RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL TRIPS: INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Residential school trips are organized in Year 2 Nursery and Years 1 to 5 Primary. These trips are considered to be an important feature of the school year from which children benefit not only academically but also socially.

The trips organised for 2009/2010 are:

• Nursery Year 2 - Two days based at Charney Manor
• Primary Year 1 - Two days based at Charney Manor EP1 and an overnight at school  for DP1 and FP1
• Primary Year 2 - Three days at Woodrow High House, Beaconsfield
• Primary Year 3 - Four days on the Isle of Wight.
• Primary Year 4 - Five days at Hindleap Warren, Sussex
• Primary Year 5  - Five days at Stackpole in Pembokeshire.

These are primarily educational visits with curricular objectives from the Discovery of the World, Physical Education and L1 syllabuses for each trip. (These can be seen by clicking on the relevant year.)The children enjoy a variety of activities e.g. visits to sites or museums, games and sports and, of course, simple leisure. A high priority is given to the possibilities for personal and social development which such trips offer. Opportunities for promoting the European dimension are also fully exploited.

In accordance with the European Schools’ Guidelines (2002-D-54) we have a comprehensive policy for the organization of residential trips including general guidelines, pro formats for risk assessment and the administration of medicines and evaluation. There are clear guidelines on emergency procedures. All participating teachers follow a course in Emergency First Aid (and the treatment of Hypoglycaemia and Anaphylaxis as necessary). 

For each trip there is at least one co-ordinator who works closely with the Deputy Head at all stages of the planning.  This includes a pre-visit by the co-ordinator and any Class Teacher who is not familiar with the venue, completing the Risk Assessment, drawing up the programme of activities, and providing information for parents.

Support staff: Class and part-time teachers accompany all residential trips. The ratio of pupils to teachers depends on whether we have sole responsibility or the centre provides an activity programme with qualified staff. 

Cost:  What is included? Accommodation, transport, visits, the pre-visit by teachers, a contribution to the Social Fund and miscellaneous e.g. treats and prizes. Payment may usually be made in up to 3 installments.

Social Fund:  Participants pay into a social fund which is used to subsidise payment for children who have been granted a reduction in fees. For these children the cost of residential trips may be reduced by a maximum of 50%. For further information please contact Miss Boyle.

Insurance:  The children are covered under the School’s policy. In addition there is a Travel Insurance Policy which covers cancellation in certain circumstances.