We talk to Twynham teacher, Andy

We catch up with Andy from Twynham school during his stay at Le Lac Mimizan along with a group of 50 year eight students. The school has been running the trip for 10 years and it’s Andy’s seventh as Group Leader.

Why run a trip and why Rockley? We’re very lucky with our school in the fact that we get to run many residential trips and when it comes to the watersports, adventure trips, I mean I’ve had a look around other companies but I just find that Rockley is the best. We look for the safety, the equipment that’s provided, the level of the relationship with the company, the enthusiasm of the staff, the location, the food. It’s just great for the students to get away from their parents and to make friendships with new people. We can take a large group of students away in a foreign country, in a totally different environment to what they are used to and we know they are going to be safe and have fun.

“It’s a great opportunity to see students in a different light, faced with different challenges, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. We look forward to many, many more trips with Rockley.”

Student teacher rapport At this age, towards the end of year eight, we’re preparing the students for some challenges in year nine and some lifelong opportunities. This time away really helps us. We forge good relationships with those we maybe don’t know very well, the students form good relationships with their peers, and for us it’s a great opportunity to see students in a very different light, faced with different challenges, and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Favourite activity Some of the best activities for the children, honestly can be anything on the water. The more recent addition to the programme - the MegaSUP, has been really successful along with the kayaking and generally the opportunity to sail. Many of our students haven’t tried this before and probably won’t get the chance to do it again.

Teacher enjoyment Every year we come here, the teacher’s really, really enjoy it – I have to turn them away every single year. The benefits for us are far and beyond any other trip. As well as the relationships we forge with our students, we also get to have a go at all the activities which isn’t something we often get to do when on a school trip.

“I’ve had a look around other companies but I just find that Rockley is the best.” Andy, Group Leader