To foster a spirit of adventure and discovery
Spring/Summer 2025 1
Page 3-5: Information Letter including FAQ’s
Page 6-8: Chapter House Weekend Activities
Page 9-13: King’s Magna Weekend Activities
Page 14-17: College and Faculty Weekend Activities
Off-Site Weekend Activities- Spring/Summer 2025
Dear Parent/Guardian,
At Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, we encourage students from Year 3 to Year 13 to participate in a broad range of experiences beyond the classroom to complement their academic learning. OffSite Weekend Activities encourage both day and boarding students to form new friendships outside the classroom or boarding house, and gain many new skills, which enrich their holistic development and experience at QE. Our THRIVE Enrichment aim is ‘To foster a spirit of adventure and discovery’, which students achieve through Cultural Exploration, Skill Development and opportunities for Personal Growth. These opportunities contribute to students’ personal development and involvement in the QE community and bolster the university or employment applications of our senior students. Please find below some further useful information.
How do students sign-up for Off-Site Weekend Activities?
All students must be registered for the Weekend Activity on the Friday of the week prior to the activity taking place. For example, for an Off-Site Weekend activity due to take place on Saturday 1st February, students must sign up by 10:00am on Friday 24th January.
DAY Students
Day Students can sign up for a Weekend Activity at the Co-Curricular Office, in Connors, Wimbledon. Alternatively, if you are a parent of a Day Student you can also email qeweekendactivities@qe.org to book a place for your child. Requests for Weekend Activities must be received by 10:00am on the Friday of the week prior to the activity taking place.
BOARDING Students
Boarding students must sign up for a Weekend Activity in the boarding house by 10:00am on the Friday of the week prior to the activity taking place.
It is important to meet the Weekend Activity sign-up deadline in order to enable the timely booking of venues, transport, staffing and to gain parental consent for any activity which falls outside of the consent previously provided via Annex E on the Parent Portal. These would typically include higher risk and/or water-based activities, or those exceeding £35.
What if the activity is higher-risk, water-based or more than £35?
By completing Annex E on the Parent Portal as part of your child’s registration at QE, you have provided consent for activities and trips under £35, which are not higher-risk or water-based. Any higher-risk or water-based activities (e.g. theme parks, rollercoasters, waterpark etc.) are highlighted in green on the Off-Site Weekend Activities Programme, which contains a green hyperlink to a website which will enable you to gain a more detailed understanding of the activities and make an informed decision regarding consent.
Off-Site Weekend Activities- Spring/Summer 2025
Where specific consent is required for your child to participate in higher-risk/water-based activities or those that exceed £35, this will be requested via email on the Saturday after sign-up has closed, with the deadline following approximately 3 days later This is to ensure that bookings can be confirmed, and trip documentation completed in good time. Unfortunately, if consent is not received by the deadline detailed within the email requesting consent, your child will not be able to attend the Off-Site Weekend Activity. Consent Request emails will be sent via our trips planning service, EVOLVE. Please be aware that these may initially be filtered as spam by your email provider.
What happens if a weekend activity is cancelled?
On rare occasions, it may be necessary for an Off-Site Weekend Activity to be cancelled due to insufficient student interest or an unforeseen circumstance. Boarding students will be informed of the cancellation by their House Tutors. Parents of Day Students will be contacted directly by the Weekend Activities Team. On these occasions, no charge will be added to your school account.
What happens if my child withdraws from an Off-Site Weekend activity or does not attend?
Booking and payment takes place at 09:00am on the Saturday morning following the sign-up deadline. Please be advised that no withdrawals or changes are possible after this time. Should a student withdraw from the Weekend Activity after this time, or does not attend, the charges will remain on your account for the place booked and no refund can be given.
Should a student receive a red gating, suspension, or internal suspension after the sign-up deadline, they will not be permitted to attend the Weekend Activity and in these cases, a refund will not be possible.
How do I withdraw consent for my child’s participation in Off-Site Weekend Activities?
