore the local forest tracks and trails by mountain bike and improve your map reading skills along the way
- Rock climbing - develop trust and communication on the crags of Portland for a real rock climbing adventure
- Abseiling - test your head for heights as you abseil down to the rocky shore from the coast path
Price
From £52.67 per person.
Bookable per group of 12 at £632 per Adventure+ session.
Prices valid until March-end 2027.
Regular participation sessions
Being part of Dorset Councils outdoor education service, the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC) team pride themselves on delivering high quality activities whilst drawing out curriculum links and learning objectives. Through regular participation in the outdoors students have the opportunity to develop core social, emotional and communication skills that they will continue to develop back in the classroom and into life.
- communication and teamwork
- confidence and creativity
- determination and independence
- resilience and handling failure
- celebrating success and having empathy
Before your visit
You should bring:
- refillable water bottle
- snacks (lunch if you are here all day)
- full change of clothes including shoes
- waterproof and windproof layers
- sun cream, sunhat, any medication
For waters sports you will also need:
- swimming costume or shorts to go under a wetsuit (if doing watersports)
- shoes you don't mind getting wet (old trainers are ideal, crocks and flip flops fall off!)
- towel to get dry after your watersports (spare clothes and shoes to get changed into).
Wet suits, buoyancy aids, helmets, harnesses etc are all provided.
You should wear clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty and shoes that protect your feet. Open-toed sandals, flip flops and sliders will not be permitted on any activity, including watersports. Please also note that Corcs will not be permitted for archery and climbing.