School & group activity trips
School and Group Activity Trips Primary Residential trips
New curriculum-led trips
“When planned and implemented well, learning outside the classroomcontributed significantly to raising and improving pupils’ personal, social and emotional development� Ofsted
TOP5 REASONSTO CHOOSEROCKLEY
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We will challenge & inspire
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We’re a familyrun business. We care
safety is 3 Your our priority support 4 We’ll you through the whole booking process
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We create lifelong memories & offer amazing experiences
School & group activity trips
W
hen you consider the amount of time a young person spends at school, it highlights that this time really matters. It needs to count. This however, should not be confined to the walls of a classroom. Well planned, high quality residential experiences are invaluable in terms of their outcomes. It is often these kind of ‘out of the ordinary,’ high-impact events which heightens a young person’s desire for learning.
Residential experiences are particularly beneficial when introduced at Primary school age. For many it will be the first time a young person has stayed away from family and such a positive, fun and engaging experience will go a long way in improving a child’s confidence and self esteem. Relating these exciting experiences to classroom subjects and teaching in a more creative environment also increases learner engagement and produces positive outcomes. As a family-run business which has been offering high quality residential trips for over 43 years, we are passionate about creating experiences that have a positive, long-lasting effect on the young people who come with us. It’s about inspiring young people to achieve beyond the classroom, encouraging them to forge strong friendships and creating life-long memories.
Contents Benefits of a residential trip Brilliant residentials Safety Forging relationships Activities Days out Our customer service promise UK centres
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UK residentials Geography self-led Uniformed Groups The school’s team Our staff We talk to teacher, Andy All you need to know What’s included www.rockley.org/schools www.rockley.org/schools
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Benefits of a Great Residential During a Rockley Adventure trip, students will develop knowledge, understanding, resilience, teamwork and a sense of pride in undertaking new challenges. Such opportunities as part of their education enhances their progress in learning and supports a range of positive social and learning outcomes.
Enhanced Relationships • • •
Working collaboratively with teachers and breaking down barriers Building relationships with fellow students and working as a team Strong sense of community and belonging
Experiencing Success • • •
Opportunity to face practical and physical challenges Opportunity to be successful at something different Overcoming fears and taking on new challenges
Being Healthy • • •
Encouraging an active lifestyle Recognising the link between a healthy lifestyle and a healthy mind Promoting a positive mental attitude
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Our Mission
To provide the BESTpossible outdoor education experience for children of school age
Our Vision
To change people’s lives by sharing our passion for the water and outdoors
Communication • • •
Working as a team Learning about risks and how to manage them Encourage young people to think on their feet, chat to others and give clear instructions
Confidence &Engagement • • • •
The self belief to take on challenges and try new things Increased motivation and engagement Bouncing back when things go wrong Improved behaviour, achievement, progress and attainment
Independence • •
Instilling the belief that youngsters can achieve on their own Recognising when the smart move is to actually ask for help
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ABrilliant Residential Rockley Adventure offers a safe, secure and happy setting for young people to experience a residential trip away from home. We offer diverse learning experiences which empower young people to take on new challenges and succeed outside the classroom.
Standing on their own feet Residential trips can help young people to develop independence and bond with their peers and teachers in informal settings. They provide a wonderful opportunity for children to begin their journey as independent people with lives outside their homes.
Our commitment to you and your pupils • • • • •
Engage and inspire young people Nurture young people so that they can realise their full potential Provide the opportunity for your pupils to improve their personal and social development Provide new and memorable experiences Experiences designed to support specific learning requirements
What’s included? • • •
Full-board accommodation Instruction by qualified instructors and use of all equipment. Flexible adventure trips to suit the varied needs of your group - day, weekend or week-long trips
“This experience really challenged our children & and gave thema great experience. Thank you for an amazing residential” Bures Primary School
Supporting your educational requirements Our range of adventure trips can be designed to support all of your pupils’ educational requirements. Outside learning is more effective when integrated into your schools curriculum and ethos and when such learning is reinforced back in the classroom.
Speak to our teamto talk about your bespoke activity trip • •
National Curriculum Key Stages 1 & 2 RYA Scheme
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Serious about Safety
With 43 years of experience in teaching watersports, we have an enviable reputation for our high safety standards, which are rigorously applied at all our centres throughout the UK and France. • • • • • • • • • •
Our water activity areas are among the safest in the world ALL our instructors hold a valid First Aid certificate ALL our instructors are DBS checked EVERY student, teacher, staff and instructor MUST wear a buoyancy aid when on the water NO ONE is allowed on the water without a safety boat in attendance ALL our main safety boats carry a First Aid Kit EACH group of students is always in the charge of a fully qualified instructor EVERY accommodation unit is fitted with a personal alarm We have staff on duty 24 hours a day - our staff make regular patrols during the night BEST for Instructor : Student Ratios
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Forging strong relationships
G
ood relationships make us happier and healthier. Fact. Real happiness and success comes from the strong relationships we form as well as fundamental human qualities such as resilience, humility, enthusiasm, persistence or the desire to achieve a positive or worthwhile outcome.