By completing Annex E on the Parent Portal, you have provided consent for activities and trips under £35, which are not higher-risk or water-based Consent for all activities can be withdrawn by emailing qeweekendactivities@qe.org. To withdraw consent for a specific Weekend Activity, this must be done by the Friday of the week prior to the Off-Site Weekend Activity taking place. Therefore, please refer to the Off-Site Weekend Activity Programme to make an informed choice about your child’s participation.
Please note: If we do not receive a notification to withdraw the consent previously provided via Annex E, your child will continue to be able to sign up for and attend any Off-Site Weekend Activity that does not require informed parental consent.
Off-Site Weekend Activities- Spring/Summer 2025
What are the costs for Off-Site Weekend Activities?
There are many on-site Weekend Activities which carry no charge for participation. However, for all Off-Site Weekend Activities, there is a charge to cover the cost of transport, entry, supervision etc , based on conservative estimates of the number of students taking part This should be used for guidance purposes only The final amount charged will be added to your school account The costs stated within the programme include any VAT which may be chargeable. Any such VAT will be taxable under the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS) and where applicable, will be identified TOMS on your child’s fee bill.
Please note, the cost of any Off-Site Weekend Activity does not include students’ spending money Students must ensure they bring pocket money if they wish to make any purchases during an activity.
How do I know that my child is off-site for an Off-Site Weekend Activity?
An automated email will be sent to notify you that your child is off site and participating in an OffSite Weekend Activity The email will include instructions for how to contact the dedicated emergency contacts and the approximate return time We request that you assume the safe return of your child to school around this time and assure you that we will inform you of any significant change to the return time.
When do Off-Site Weekend Activities start in the Spring term?
The Off-Site Weekend Activities Programme commences on Friday 10th January 2025
Yours sincerely,
The Co-Curricular Enrichment Team
Chapter House
Sunday 19th January 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy an immersive dining experience at the popular EVOLUTION restaurant based outside the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Students will also enjoy 90 minutes of soft play at the Jurassic themed UPROAR play barn.
Approx. Cost: £55.00
Sunday 2nd February 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy a climbing and trampoline session with their friends at this popular venue. Climbing harnesses and trampoline socks are provided.
Approx. Cost: £52.00
Saturday 1st March 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy a film with their friends, lunch and a soft play session at a local venue. Approx. Cost: £37.00
Sunday 16th March 2025
Students will develop their life skills by purchasing rail tickets and travelling into York on public transport. Once they arrive, they will have the opportunity to explore the city centre, enjoy some shopping and lunch before travelling back.
Approx. Cost: £26.00
EVOLUTION Meal and Soft Play at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Gravity Rocks/Bounce
Cinema, Lunch and Soft Play
Train to York, Lunch and Shopping
Chapter House
Sunday 23rd March 2025
Students have the opportunity to visit this popular working farm. With a chance to feed the farm animals, explore the reptile centre, visit the soft play and cheer on their favourite sheep during the daily sheep racing there is much to do and explore.
Approx. Cost: £37.00
Sunday 30th March 2025
This full day excursion allows students the chance to explore the Warner Bro’s Studio Tour- The Making of Harry Potter. The studio tour allows students to visit multiple filming sets which featured in all eight Harry Potter films alongside the amazing artistry which brought the films to life. A letter will be sent with further details regarding applying for a place.
Friday 4th April 2025
Students will have the opportunity to enjoy the 2 hour Neon Lights session at this local venue. Students can enjoy the trampolines, inflatable obstacle course and soft play with disco themed music and lights Hot dog and juice included.
Approx. Cost: £41.00
Cannon Hall Farm and Soft Play
FULL DAY EXCURSION: Warner Bro’s Studio Tour
Oxygen- Neon Lights
Chapter House
Saturday 3rd May 2025
Students are able to visit this local theme park, targeted specifically for students under the age of 12 With over 40 rides and attractions, outdoor play areas and adventure golf, a full day out here is sure to provide excitement.
