Who are the Outdoor Education Team (OET)?
It's well known that taking part in outdoor pursuits can help build young people's self-confidence and encourage teamwork.
The OET work with schools across South Tyneside offering outdoor education opportunities, both land and sea-based.
We are based at Simonside Youth Centre and are also responsible for the Water Activities Centre at the seafront in South Shields.
Water Activities Centre
From Easter to the October half term, the Water Activities Centre offer a range of water activities for all. During the term-time, we mainly cater for school groups. After school hours, during the school holidays and on Saturday mornings, the centre is used by groups identified by the Youth Service, Youth Inclusion Programme and other agencies working with young people and residents from South Tyneside.
The centre staff have excellent working relationships with a number of agencies providing positive activities to young people.
Equipment
Visitors need only provide basic clothing such as shorts, t-shirt, old trainers and a towel to take part in activities.
We have a range of specialist equipment for use by students, including:
- Wetsuits
- Dry suits
- Buoyancy aids
- Lifejackets
- Helmets
- Jackets
We also have a good selection of kayaks and canoes including sea kayaks, general purpose kayaks and open canoes and a trailer to transport them to other venues for more advanced groups when the need arises.
Sailing takes place in the harbour using training dinghies. We also have a larger, more stable, sailing boat for the use of students with special needs which we purchased in partnership with Oakleigh Gardens School.
Safety
To support the canoes and sailing dinghies, we have two modern safety boats and a jet ski. These are used to provide safety cover for activities on the water and also for training young people in water safety.
Safety first!
- The centre has its own Adventurous Activities Licence, issued by the AALA.
- We are recognised by the Royal Yachting Association as an approved teaching centre.
- The centre is inspected regularly to ensure the standard of equipment and the quality of teaching.
The OET are supported by a range of volunteers who have gained qualifications at the centre and are keen to put something back into the delivery of water based activities to children, young people and families in South Tyneside.
In association with the Thurston Outdoor Education Centre, we have developed a comprehensive list of policies and procedures surrounding out of centre visits and activities:
Where to find us
The centre is adjacent to the council launching ramp near the Littlehaven Hotel in South Shields.
Water Activities Centre
The Groyne
Harbour Drive
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE33 1LH
Tel: 0191 455 5414
Enquiries To: Simonside Youth Centre on 0191 424 0118