It’s these kind of social skills that young people learn, and the new relationships they form on a residential trip that develops their confidence and enhances a real sense of belonging. A Rockley Adventure focuses on inclusivity, team spirit, encouragement, motivation and fun - with that comes self-belief, achievement and positive, life-long friendships.
The outcomes of forging strong relationships • • • • • •
Opportunities to break down existing barriers, hierarchies and power relationships Students and teachers work more collaboratively in unfamiliar surroundings on unfamiliar tasks where the teacher is not automatically the expert Students are more willing to ask for help Residentials are a leveller for students and staff Opportunities to develop and practise key social skills Young people feel a real sense of community and belonging
On a residential trip, in an outside environment, youngsters are not judged based on their academic achievements but instead are valued in different ways and discover new ways of being successful
is the key to success
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Activities to get excited about During a Rockley Adventure trip, students will develop knowledge, understanding, resilience, teamwork and a sense of pride in undertaking new challenges and believe that such opportunities as part of their education and can enhance their progress in learning.
Activites
Optional Extras
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Kayaking Dinghy Sailing Stand up Paddleboarding Catamaran Sailing Raft Building Windsurfing Teambuilding Personal Development MegaSUP Canoeing
High Ropes Waterparks Surfing
“We enjoyed last year so decided to come back. Activities were great and the day sail was awesome - they had a real sense of achievement after that day. Itinerary was great with boys always busy - The children were always occupied with fun / useful activites. Itinerary spot on! Thanks” Northbridge House School
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DaysOut Our week long programmes include the chance to explore the local area and take part in activities away fromour centres. We have a choice of excursions fromwhich you can tailor a day out to suit your group and budget. Explore &Enjoy • • • • • •
Jurassic Coast including Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach, Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island Splashdown - Poole’s local waterflume park Adventure Pirate Bushcraft Go Ape
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Opportunities to succeed in a range of new physical challenges
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Our
Customer Service Promise While organising a school trip may seem like a difficult task, especially if it’s for the first time, at Rockley we try our very best to take all the stress out of the process. As well as being there for you, the Group Leader, we promise to provide your pupils the very best outdoor learning experience possible.
Added value
We can • • • •
Visit your school to talk through your trip with you, other teachers and school management Help you with your LEA and / or school proposal (and provide you with risk assessments) Launch your activity trip at a school assembly or pupil presentation Hold a parents evening or answer any questions in person
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Provide posters, flyers and promotional material to generate interest Provide you with 24 hour contact details Welcome you to our centres and catch up with you at regular intervals each day
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No hidden extras Free places are offered at 1:10 ratio for staff to students Daily meeting with the Manager Welcome meeting with Centre Senior Team
“Staff were fantastic, really helpful and informative. Abrilliant time had by all! We’d love to come back again - next year is a must!” Lime Tree Primary School
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Our UKCentres
Prices fromjust £99pp
Rockley Point
Poole Park Lake
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The UK’s premier provider of watersports training with unrivalled levels of instructor expertise Dinghy sailing - students can gain RYA certificates according to ability Kayaking, windsurfing and multi-activity sessions Residential facilities as well as a beautiful sandy beach and beachside cafe
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Shallow and extremely safe activity area Best for introduction to watersports RYA certificated sessions available Short taster sessions and multi-activity sessions in sailing, windsurfing and kayaking Affordable for most pupils making watersports even more accessible
Poole Harbour offers some of the most idyllic waters to engage in adventurous activities. Achallenging yet safe environment in which to learn. Not all classrooms should have walls www.rockley.org/schools
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Primary Residentials
Below is a sample plan for our 5-day residential adventure trips to our UK Rockley Point centre. Activities can vary depending on your group’s specific needs and can be changed accordingly.
Sample 5-day plan Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
AM
Pico sailing
Kayaking
Raft building
MegaSUP
Activity zone
Lunch
At centre
At centre
Beach picnic
Harbourside beach
At centre
PM
Catamaran sailing
Windsurfing Paddle boarding
Sailing
Evening
Team games
Initiative exercises
BBQ & Rockley challenge
Team games
Speak to our teamto talk about your bespoke multi-activity or an RYAsailing trip
Your Trip Your Way During a Rockley Adventure trip, we believe the students will develop knowledge, understanding, resilience, teamwork and a sense of pride in undertaking new challenges and believe that such opportunities as part of their education can enhance their progress in learning.
