Activities Week 2025
There’s something for everyone during Activities Week
Wednesday 16th July
Thursday 17th July
Friday 18th July
Activities Week 2025
Wednesday 16th July - Friday 18th July 2025
We are pleased to be offering Activities Week to all Sidmouth College students in Years 7-9.
Activities Week will offer valuable educational experiences outside of the classroom. Activities is more than a week of fun; it's about creating lasting memories that will shape our students' journeys for years to come.
We know that students will return with stories to tell, increased self-confidence, greater motivation to learn new skills, have a sense of pride and achievement. Develop new and existing bonds with teachers and other students.
As in previous years, it will be a week packed with enjoyment and a great way to end a hard working and successful year.
What happens next
This booklet will give you and your child details on what is on offer for Activities Week 2025.
We have attempted to offer a variety of activities to suit all interests and budgets; these can be found, together with the cost, in this booklet.
Please read the booklet carefully with your child and discuss the options on offer.
Students must select three different activities, listed in order of preference. Please only list activities that your child will be happy doing.
It will not be possible to change activities once they have been allocated a place.
On Thursday 21st November an email will be sent to parents/carers which will include the link for the Google form. The form will go live at 7pm on the 21st November 2024 so students and parents/carers can complete this questionnaire together.
The Google form should be completed and submitted by: midnight 25th November 2024. Once the selection process is complete, students will be informed of their activity in tutor time. An email will also be sent home confirming your child's place and payment information soon after.
For paying activities, deposits will be required to secure your child’s place on their allocated trip.
ACTIVITIES WEEK WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN TERM TIME AND NORMAL COLLEGE ATTENDANCE RULES APPLY
Important Information
1. Holiday during Activities Week: Activities Days take place within term time and normal attendance rules apply - all students are expected to participate. Holiday requests during these days will be unauthorised and could result in parents being fined.
2. Choices: All students must select three different activities, listed in order of preference Please only list activities that your child will be happy doing
3. Deadline: All choices must be submitted by midnight on the Monday 25th November 2024 via Google forms. Students will be assigned to their activities as soon as possible
4. No selection: Students who do not complete the Google form by the deadline of Monday 25th November 2024 will be assigned to collegebased activity.
5. Over-subscribed: Where activities are over-subscribed, every effort will be made to ensure each student has one of their three choices. In the unlikely event that a student is unable to have any one of their three choices, a suitable alternative will be found. It is possible that if an activity is under-subscribed it may not run.
6. Places: Whilst we acknowledge that it may be upsetting for students if they do not get a place on their preferred trip due to oversubscription, this is sometimes unavoidable We ask that you support the college by preparing your child for this potential outcome.
7. Minimum number: Most activities require a minimum number of students to run. In the event of an activity not receiving enough applications it will be withdrawn, and students will be assigned to one of their other preferences.
Important Information
1. Prices: Whilst every effort has been made to give an accurate price, we are still waiting for some 2025 prices. Please be aware that prices can change depending on the final number of students taking part in each activity and the 2025 park prices. We will give you as much notice as possible regarding any change in cost.
2. How to Pay: We will request deposits and payments through Parent Pay. Once your child has been allocated a place, we will open Parent Pay up for instalments. Letters will be sent home to advise the payment plan.
3. Payment deadlines: Full payment MUST be received by the due date; we reserve the right to move students to a free activity and deposits WILL not be refunded.
4. Cancellation: All deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel your child’s place on an assigned activity, the college will not refund any further monies paid, unless the circumstances are considered to be exceptional.
5. In the event of cancellation by the college, will we be refunded? Refunds will only be made if the trip is cancelled by the college. We will return all funds less those unrecoverable by the college (ie: where providers are unable to return monies already paid). However, if an external agency is demanding compensation for cancellation, we will not be able to refund.
6. In the event of a student being removed from an activity due to behavioural reasons, will we be refunded? Any refund will be based on the college being able to recover any payments made to providers. Where providers are unable to return monies already paid, a refund will not be issued. Any deposit paid is non-returnable.
