SCHOOL & GROUP ACTIVITY TRIPS Residential Trips Curriculum-Led Trips DofE Trips France & UK
NEWACTIVITY CENTRE
School & group activity trips
“84%of secondary students and 71%of KS2 pupils said that because of the residential, they get on better with the other pupils in their class.” Learning Away Study
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 create life5 We long memories
& offer amazing experiences
W
School & group activity trips
hile recent events have certainly challenged us all as human beings, it has also allowed us to reflect on what is important in life and the value of what we, as a company, can offer you and your young people. It has been a time to listen to our customers, empathise and show compassion - qualities which I hope we have managed to display over the past 18 months. And now, as we approach 2022 with renewed hope and vigour, it really is a time to concentrate on what we do best - offering positive, challenging, fun and memorable experiences to young people. We know that being outside in a natural and safe environment, trying new things, challenging yourself and having fun promotes emotional, physical and mental wellbeing, and that all of these attributes are essential in order for young people to be successful in academia. Outdoor, high quality residential trips are fantastic at promoting a positive outlook and are an essential part of a young person’s time at school. By combining these invaluable experiences with classroom teaching, we will continue to encourage a generation of young people who feel inspired to achieve amazing things, both inside and outside the classroom. So whether you are brand new to Rockley or have been with us before, we hope you will join us on our next big adventure! Pip Woods, MD
Contents Benefits of a Residential Trip Brilliant Residentials Our Activities Our French Centres Le Lac Mimizan AzuRivage La Rive Activity Programme Days Out - France Duncan from Diss High School talks about his latest activity trip
4 5 6
UK Centres
Buddens Rockley Point 8 Poole Park Days Out - UK 9 Geography Self-Led Trips 10 Uniformed Groups 11 Outdoor Adventure 12 Customer Promise 13 Our Team Duncan from Diss Interview All You Need to Know 01202 677272 24 www.rockley.org/schools What’s Included
14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 27
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
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
Building relationships with peers and teachers and creating a strong sense of community.
Experiencing Success
Opportunity to face new challenges, and be successful outside of the classroom.
Being Healthy
Recognising the link between a healthy lifestyle and a healthy mind to promote a positive attitude.
Communication
Encourage young people to think on their feet, work as a team and give clear instructions.
Confidence &Engagement
The self belief to take on challenges, try new things and bounce back when things go wrong.
Independence
Instilling the belief that youngsters can achieve on their own.
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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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.
Supporting your educational requirements
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
79%of secondary students indicated that the residential had made them realise that what they learn at school is important to them
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 2,3 & 4 Duke of Edinburgh Awards NCFE / BTEC Level 2 & 3 RYA Scheme GCSE PE
Learning Away Study
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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Activities to get EXCITEDabout During a Rockley Adventure trip, thanks to a range of both land and water-based activities, 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.
Activites France &UK • • • • • • • • • • • •
Kayaking Dinghy Sailing Stand up Paddleboarding MegaSUP Canoeing Catamaran Sailing Raft Building Windsurfing Teambuilding Personal Development Trail Biking Bellboating
Key:
FR
French Centres
Optional Extras:
FR RP BU PP • FR RP PP • FR RP BU PP • • FR RP BU PP • • FR RP BU • FR RP FR RP BU PP • FR RP PP • FR RP BU PP • FR RP BU PP • FR RP BU PP • • FR BU BU • RP Rockley Point
Gauntlet Firelighting Orienteering Abseiling Archery Bushcraft Climbing Crate Stacking Jacob’s Ladder Leap of Faith Rifle Shooting Tomahawk Throwing Tunnel Trail Zip Wire BU Buddens
Waterparks, Surfing, High Ropes, White Water Rafting (France only)
PP
BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU
Poole Park
Optional activities take place off-site and must be booked prior to your trip departure.
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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OurFrenchCentres
We have three activity centres based in south west France, all located around freshwater lakes in the beautiful Aquitaine region. Fringed by forests and sandy beaches and all just a few miles from the fabulous Atlantic coast, our centres have been specifically selected for their capacity to offer a range of fantastic activities and enhance both the pupil and group leader adventure experience.