Accommodation Your group’s accommodation may consist of bunk room and mobile homes. Bunk accommodation sleeps six to eight pupils and has its own bathroom. Group Leaders will share rooms.
Geography Studies Rockley’s flagship centre is the ideal base for offering a range of geography and natural field self-led study residentials
Self-led study
Teaching Facilities
Evening Options
Rockley’s flagship centre is the ideal base for offering a range of geography and natural field self-led study residentials. The Jurassic stretch of coastline with its 185 million years of geological history makes it a popular location for geography fieldwork. With Studland, Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door on our door step, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
With out teaching classrooms based on a beach, Rockley offers the ideal learning environment for your students. Our range of classrooms are designed to suit all group sizes, each with Wi-Fi connectivity, projectors and whiteboards.
Should you require it, we can offer a varied range of evening activities to keep your students entertained. After dinner activities can include anything from beach games, a beach BBQ and quiz nights as well as an excursion to a local water flume park.
With direct access to the beach and a beachside cafe located next to your teaching classrooms, it’s the ideal escape from a traditional school environment.
Speak to our teamabout a bespoke trip to suit your pupils’ educational requirements
We’ll be on hand to offer any help with additional resources or to arrange excursions.
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Adventures for Uniformed Groups At Rockley we have created the ideal environment for uniformed groups to enjoy an experience away from home. A residential trip is an amazing opportunity to develop personal, interpersonal and leadership skills. If you are a teacher who is also involved with uniformed groups, then our action-packed multi-activity trips offer a range of water and land based adventurous activities designed to inspire, motivate and challenge your group, all led by our highly skilled and passionate staff who will encourage a ‘have a go’ attitude. Why not combine an activity trip with a visit to Brownsea Island, the birthplace of scouting, or the wonderful Jurassic Coast World Heritage site.
We can help you work towards the following badges or with your unit meeting activities. Badges may include but are not limited to; • • • •
Teamwork Challenge Award Water Activities Activity Badge Nights Away Staged Activity Badge Sailing Staged Activity Badge
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Water Activities Badge Elements of Different Interest Badges Duke of Edinburgh Awards Paddle Sports Badge RYA Sailing Qualifications
Inclusive packages or accommodation ONLY options are available. Please enquire for further details.
“As always the scouts had a great time! Feedback on sessions was good with positives on the day. The scouts improved and benefitted fromthis.” Armstrong Scouts www.rockley.org/schools
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Our School &Groups Team The School and Groups Teamare made up of a bunch of individuals with a wealth of experience and youthful energy. They are uncompromisingly passionate about watersports and the outdoors and are dedicated to exceeding your customer expectations.
Jack
Keiron
Sara
Cath
Jack is our School and Groups Manager and has been part of the Rockley family for over nine years. A dedicated father of three girls, he is also a Governor at his daughter’s school. Not only keen to play an active role in his girls’ education, it also gives him great insight and experience of the education system.
Before joining the Rockley team back in 2009 Keiron used to be a ski instructor at Christchurch Dry Ski slope. Alongside his love of skiing and sailing, he also likes to enter the odd running event - a favourite being the challenging Studland Stampede. You’ll also often see him running round Poole park Lake on a Saturday park run!
Former Primary School teacher, Sara spends some of her spare time open water swimming as a member of the East Dorset Sea Swimming Club, recently completing the 6.5km Round Brownsea Island swim. She is a qualified Dive Master and has swam with manta rays and whale sharks in Asia. She has also jumped out of a plane!
A true lover of the water and sailing, Cath lives on her very own yacht. She is also hugely passionate about protecting our environment and is the driving force behind Rockley’s environmental ethos. Cath started her journey with Rockley as a young Dinghy Instructor in 2007 before joining the School and Groups Team in 2018.
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Our Staff “Thank you for brilliant week! The staff have been fantastic, the have gone out of their way to be friendly and helpful. The children have loved it all and enjoyed lots of experiences.� Wonersh and Shamley Green Primary School
Our reputation as the premier providers of watersports activities and training comes not least from our committed and highly qualified team of staff - in fact they are our greatest asset. At Rockley, it is our team who ensure that a trip with us is the one you and your school choose year after year.
Carefully selected All members of our team do everything they can to ensure you and your group have the best possible time with us. They have been chosen for their
professionalism, enthusiasm, their passion for the outdoors and their ability to instil a sense of fun into all aspects of your trip; from teaching to our programme of evening activities.
Highly qualified Being part of the Rockley group we can boast the highest level of qualified staff with seven RYA Coach Assessors and seven Senior Instructors amongst our permanent staff. We are dedicated to the continuous training and development of all staff in order to maintain our high standards of excellence.
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Let’s Talk
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.
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“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
Favourite activity
Teacher enjoyment
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.
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.
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 www.rockley.org/schools
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All you need to know
What specialist equipment is required?
