At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning sessions that inspire confidence and personal growth in young people.
- Company: Harbour School Dorset, dedicated to transforming education through adventure.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for personal development and teamwork.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to creating positive learning experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by fostering resilience and self-belief.
- Qualifications: Outdoor qualifications and experience working with young people, especially those with additional needs.
Not a typical teaching role. A different kind of impact. When learning moves beyond the classroom and into the outdoors, something powerful happens. Confidence grows, barriers come down, and young people begin to see themselves differently. Our Adventure Learning team at Harbour School Dorset work with pupils who may find traditional education challenging or overwhelming. For some, the classroom hasn’t been the place where they’ve felt successful or understood. This is where you come in. As an Adventure Learning Instructor, you’ll create opportunities for pupils to experience success in new ways – through challenge, exploration and shared experiences. You’ll help them reconnect with learning, build resilience, and develop a belief in what they can achieve. Because before progress can happen, confidence and trust have to come first. And when they do – those moments matter. A pupil takes a risk. A team works together. Someone realises they can do something they never thought possible. That’s the impact you’ll have.
What you’ll be doing:
- Planning and delivering engaging outdoor learning sessions that support personal development and growth
- Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where pupils can build confidence and resilience
- Leading adventurous activities in line with safety guidance and best practice
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to support engagement and participation
- Adapting activities to meet individual needs, including those with SEND and SEMH
- Encouraging teamwork, communication and problem-solving through shared challenges
- Supporting pupils to develop independence, self-belief and a positive attitude to learning
Who you are:
- Passionate about outdoor learning and its impact on young people
- Patient, empathetic and able to build trust with pupils who may feel unsure or disengaged
- Resilient and adaptable, with the confidence to respond to changing situations
- A positive and calm presence, even when things don’t go to plan
- Creative in your approach, able to engage pupils in different and meaningful ways
- A strong team player who values collaboration and shared success
- Committed to supporting pupils with a wide range of needs, including SEND and SEMH
- Organised and responsible, with a strong focus on safety and wellbeing
- Motivated by long-term development and small, meaningful steps of progress
You’ll also bring:
- Relevant outdoor qualifications (e.g. NGB awards such as CWI, Paddlesport Leader, or MIAS/British Cycling MTB Level 2)
- At least 2 years’ experience delivering outdoor or instructional sessions
- Experience working with young people, particularly those with social, emotional or behavioural needs
Adventure Learning Instructor employer: Harbour School Dorset
At Harbour School Dorset, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our Adventure Learning Instructors play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people through outdoor education, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and resilience, our culture encourages instructors to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Dorset.