Prices from just £500pp
LeLac Mimizan L
e Lac Mimizan caters for a wide range of abilities and ages. Its location makes it the perfect choice for groups looking for a mix of land and water-based activities. The highly flexible programme can be made as challenging as your group require!
Why Le Lac Mimizan? •
• •
Based on the shores of the large freshwater lake of Étang d’Aureilhan & close to the beautiful seaside town of Mimizan Plage Sheltered location offering a great introduction to watersports activities Short walk to the beach
• • • • • •
Quiet & relaxed location Table tennis, boules, beach volleyball pitch & basketball Al fresco bar Adjacent to a fantastic high ropes park with stages set in the spectacular pine trees Fabulous cycle routes & trails Swimming pool
www.rockley.org/school-trips
01202 677272
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AzuRivage
A
zuRivage offers the perfect setting in which to boost confidence and develop teamwork. Students and Group Leaders alike enjoy the personal feel and tranquil nature of this location. The campsite atmosphere coupled with the variety of activity programmes available make it an ideal choice for your group.
Why AzuRivage? • • • • • • • • •
Campsite boasts a unique French ambience Based on a large freshwater lake Offers perfect conditions for a multi-activity programme Safe access to the lake Close to the pretty town of Soustons Experience the local surf culture at the nearby towns of Hossegor and Biarritz Al fresco bar On-site supermarket Outdoor swimming pools with slide
www.rockley.org/school-trips
01202 677272
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LaRive L
a Rive specialises in multi-activity programmes with variety and fun being the key to its relaxed and yet professional environment. Set in a beautiful and safe learning location, it is ideal for energetic groups that thrive on challenging activities.
Why La Rive? • • • • •
Large campsite beach Based on a large freshwater lake Safe and shallow water activity area Private channel offering safe access to the lake On-site supermarket
• • • •
Outdoor and covered swimming pools Multi-sports pitch Restaurant & bar facilities Accommodation area nestled just 50 metres from the beach, nestled amongst the pine trees offering a sheltered area
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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Multi Activity Programme By enticing youngsters out of their comfort zone and creating situations that may be new or unfamiliar to them, pupils are encouraged to take a positive approach to problems and find effective solutions. Sample France 7-Day Plan Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Breakfast
Sunday
Arrive for Breakfast
At Centre
At Centre
At Centre
At Centre
Travelling
AM Session
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Excursion
Raft Buidling
Mountain Biking
Arrive Home
Lunch PM Session
Depart School
At Centre
At Centre
Packed Lunch
At Centre
At Centre
Windsurfing
Sailing
Excursion
Sailing
Canoeing
Dinner
Depart School
At Centre
At Centre
At Centre
At Centre
At Centre
Evening
Travelling
Games Evening
Excursion
Team Building
Quiz Night
Depart
“So impressed with all the activities. Our kids have had a week they will never forget!” Moulton School
Serious about Safety
www.rockley.org/schools
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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. FRANCE • • • • • • • •
Dune du Pyla Arcachon Bordeaux Biarritz AquaLand, a water flume park White water rafting in the Pyrenees High Ropes challenge Surfing
With over 45 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 UKand France. • • • • •
Our water activity areas are among the safest in the world ALL our instructors hold a valid First Aid certificate ALL our activity leaders are DBS checked EVERY student, teacher, staff and instructor MUST wear a buoyancy aid when on the water ALL our main safety boats carry a First Aid Kit
• • • • •
NO ONE is allowed on the water without a safety boat in attendance EACH group of students is always in the charge of a fully trained staff member EVERY accommodation unit is fitted with a personal alarm We have staff on duty 24 hours a day BEST for Instructor : Student Ratios
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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OurUKCentres We have three activity centres based in Dorset, each unique in terms of their location and offering, but all providing valuable challenging and fun experiences. So, whether you are looking for a truly outdoor camping trip with largely land-based activities at Buddens Activity Centre, a more water-based experience on beautiful Poole Harbour at our Rockley Point Centre or a day experience on the safety of the UK’s largest inland saltwater lake at our Poole Park Centre, we will have something for you!