Approx. Cost: £53.00
Saturday 10th May 2025
This trip offers students the opportunity to explore the popular seaside resort of Whitby. This town offers all the seaside staples; sandy beaches, fish and chips, amusements and is even famous for inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Approx. Cost: £49.00
Sunday 8th June 2025
This activity has proved hugely popular in the past, with students enjoying a range of on water activities such as stand up paddleboarding and the inflatable water park. Students will be provided with wet suits and safety equipment on the day.
Approx. Cost: £55.00
Lightwater Valley
Whitby: Town, Beach and Arcades
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park
King’s Magna
Sunday 12th January 2025
Students will visit this unique venue in Leeds, where upon entry, they will have access to a huge range of classic gaming machines, pin ball games and modern games for the duration of the visit
Approx. Cost: £50.00
Friday 17th January 2025
This venue offers students the chance to enjoy a range of attractions such as trampolines, inflatables, a full ninja course and soft play.
Approx. Cost: £41.00
Friday 24th January 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet style meal offering a range of cuisines with their friends.
Approx. Cost: £52.00
Sunday 2nd February 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy a climbing and trampoline session with their friends at this popular venue. Climbing harnesses and trampoline socks are provided.
Approx. Cost: £52.00
King’s Magna
Saturday 8th February 2025
Students have the opportunity to visit a local indoor shopping centre and enjoy a film at the cinema there.
Approx. Cost : £36.00
Friday 28th February 2025
This trip allows students to visit a popular pizza restaurant. They will enjoy a buffet of unlimited pizza, unlimited soft drinks and unlimited ice cream with their friends.
Approx. Cost: £37.00
Sunday 2nd March 2025
This unique trip offers students the opportunity to participate in a fully immersive video game, using their body as the controller and completing a selection of tasks to win the game
Approx. Cost: £66.00
Saturday 15th March 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy this fun game with their friends Students will play an 18 hole golf course, but instead of using clubs they will use their feet to kick a football into the holes.
Approx. Cost: £32.00
King’s Magna
Saturday 22nd March 2025
Ripley Castle offers a whole host of outdoor activities from body zorbing and high ropes courses to problem solving activities- there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Approx. Cost: £86.00
Friday 28th March 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy a film with their friends at this local venue.
Approx. Cost: £34.00
Saturday 29th March 2025
This trip will take students into the historic local city of York to explore the city centre and complete some shopping.
Approx. Cost: £16.00
Sunday 30th March 2025
This full day excursion allows students the chance to explore the Warner Bro’s Studio Tour- The Making of Harry Potter. The studio tour allows students to visit multiple filming sets which featured in all eight Harry Potter films alongside the amazing artistry which brought the films to life. A letter will be sent with further details regarding applying for a place.
Live for Today- Ripley Castle
Cinema
Shopping- York
FULL DAY EXCURSION- Warner Bro’s Studio Tour
King’s Magna
Friday 4th April 2025
Students will have the opportunity to enjoy the 2 hour Neon Lights session at this local venue. Students can enjoy the trampolines, inflatable obstacle course and soft play with disco themed music and lights. Hot dog and juice included.
Approx. Cost: £41.00
Saturday 5th April 2025
This popular attraction offers students the chance to enjoy a range of rollercoasters and rides, as well as offering a home to a number of exotic animals to see and explore.
Approx. Cost: £98.00
Friday 2nd May 2025
Students are able to enjoy a meal with their friends at this popular Portuguese restaurant specialising in chicken dishes.