Important Information
1. Can my child swap activities? We have over 450 students needing a place for activities week, so it becomes increasingly difficult as time progresses to move students around. We will do everything we can to ensure that your child has a positive and enjoyable experience, however, once your child has their activity choice confirmed we will not be able to move them around.
2. Free Schools Meals: If your child is in receipt of free school meals, please contact the college as we may be able to assist you financially. You will be required to pay the required non-refundable deposit to show commitment and hold a place on the trip and then the balance of the trip.
3. Withdraw: Please note details of our activities are correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to withdraw or change activities if circumstances change or to withdraw students.
How to make payment
Once we have confirmed your child's place, an email will be sent out to all parents to outline the payment/instalments required for their child’s activity if a cost is attached.
Payment dates:
Instalment 1: due by 30th January 2025 (non-refundable deposit to secure their place)
Instalment 2: due by 28th February 2025
Instalment 3: due by 30th March 2025 (Full payment must be received)
All payments should be made using your Parent pay account, no cash can be accepted.
Surfing Cornwall
Year 9 only
This activity requires you to be a good/strong swimmer
Spend three days in Cornwall travelling down by minibus, enjoying the Cornish beaches, learning to surf and enjoy the fun at the inflatable aqua park.
Surfing at Polzeath beach with professional instructors from the company ‘Surfs Up’.
Slip, slide and splash around at the inflatable 'Retallack Aqua Park’.
The group will be camping nearby Port Isaac at Dinham Farm Campsite.
Mr Jackson will have a virtual information evening in 2025 to provide more information to students and parents/carers
No. of students: 30
Leader: Mr Jackson
Cost: £211
Please note- there will be extra costs involved as students will be required to bring spending money for lunch, dinner and ice-creams.
Wet & Wild Adventures
Three days exploring Devon’s best theme parks.
Crealy Adventure Park & Resort
Is Southwest England's largest family Theme Park attraction and is home to over 60 rides, attractions and live shows. www.crealy.co.uk
Paignton Zoo
Is a fun filled day out for everyone. With over 2,000 animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds.
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
Splashdown Quaywest
Is the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark. Idyllically placed on the English Riviera, with spectacular views and 8 adrenalin-pumping flume rides, slide outside on the sunny sands at Goodrington. www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
No. of students: 150
Leader: Miss Carnell
Costs: £99.50 (Estimated)
Thrills and Spills
Three days of adrenaline filled adventures.
Splashdown Quaywest
Is the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark. Idyllically placed on the English Riviera, with spectacular views and 8 adrenalin-pumping flume rides, slide outside. www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
Karting & Laser Plymouth
Indoor karting and laser tag fun, the fastest indoor karts in the Southwest! The day will be spilt into two to enjoy both activities. www.plymouthkarting.co.uk
Dynamic Adventures
A fun packed day at Dynamic Adventures near Totnes with the option to include Kayaking, Canoeing, SUPing,Giant SUPing or raft building. www.dynamicadventurescic.co.uk
This activity requires you to be a good swimmer and over 1.2m in height.
No. of students: 80
Leader: Mr Williams
Cost: £168 (Estimated)
Horse Haven
At Budleigh Riding School.
Why not discover, develop and nurture your love for horses and the outdoors.
Join us for an action packed three days at Budleigh Riding school where you will learn about horse care, stable management including grooming, tacking up & horse behaviour.
Every student will get to enjoy hacks, walkouts and gymkhana games.
The riding school will cater for all ages and abilities, from beginners to novice riders.
No. of students: 20
Leader: Mrs Southgate
Cost: £227
River Dart Expedition
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the outside. Enjoy three days and two nights exploring the Dart estuary between Dittisham and Dartmouth.
It's going to be a busy three days exploring, walking, climbing and learning new skills.
Students will have the chance to learn camping & survival skills, aerial tree trek, bushcraft activities and firelighting.
Everyone will be involved in the team challenges, make pizza from scratch and fun games around the fire and the chance to canoe down the River Dart.
Activities
• Canoeing.
• Bushcraft.
• Wild cookery skills.