“We’ve had a great week and the children have really enjoyed it and made so many good memories together. All staff have been very attentive and really focused on making sure our groups have a good stay.” St Swithun Wells
Prices from just £99pp
NEW CENTRE
Buddens
B
uddens Activity Centre lies in the heart of the historic and beautiful Isle of Purbeck and Jurassic Coast, boasting 96 acres of natural countryside, heathland, woodland and plantations. It is the perfect adventure playground - with so many outdoor activities to try, there is plenty of scope for young people to display leadership, teamwork, resilience and passion in a truly natural environment.
Why Buddens? • • • •
Located in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck Boast 96 Acres of natural countryside to immerse your group in nature Huge range of challenging & fun land-based activities Lovely lake for canoeing,
• •
paddleboarding and raftbuilding Tented villages housing bell tents just for your group Well placed for day trips to local attractions including Corfe Castle, Brownsea Island and Dorset Adventure Waterpark
Sample Buddens 5-day plan Day 1 Morning Session 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Bushcraft
Crate Stack
Bell Boating
Zip Wire
Morning Session 2
Arrive & Welcome
Gauntlet High Ropes
Canoeing
Abseiling
Rifle Shooting
Lunch
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Afternoon Session 3
Raft Building
Archery
Leap of Faith
Jacobs Ladder
Depart
Afternoon Session 4
SUP
Tomahawk Throwing
Climbing Wall
Kayaking
Dinner
Chilli & Nachos
Curry Night
Lasagne
BBQ Feast
Evening
Egg Drop/Fire Pit
Rockley Bingo
Games/Fire Pit
Fire Pit/Marshmallows & Stories
“Honestly, this residential has been amazing. All of our children have achieved some amazing things. Facilities are great and the food is fantastic.” All Saints Primary School
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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R
ockley Point is our flagship centre, founded in 1976. Based in beautiful Poole Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour, the centre uses some of the UK’s safest and most idyllic sailing waters and provides ample opportunity for young people to try new activities, immerse themselves in new experiences and embrace life on the water.
Why Rockley Point?
RockleyPoint
• • • •
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
Sample Rockley Point 5-day plan Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Morning
Arrive & Welcome
Kayaking
Windsurfing
SUP
Canoeing
Lunch
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Lunch at Centre
Afternoon
Pico Sailing
Catamaran Sailing
Raft Building
Pico Sailing
Depart
Dinner
Chilli & Nachos
Curry Night
Lasagne
BBQ Feast
Evening
Egg Drop
Rockley Bingo
Beach Games
Crabbing
Speak to our teamto talk about your bespoke multi-activity or an RYAsailing trip
www.rockley.org/school-trips
01202 677272
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PoolePark
P
oole Park Lake is located on the shores of the UK’s largest inland saltwater lake. Within minutes of arriving, your group can be on the water. Poole Park offers the ideal environment for school-aged pupils to experience watersports either for the first time or for short taster sessions.
Why Poole Park Lake? • • •
DaysOut-UK • • • • • • •
Shallow and extremely safe activity area Best for introduction to watersports Short taster and multi-activity sessions in sailing, windsurfing and kayaking
•
•
Affordable for most pupils - making watersports even more accessible RYA certificated sessions available
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.
Jurassic Coast including Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach, Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island Splashdown - Poole’s local waterflume park Dorset Adventure Park Tank Museum Bushcraft Go Ape
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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Geography Studies Rockley Point and Buddens are the ideal base for offering a range of geography and natural field self-led study residentials
Self-Led Study
Teaching Facilities
Evening Options
Rockley Point and Buddens Activity Centre are 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.
www.rockley.org/school-trips
01202 677272
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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. 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
• • • • •
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/school-trips
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The Best Kind of Outdoor Adventure
Staying with us
Eating
Residential activity trips provide a real opportunity for young people to gain experience of living away from home and the chance to develop key personal qualities such as self-reliance and increased independence.
All our food is prepared on-site by our own catering staff. Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, giving each child all the energy they need to enjoy their action-packed adventure. Our al fresco dining area makes a positive contribution to the dining experience. Meal times are an important social aspect of the trip. At Rockley we ensure there is adequate time available to eat their meal and chat about the activities and learning that the children have experienced during the day.
