The Paul Hamlyn Foundation special initiative Learning Away is researching What makes a ‘Brilliant Residential’?

The study describes ‘Brilliant Residentials’ as school trips with an overnight stay, which are led by teachers, co-designed with students and fully integrated into the curriculum. They are a ‘multi-tool’ for achieving vital educational outcomes, have a huge impact on students of all ages and can help to deliver whole school change.

The following selections from the initial study findings will provide more of an insight into what a residential could offer your children and young adults as well as some recent feedback from groups visiting Lea Green.

To chat to the team at Lea Green about what you are looking to achieve call us on 01629 534561 or complete a residential booking form here.

For more information about the report and Learning Away, visit http://learningaway.org.uk/residentials/

1. Impact on relationships

• New peer relationships created.
• Relationships built between staff and students.
• Opportunities for students to develop social skills.
• Development of more trusting and respectful relationships.

Post residential, 70% of key stage 2 students felt they knew their teachers better and 71% felt they got on better with their peers as a result of their residential experiences.

Interestingly, 72% of secondary students felt that as a result of the residential their teachers had a better understanding of how they liked to learn best. Given that only 56% of students felt that this was the case prior to the residential this can be seen as an important finding.

“We can actually be on a level with the kids and we can sit down on the grass with them. Whereas in a classroom situation it is ‘I am teacher, you are student’. You’re actually physically levelled and I think that has a massive impact on relationships with students” (Secondary Staff Focus Group)

“The visit has really ‘gelled’ the class together and has had a huge impact on the atmosphere in our classroom for the remainder of the year. This in turn allows for a much better learning atmosphere in class as the children feel more comfortable in taking risks with their learning and encouraging each other.” (Lea Green feedback)

2. Developing a ‘Learning Away’ community

• Opportunity and experience of living with others.
• Opportunities for group reinforcement and support.
• Participants can learn more about themselves and others.
• Strong sense of community and support in working towards a common purpose/goal.

“Most of the things you had to work together, like the tents, the cooking, the den building or making the fires. You had to do it with at least one other person. You might be partnered with someone you didn’t get on with at school but with camping it was either get the thing done or not so… you have to deal with it” (Primary Student Focus Group)

“Children learnt team building skills and gained the confidence to have a go at things they wouldn’t usually try, as well as having fun whilst they did.” (Lea Green feedback)

3. Impact on confidence

• Improved relationships.
• Better engagement with learning.
• The development of leadership skills.

“We feel all of our children made progress/reached a target they were aiming for.” (Lea Green feedback)

4. Impact on attainment and engagement with learning

Residentials were felt to be particularly effective for students who had difficulty concentrating and engaging in the classroom context as it gave them a positive experience of themselves. The more relaxed learning environment, the availability of one to one support and small group work were all felt to contribute to improved learner engagement.

• The development of students’ vocabulary and their speaking and listening skills (particularly for primary students).
• Improved creativity as residentials provided inspiration and helped to enrich students’ work in a range of subject areas (both primary and secondary students).
• Developing study and research skills (both primary and secondary students).

5. Developing student leadership skills

• Increased confidence, particularly being given responsibility to lead activities.
• Providing a role model for other students.
• Improved organisational and presentation skills.
• Improved independence and maturity.

“The children have really enjoyed their trip – they have followed instructions well and worked as a team, tried new things and gained confidence.” (Lea Green feedback)

Lea Green has been awarded the Quality Badge by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, demonstrating that the centre offers good quality educational experiences and manages risk effectively. The award of the badge recognises the experienced staff and excellent facilities at the centre and the commitment it has to sustain high quality learning.

Learning outside of the classroom enables children and young adults to interact in new ways with their peers and adults, allowing relationships to improve between teachers and pupils. 99% of teachers say that students are more animated and engaged when learning outside the classroom (Opinion matters survey on behalf of TUI Education Division, 2010). At Lea Green the outdoor environment our activities take place in makes learning more memorable and recognises the potential of each individual, developing skills and confidence which can be transferred to the classroom.

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) champions opportunities for all children and young people to benefit from high quality and varied educational experiences. As a Quality Badge holder, Lea Green has been rigorously assessed as providing good quality and safe educational provision.

The accreditation gives further assurance to parents, teachers, carers and group leaders that the centre is a safe and supportive learning environment. This is reflected in feedback we receive from teachers and parents of children and young adults to have recently visited the centre:

“We would definitely stay again – great flexibility with activities and excellent support from all staff at Lea Green.”

“Friendly, helpful and patient staff and instructors – ensuring all of us were happy and able to participate.” 

“Lea Green staff are excellent with our young people – straight to the point and treat all with respect.”

Lea Green staff had a fab time promoting Meadow Lodge, our accessible accommodation, at the annual Disability Direct Do What You Want event in Nottingham on Wednesday 16th July 2014.

Do What You Want Live hosted over 100 organisations offering advice, services and equipment for disabled adults and children, older people, carers and professionals.

We were invited to the event by Disability Direct in conjunction with CredAbility, Nottinghamshire County Council and the Office for Disability Issues.

We met lots of fantastic people and even Samia Ghadie popped by to say hello 🙂