Our dedicated Outdoor Education specialist is based in the Carole Marr Outdoor Education Centre, at our Duchal Road site. We are proud to be sector leaders in Outdoor Education, running one of the most successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes in Scotland, with more than three quarters of our Gold participants going on to achieve their award.

We offer a range of nationally recognised, progressive awards which allow pupils to develop resilience and the ability to problem solve; and learn to work as part of a team in some of Scotland’s most beautiful locations, many of which are located on our doorstep, including the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. In the Junior School, we offer the Mini & Junior Dukes Award (of which we are proud to have Ally McCoist MBE as our Patron); in Transitus, pupils participate in the John Muir Award; and in Senior School, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is very popular.  

We are also delighted to offer a number of training courses: 

The National Navigation Award Scheme

The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get out and enjoy the countryside. 

St Columba’s is a registered provider of NNAS awards which are recognised by the Royal Institute of Navigation, Mountain Training UK and the national Outdoor Training Centre, Glenmore Lodge.

www.nnas.org.uk

British Canoeing

From Pinkston Watersports in the centre of Glasgow to Lochs and Rivers across Scotland pupils have the opportunity to develop their kayaking and canoeing skills and take part in expeditions. Supported by our Canoe Coaches, pupils can gain British Canoeing 1 Star & 2 Star awards. 

www.canoescotland.org/courses-training/bcu-star-awards

Royal Yachting Association Sailing Course – (specifically Junior 5 and 6)

British Canoe Union Paddle Power course

Cycle Scotland’s Mountain Biking course