The benefits: • • • • • • •
Helps youngsters develop a sense of adventure Builds resilience Gives young people the freedom to explore Boosts creativity and imagination Releases stress Promotes happiness Brings young people closer to nature
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Sleeping
Travel
A trip with Rockley Adventure means getting the most out of outdoor living and camping. All your pupils are grouped in their accommodation according to their age and sex. Our three lakeside centres in south west France and our Buddens Activity Centre located in Dorset offer tented villages, uniquely arranged for your own group. Our chalet-style tents and bell tents sleep, on average, six children. Each tent has lanterns, metal frame beds and for added safety, a personal alarm. As Group Leader, your tent will also have a fridge and refreshments to welcome you on arrival.
All our French activity trips include executive coach travel to and from our centres and we will be happy to help with arrangements for travel to Rockley Point or Buddens.
At our UK centre, Rockley Point, 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 may share rooms.
• • • • • • • • •
Door to door convenience No regional supplements Reclining seats and seatbelts Stereo / pa system and DVD Toilet Air conditioning Minimum of two drivers Optional stopovers for Disneyland Paris and/or Futuroscope Regular stops and driver changes
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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 parent’s evening or answer any questions in person
• • •
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
• • • •
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
“Excellent! Very well organised - we have complete trust in the Rockley team” Streathamand ClaphamHigh School for Girls www.rockley.org/school-trips
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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. Sara,
Jack
is Head of Sales and Marketing and has been part of the Rockley family for over ten years. A dedicated father of four 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.
a 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!
Courtney is the latest member of the
Ross discovered his love of sailing as a
Rockley team. A former Rockley College student, she has a real passion for all things watersports and adventure, but her favourite thing do is to go on long walks and hike. Her biggest achievement has been the 10-hour climb up Mount Buffalo in Australia - the most challenging hike she has done to date!
“The Rockley staff are genuinely brilliant.” Longfleet Primary School
teenager and has since competed in many dinghy and yachting events all over the UK. He also has a keen interest in cars and will regularly have a different classic car to work on and showcase. On a weekend you will find him either on a boat or somewhere around cars!
At Rockley, it is our team who ensure that a trip with us is the one you and your school or group choose year after year.
Carefully Selected
Highly Qualified
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.
Being part of the Rockley group we can boast the highest level of qualified staff. We are dedicated to the continuous training and development of all staff in order to maintain our high standards of excellence.
Our Staff
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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Let’s Talk - Duncan fromDiss High School “If you don’t offer these experiences, then they’re not going to go out and get them for themselves - it just opens their eyes.”
We catch up with Duncan from Diss High School during his trip to Buddens Activity Centre. As a long-term customer - his first trip with Rockley was to La Rive in 1997, they were unfortunately unable to go on their usual French residential trip due to Covid 19 so opted for Rockley’s new activity centre based in the Purbecks, as an alternative. Why run a trip and why Rockley? I think, as a teacher, we do what we do in the classroom, and the kids get a lot from that, but actually, it’s a lot broader than that. It’s those extra experiences that they’re going to remember for the rest of their lives. As as a kid myself, I was really lucky and spent a lot time on the water sailing and windsurfing. I remember
how much I enjoyed it, and so was looking around for somewhere that could offer the same kind of things to our students and luckily managed to find Rockley. We’ve visited all the centres - Le Lac, La Rive, AzuRivage and now Buddens, and all the stops are pulled out to make sure the kids get a good time.
www.rockley.org/schools
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“We’ve never had a bad trip.”
So why stick with Rockley for so long? We get the sort of customer service that you expect - we know that you’re always on the end of a phone and we can speak to the same person time and time and time again. We’ve got that point of contact and it doesn’t tend to change, so that family business bit helps. And then on top of that, we’ve never had a bad trip. The kids come back absolutely buzzing. It’s become a real feature for the school because of the reputation and we know the quality of product that we’re going to get. We started with about 35 kids and now have up to 140 kids from two year groups which is just phenomenal for an overseas trip.