• Wet and dry challenges.
• Navigation.
• 14m tree climb.
• 70m Zip wire.
• Firelighting
Accommodation, students will stay in a comfortable log cabin with washing facilities and composting toilets.
Food will be included in the total cost; students will be well-fed for all activities. All food on offer will be freshly cooked and tasty.
No. of students: 30-40
Leader: Mr Sullivan
Cost: £240
A Walk in Nature
Go back to nature with three days exploring our local area.
Day 1
Spend the day at Seaton Wetlands taking part in a guided nature walk. Followed by enjoying team building activities and creating art from nature.
Day 2
Walk to Jacob's Ladder/ Mutters Moor - nature adventure trail, art activities and opportunity to buy ice-creams
Day 3
Enjoy a country walk to the Donkey Sanctuary, having fun with art activities along the way.
No. of students: 16
Leader: Mrs Whitbread
Cost: £16.50
Food & Textiles
Enjoy baking in the Sidmouth College kitchens creating a range of bread-based products as well as a day making cakes, biscuits and flapjacks.
After the busy bakery sessions, spend the day upcycling materials to make a tote bag, embellishing it with your own design.
All the ingredients are provided and included in the price.
No. of students: 18
Leader: Mrs Reeve
Cost: £30
Inventors and Creators Workshop
Are you interested in crafts and being creative?
This workshop is an opportunity to use your Design, Engineering, Art and Creative skills to design and create a wonderland of your own imagination.
Across the three days, you will learn about various craft types, focus on natural materials and explore environmental issues with our creations and inventions.
Mrs Sullivan has something for everyone to enjoy.
This activity takes place on site at Sidmouth College.
No. of students: 30
Leader: Mrs Sullivan
Cost: £40
Art & Photography Activity
Designed for students with a love of either Art and/or Photography.
Students will take part in a wide range of handson-art and photography themed activities
Day 1 Walk to the beach via the Byes to collect found materials (drift-wood, dried natural forms etc) Take photographs, create land art inspired by Andy Goldsworthy and sketch the landscape. Packed lunch and ice cream on beach.
Day 2 External artist workshop (possibly ceramics/ print making) TBC. Artworks to take inspiration from materials/ sketches on day 1.
Day 3 Mixed media workshop in college using materials collected/ images created throughout the week.
No. of students: 30
Leader: Mrs Fry
Cost: £40 (Estimated)
Ultimate Sports
Spend three days taking part in a variety of sports and activities within the local area.
Try your hand at the new sport ‘Pickle ball’, challenge your friends at golf, beach games, frisbee, football, volleyball, trampolining and many more!
Students will have the opportunity to work with specialist coaches and players from elite sports clubs alongside the PE staff.
This is perfect for students who like trying new activities, being active and gaining the physical, social and mental benefits of sport.
This activity will take place within the local area, as well as on site at Sidmouth College.
No. of students: 40
Leader: Mrs Omand
Cost: £15
Construction
Enjoy three days designing and creating in the Sidmouth College wood technology workshop designing and making something of your choice.
Dive into the world of robotics and Lego, where you can design, build, and program your own robots. Let your imagination run wild as you create intricate Lego structures and bring them to life with robotics.
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore new interests, develop hands-on skills, and maybe even discover a new passion
No. of students: 20
Leader: Mr Walshaw Cost: £40
Cycling
Three days of fabulous local cycling, starting and finishing at the college.
The aim is to enjoy the freedom of being out in the lanes and woods of East Devon, enjoy the option of some ‘off road tracks’, for those who like mountain biking.
Some of the hills are steep but don’t worry as we always rest and regroup at the top! Plenty of breaks and a lunchtime pit stop to ‘chill’.
You will need a roadworthy bike, a helmet, a spare inner-tube and a hi-vis back-pack cover (or we can provide one). You will also need drinks, snacks and money for ice-creams together with suitable clothing for cycling (light-weight raincoat/sun protection).
Plenty of opportunities to feel the breeze in your hair as you whizz downhill or weave around bumps along forest tracks!