A watersports trip (unlike a ski trip) does not require much in the way of specialist equipment. We provide all the necessary boats, boards, bikes and kayaks as well as approved buoyancy aids and waterproofs! You usually only need to bring swimwear as well as old clothing and trainers you don’t mind getting wet. Nevertheless, the watersports activities can be enjoyed to the full if participants wear a rash vest and wetsuit shoes, which are widely available to purchase. A wetsuit might also be a useful purchase and these are also now widely available at a reasonable cost.
Do you have to be a strong swimmer?
You don’t have to be a strong swimmer, or even a swimmer at all, to enjoy our watersports activities although it helps to be water confident. You will need to inform us if any of your group are unable to swim 50 metres unaided. As mentioned above, we provide all persons with buoyancy aids and provided we are notified, we can cater for non-swimmers.
Are there any extra charges?
Our residential school group trips are fully inclusive of our activities as detailed in your group’s itinerary; all meals and drinks from arrival on, to departure from the centre and insurance. We do offer a number of extra additional activities and excursions to enhance your trip. These can be arranged and paid for in advance or on arrival and are subject to availability. No refunds will be given for extras booked and paid for but not used.
What about safety? All our watersports centres are fully recognised by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) for the tuition of sailing, windsurfing and powerboating and are inspected annually. This means that our watersports activities are run in line with the guidelines laid down by our NGB, the Royal Yachting Association, and encompass staff qualifications and experience, instructor to participant ratios and our operational procedures. In addition, our UK centres are AALS (Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme) licensed and we also hold the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge. We have also developed a comprehensive Safety Management System to monitor, record and implement safe operation of our centres and activities, which encompasses policies, risk assessments, emergency and operating procedures. See also our website for further information on our safety procedures and for downloads of documentation such as our risk assessments at www.rockley.org/schools/teachers.
Centre rules
We ask that all our groups comply with the rules set out by the campsites and ourselves. This helps ensure the enjoyment and safety of all our customers and other users of the campsites and facilities. These rules are to be found in our pupil behaviour charter and will be detailed in our Welcome Talk on arrival of your group.
Supervision Rockley Adventure staff are resident at our centres and therefore provide supervision during the day and evening. Certain staff are nominated as contacts for Group Leaders and group members throughout the day and evening; we also have a member of staff on duty through the night. Group Leaders are required to nominate two of the adults from their group on a daily basis to
be their group’s duty contact staff throughout the day, evening and night.
Security
Each of our watersports centres are located on a private campsite with only one entrance/exit and is in a separate area of the campsite itself.
Lock Box
Our centres can store passports, EHIC cards and any cash float held by the Group Leader in the centre lock box. We are, however, unable to provide secure storage for pupils’ mobile phones, MP3 or ipod players etc which is why we strongly discourage the bringing of valuable belongings on the trip.
First Aid
Our centres are fully equipped with first aid boxes located in the Rockley offices on site. All our main safety boats carry a First Aid kit and suitable communications. All our Instructors hold a valid First Aid certificate and attend a health and safety induction when joining us.
Currency & pocket money
We recommend that you carry a float of Euros/ Sterling for unforeseen circumstances. However, for safety reasons we suggest that you use cards where possible. Pupils should be advised to bring only a small amount of pocket money; between £20 to £40 for residential trips to our UK centre.
Insurance
The cost of our trips includes travel insurance cover for each member of your party (except anyone normally resident outside the UK). Your insurance is covered under a master policy specially arranged through Fogg Travel Insurance Services Limited. A summary of cover can be found below and on our website: www.rockley.org/schools/teachers
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What’s included
What’s not included
• Standard programme of activities • Instruction & supervision • Use of all necessary equipment • RYA certificates for those on sailing courses • Full board accommodation • FREE places for Group Leaders & accompanying adults • Daily manager meetings • Travel insurance for groups (UK schools only) • All prices are fully inclusive (except transport) • Ferry fares & tolls, where applicable
• Meals on the journey • Sleeping bags & pillows • Optional extra activities / excursions • RYA logbooks • Group Passport or visas
Tansport options are available on request
Concessionary places FREE staff places on a ratio of 1:10 full paying students
Our Environmental Pledge At Rockley we are very passionate about doing our bit to protect our environment and we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint. Over the past few years we have taken small and big steps to change how we operate across all our centres. These have included: • • •
No single use plastics Beach cleans Changing the way we run our sessions in order to reduce the use of our powerboats and therefore fuel
“We love the waters we use and we have a responsibility to protect themand encourage others to do the same.” Pip Woods, MD www.rockley.org/schools
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Contact us 01202 677272 rockley.org/schools adventure@rockley.org rockley1 Rockley Watersports Rockley1976 @rockleywatersports
Exciting adventures which inspire young people to achieve beyond the classroom
School & group activity trips