Rockley and how it’s dealt with the pandemic. We had trips booked with other companies, and I know what kind of response we were getting from them compared with Rockley. With you it was all about. ‘Let’s try and make it work and if it can’t work, let’s look at the alternatives.’ As far as I’m concerned, everything was offered for those kids and for those parents who didn’t feel comfortable about postponing, they got their money back. We realise that it’s been an incredibly difficult time for yourselves, but actually, we couldn’t have asked any more from you -
we were dealt with properly and have been supported all the way through.
Activity trips, mental health & the pandemic. It’s always had a massive impact. In many cases we’ve taken kids with us and I don’t know how they’re going to cope, but actually they do more than cope. We have parents getting in touch saying what a change they’ve seen in their child and how it’s actually made them more outgoing. We don’t let them bring their phones so they have to engage with each other, and it’s always had a really positive effect. This year, more so than ever, the feedback from parents is that they just want their kids to be kids again - to get out and have a holiday and just have that kind of release of energy. It’s been absolutely fantastic. They’re going to have those memories now and the experiences of doing things that they wouldn’t normally do at home, so it’s been great.
How residential trips affect behaviours and attitudes towards learning. I’m a firm believer that education is about relationships. If we just turned up delivering a lesson, we’re not really doing our job and
so a trip allows them to see you in a different light, it allows us to see them in a different way, and it can change those conversations when we go back. Yeah, it makes them more rounded individuals - I know it sounds a bit cliché but it does. And if you don’t offer these experiences, then they’re not going to go out and get them for themselves. It just opens their eyes and makes them realise that there’s something else out there.
This year’s trip - “unexpected but fantastic!” It wasn’t the trip we wanted to offer but it is something very similar to what we’ve had in France. There’s a bigger range of activities, and actually the kids have really responded well - they’re enjoying the tower activities, the archery and axe throwing. We’ve just got this huge area that they can run around in and explore - it’s just this enormous sort of open air playground! So yeah, it’s been absolutely fantastic!
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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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, at Rockley Point, 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, insurance and, for trips to our French centres, return travel. 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.
Do the coaches have seatbelts?
All the UK coach company operators used on our inclusive French activity trips comply with UK, as well as EU law (French coaches comply with EU and French laws), and are fitted with seatbelts. It is the Group Leader’s responsibility to ensure that the seatbelts are worn.
Do we need passports?
First Aid
A passport valid for six months beyond the length of stay is required in order to visit France and non-EU passport holders may require visas. Young people travelling as a group can travel under a Group Passport obtainable from the Passport Agency. Contact them for further information - www.gov.uk/collectivegroup-passports/how-to-apply. Lost, stolen or new passports will take a minimum of 2 weeks to replace.
Our centres are fully equipped with first aid boxes located in the Rockley offices on site. Our Instructors 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; up to €100 is normally sufficient for trips to our French centres and between £20 to £40 for residential trips to our UK centre.
Campsite and 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.
Facilities
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 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.
We try to be as accurate as possible with regards to the availability and opening times of the facilities available on the campsites. However, due to circumstances beyond our control ie weather, time of year, local regulations or demand, some facilities may not be available - this will particularly be the case outside of high season (July and August) when the campsites are quieter.
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 Endsleigh Travel Insurance Limited. A summary of cover can be found below and on our website: www.rockley.org/school-trips/teachers for schools or www. rockley.org/group-trips/group-leader-hub for groups.
Tour Operator Failure Insurance
Your booking with us is insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of Insurers. This insurance is only valid for passengers who book and pay directly with/to Rockley Watersports Ltd and for whom transport and accommodation is provided. For further information see www.ipplondon.co.uk
www.rockley.org/school-trips
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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 departing from the UK • All prices are fully inclusive • Return coach travel (French trips - inclusive, UK - optional) • Ferry fares & tolls, where applicable
• Meals on the journey • Sleeping bags & pillows • Optional extra activities / excursions • RYA logbooks • Group Passport or visas • Insurance for groups travelling from outside the UK
other transport 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/school-trips
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Contact us 01202 677272 rockley.org/school-trips rockley.org/group-trips adventure@rockley.org rockley1 Rockley Watersports Rockley1976 @rockleywatersports
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School & group activity trips