No. of students: 20
Leader: Mr Morgan
Cost: Free (subject to your bike passing a safety inspection)
Media and Drama Spectacular
This three-day spectacular is for anyone who is interested in Media and Drama.
Students will have the opportunity to access and analyse a range of media including films.
They will also practically explore the world through the medium of Drama and Theatre.
Students will develop a range of skills including resilience as they work throughout the week. They will demonstrate kindness and high levels of collaboration as they work within teams They will spend time creating and rehearsing Drama work which they will perform.
In amongst all of the effort involved in creating brilliant performance work there will be opportunities to relax and enjoy the medium of film through a cinema style experience.
No. of students 20
Leader: Mrs Davey
Cost: Free
Games for Brains
Some of the best games still come in a box.
They challenge the best thinkers and frustrate the most competitive. If you think you have what it takes or just enjoy playing board and card games, then this is for you.
Strategic games develop higher level thinking skills, the ability to plan, and to react to changing circumstances.
You will get the chance to play a range of different games and pit your wits against your friends or someone new. You can also bring along your own favourite game and teach other students and teachers how to play.
We will play a variety of strategic games on the first two days and then encourage students to bring their own games to share on the third day
No. of students : 20
Leader: Mrs Masters
Cost: Free
Dungeons and Dragons campaign
Dungeons and Dragons is a game that never ends, in which anything is possible Enjoy structured yet openended role-playing games.
Dungeons & Dragons is a cooperative, role-playing game where you and your friends create unique characters and embark on thrilling adventures. You control a character in a fantasy world, cooperating with your fellow players to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.
One player takes on the role of the Dungeon Master, who weaves together an engaging story and serves as a referee for the rules of the game.
During your journey, you’ll encounter various encounters, solve puzzles, and engage in combat. Success is determined by rolling dice and applying modifiers based on your character’s skills and abilities.
As your character experiences these adventures, they grow stronger, more skilled, and develop personal connections with the rest of the party.
To immerse yourself in this exciting world, all you need is a rulebook, a character sheet, a set of dice, and a fair bit of imagination. If you’ve ever been curious about how Dungeons & Dragons works or wanted to get into the game yourself, then you’re in the right place.
No. of students : 8
Leader: Mr Kanda
Cost: Free
One for All
Three days of multi activities taking place in college, ideal for those students that may prefer to do something different every day.
Suggested itinerary to include some of the following activities (maybe subject to change)
• Movie afternoon
• Indoor and Outdoor sports
• Crafts and creative drawing
• Treasure Hunt
• Bug Hunt
• Gardening
• Team building and problem-solving games
• Board games Bonanza
• Computer games
• Cooking
No. of students: 40
Leader: Mr Beach
Cost: Free
(We will ask students to bring in a food item for the movie afternoon).
Behaviour
If the Headteacher has any safety concerns at any point prior to activities week, they might decide to keep your child from participating in an off-site activity. In that case, your child will have the option to choose from various fun activities happening at the college
Good student behaviour ensures their own safety, that of the accompanying adults and members of the public Any student who endangers themselves, the group or the public will be removed from the activity. In exceptional cases, a parent may be requested to collect their child.
Expectations during Activities Week
We endeavour to provide a wide variety of options to ensure that all students take part in activities week.
All trips start and finish at Sidmouth College. Students are not able to join trips at any other location.
Students will be asked to sign a conduct agreement regarding expectations and responsibilities during the week. Our students are expected to have an excellent reputation for their conduct during trips and visits
During activities week the Sidmouth College Way and our Behaviour Policy will be operating as normal
What happens next?
Your child’s choices must be submitted by completing the Google form which will be emailed out to parents on Thursday 21st November and must be completed by midnight on Monday 25th November 2024.
We will then look at numbers and decide what activities are going to run. Students will then be assigned to an activity. Your child will then be advised what choice they have via their tutors along with an email home
Whilst we acknowledge that it may be upsetting for students if they do not get a place on their preferred trip, due to oversubscription, this is sometimes unavoidable. We ask that you support the college by preparing your child for this potential outcome.
