Student &
Parent Overview
Founder and director, William Pike
What is the William Pike Challenge?
It’s challenging students in ways that simply can not be achieved inside the classroom.
It’s about taking students outside their comfort zone to learn new skills by solving problems or dealing with situations they never expected, but at same time having fun doing it!
The sooner that you can give a young person the skills they need to cope with the unexpected – the better!
Overview
Over the school year, students participate in:
An Outdoor Activity must be 2 or more hours of purposeful effort,
outside, off-site, be human- powered, plus additional criteria.
Bush walking, high ropes and mountain biking are favourites!
5 Outdoor Activities
Students need to complete 20 hours of Community Service - Voluntary work done for free to give back to the community.
For example, a beach clean up or volunteering at the SPCA.
20 hours of Community Service
Passion Projects are a sport or hobby that is totally new to a student. They usually have minimal teacher input and are managed individually.
For example, learning an instrument or gardening.
20 hours of Passion Projects
The detail…
Some real life stories…
Juliet has been making a real difference in her community by giving her time to Replay NZ who deliver recycled sporting gear to Kiwi kids who are unable to access their own.
Juliet - Community Service
Jessica took up gardening as her Passion Project. Here Jessica is proudly showing off her first strawberry! She has gone on to grow tomatoes, spinach and pumpkins. She learnt a lot about problem solving, self-responsibility and organisation!
Jessica - Passion Project
We encourage teachers to plan low cost activities that utilise the school’s local people, places and environment.
A popular Outdoor Activity is bush walking where a range of skills can be developed: leadership, communication, resilience, problem solving and so much more!
Outdoor Activities
What skills do students learn?
The WPC programme offers an exciting and proven pathway for schools to meet achievement standards for Education Outside the Classroom, the health and physical education learning area. There are also natural links to the Key Competencies and endless opportunities for cross-curricular learning.
NZ Curriculum links
Online platform for students…
What do students say?
What do parents say?
The challenges my daughter faced have shown her strengths she didn’t know she had and that she can overcome what she thought was impossible. She will always look back at these events as reminders and it will give her the determination she needs. She will also be a helpful part of the community, as she appreciates helping out
Westport Parent
Parent feedback
We are so grateful for the WPC. The teamwork and fun my child experienced has been amazing. My son has made new friends and has even improved his writing skills. He’s matured emotionally and is ready for high school. The intermediate years are perfect for this programme. I’ve loved doing the community service with my son too.
Auckland Parent
It has given her an opportunity to experience new outdoor activities with her friends that she hasn’t previously tried. She is very keen to do the Duke of Edinburgh award having now completed WPC. I think it has given her the confidence that she is able to participate in new challenges and enjoy success. It has also shown her how many different possibilities for Community Service and Passion Projects there are out there!
Wellington Parent
Official merchandise
William’s autobiography
Quick-dry t-shirts
Badges
Available from williampikechallenge.co.nz
@williampikechallengeaward
@pikechallenge
williampikechallenge.co.nz