Approx. Cost: £60.00
Saturday 10th May 2025
This trip offers students the opportunity to explore the popular seaside resort of Whitby. This town offers all the seaside staples; sandy beaches, fish and chips, amusements and is even famous for inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Approx. Cost: £49.00
Oxygen- Neon Lights
Flamingo Land
Meal Out- Nandos
Whitby- Town, Beach and Arcades
King’s Magna
Friday 6th June 2025
Students will have 1 hour to solve the puzzles and escape the room in this exciting event. Rooms are themed and students must work as a team with their friends to be successful
Approx. Cost: £44.00
Sunday 8th June 2025
This activity has proved hugely popular in the past, with students enjoying a range of on water activities such as stand up paddleboarding and the inflatable water park. Students will be provided with wet suits and safety equipment on the day. Approx. Cost: £55.00
Escape Rooms
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park
College and Faculty
Friday 10th January 2025
Students will have the opportunity to visit the Designer Outlet at York to enjoy some late night shopping after lessons
Approx. Cost: £19.00
Sunday 12th January 2025
Students will visit this unique venue in Leeds, where upon entry, they will have access to a huge range of classic gaming machines, pin ball games and modern games for the duration of the visit
Approx. Cost: £50.00
Friday 17th January 2025
This venue offers students the chance to enjoy a range of attractions such as trampolines, inflatables, a full ninja course and soft play
Approx. Cost : £41.00
Friday 24th January 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet style meal offering a range of cuisines with their friends
Approx. Cost £52.00
Late Night Shopping: Designer Outlet
Arcade Club
Flip Out- After Dark
Meal Out- New Eastern Court
College and Faculty
Sunday 26th January 2025
Students will have the chance to travel to the popular Trafford Centre, Manchester which offers them to opportunity to explore a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Approx. Cost: £26.00
Sunday 9th February 2025
This unique activity offers the students the chance to have a go at the ancient sport of axe throwing. The will receive instruction from the venue staff before having a go to see if they can hit the target.
Approx. Cost: £52.00
Sunday 2nd March 2025
This unique trip offers students the opportunity to participate in a fully immersive video game, using their body as the controller and completing a selection of tasks to win the game.
Approx. Cost: £66.00
Saturday 15th March 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy this fun game with their friends. Students will play an 18 hole golf course, but instead of using clubs they will use their feet to kick a football into the holes
Approx. Cost: £32.00
Shopping- Trafford
Centre
Axe Throwing- The Hilt
Footgolf
College and Faculty
Saturday 22nd March 2025
Ripley Castle offers a whole host of outdoor activities from body zorbing and high ropes courses to problem solving activities- there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Approx. Cost: £86.00
Friday 28th March 2025
Students have the opportunity to enjoy a film with their friends at this local venue
Approx. Cost: £34.00
Saturday 29th March 2025
This trip will take students into the historic local city of York to explore the city centre and complete some shopping.
Approx. Cost: £16.00
Saturday 5th April 2025
This popular attraction offers students the chance to enjoy a range of rollercoasters and rides, as well as offering a home to a number of exotic animals to see and explore.
Approx. Cost: £98.00
Live for Today- Ripley Castle
Cinema
Shopping- York
Flamingo Land
College and Faculty
Sunday 4th May 2025
Students will have the opportunity to visit the local town of Knaresborough, famous for its picturesque landscape across the River Nidd. Students will explore the town, enjoy a brunch in a local café and take a boat ride on the river.
Approx. Cost: £18.00
Saturday 10th May 2025
This trip offers students the opportunity to explore the popular seaside resort of Whitby This town offers all the seaside staples; sandy beaches, fish and chips, amusements and is even famous for inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Friday 6th June 2025
Students will have 1 hour to solve the puzzles and escape the room in this exciting event. Rooms are themed and students must work as a team with their friends to be successful.
Approx. Cost: £44.00
Boating and Brunch in Knaresborough
Whitby- Town, Beach and Arcades
Approx. Cost: £49.00 Allerthorpe
Sunday 8th June 2025
This activity has proved hugely popular in the past, with students enjoying a range of on water activities such as stand up paddleboarding and the inflatable water park. Students will be provided with wet suits and safety equipment on the day.
Approx. Cost: £55.00
Escape Rooms