Schools 2024 Brochure

School & group activity trips

SCHOOL & GROUP ACTIVITY TRIPS

Multi Activity Residential Trips

Watersports Trips

Enrichment Days

Ski Trips

OUR MISSION

To provide the BEST possible outdoor education experience for children of school age

TOP 5 REASONS TO CHOOSE ROCKLEY

WELCOME TO ROCKLEY

Pip Woods, MD

2 3 4

2023 has been a fantastic year as we welcomed tens of thousands of young people to our centres across Dorset. We are truly passionate about delivering outstanding outdoor experiences which focus on safety, quality and enjoyment. As ever, it has been our pleasure to witness so many children enjoy fantastic and memorable outdoor adventures.

In this brochure, you’ll find a wide range of programmes and activities tailored for all ages. Whether you’re planning a school trip, team-building and enrichment days, or simply an unforgettable residential adventure, we can create experiences to meet your group’s objectives, whilst providing a safe, secure and thrilling adventure.

Thanks to continued feedback, our Buddens Activity Centre continues to thrive, with the continued developments making a huge difference to the experiences we offer. Also check out our new ski offering for 2024/25 and meet our dedicated team who are here to assist you in planning your adventure seamlessly. We look forward to another fantastic and adventurous 2024!

BENEFITS OF A GREAT RESIDENTIAL

ENHANCED RELATIONSHIPS

Building relationships with peers and teachers and creating a strong sense of community.

BEING HEALTHY

Recognising the link between a healthy lifestyle and a healthy mind to promote a positive attitude.

CONFIDENCE & ENGAGEMENT

Recognising the link between a healthy lifestyle and a healthy mind to promote a positive attitude.

OUR VISION TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES BY SHARING OUR PASSION FOR THE WATER AND OUTDOORS

EXPERIENCING SUCCESS

Building relationships with peers and teachers and creating a strong sense of community.

GOOD COMMUNICATION

Encourage young people to think on their feet, work as a team and give clear instructions.

DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE

Instilling the belief that youngsters can achieve on their own through encouragement.

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 TEAM TO 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

STANDING ON THEIR OWN FEET

Rockley Adventure offers a safe, secure and happy setting for young people to experience a residential trip away from home. Young people develop independence and bond with their peers and teachers in informal settings. We offer diverse learning experiences which empower young people to take on new challenges and succeed outside the classroom.

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

“Our staff rate everything you have created here. It’s so nice to have instructors who are caring and are clearly interested in creating a great experience. Thank you for providing a great trip. We look forward to next year!”

Kelly, Auriol Juniros

ACTIVITIES TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

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.

KEY: Our activities & which centres we run them at

ACTIVITES UK & FRANCE

• Kayaking

• Dinghy Sailing

• Paddleboarding

• MegaSUP

• Canoeing

• Catamaran Sailing

• Raft Building

• Windsurfing

• Rockley Challenge

• Bell Boating

• Teambuilding

• Code Breaker

• Buddens Challenge

• Tomahawk Throwing

• Gauntlet

• Fire Lighting

• Orienteering

• Abseiling

• High All Aboard

• Archery

• Bushcraft

• Climbing

• Dry Tooling

• Nightline

• Crate Stacking

• Jacob’s Ladder

• Leap of Faith

• Rifle Shooting

• Tunnel Trail

• Zip Wire

• Nightline

• Adventure Park*

“ We have thoroughly enjoyed all of our activities and loved the balance between land and wet. We honestly cannot thank you enough for this incredible trip.” Becky, Avonwood School

ROCKLEY POINT ACTIVITY CENTRE FROM JUST £225PP

Rockley Point Activity Centre 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?

• The UK’s premier provider of watersports training with unrivalled levels of instructor expertise

• Students can gain RYA sailing certificates according to ability

• Multi-activity sessions including kayaking, windsurfing & paddleboarding

• Residential facilities, a beautiful sandy beach and beachside cafe

“A great opportunity to try totally new sports. The staff are incredible and a real credit! We had an incredible time - thank you so much. Our staff said it has been the best residential they have ever been on. Very sad to go home.”

Prospect House

SAMPLE ROCKLEY POINT 5-DAY PLAN

AFTERNOON Pico Sailing Catamaran Sailing Raft Building Pico Sailing Depart

DINNER Chilli & Nachos Curry Night Lasagne BBQ Feast

EVENING Egg Drop Self Led Beach Games Crabbing

SPEAK TO OUR TEAM ABOUT YOUR BESPOKE MULTI-ACTIVITY TRIP OR AN RYA SAILING PROGRAMME

Jo,

BUDDENS ACTIVITY CENTRE

Buddens 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

• Boasts 96 Acres of natural countryside to immerse your group in nature

• Huge range of challenging and fun land and water-based activities

• Lovely lake for a range of paddle sports activities

• Tented villages housing bell tents

• Well placed for day trips to local attractions including Corfe Castle, Brownsea Island and Dorset Adventure Waterpark

• Fresh, plentiful and healthy daily meals made onsite by our own catering team. Sample menu available on request. Please enquire with any dietary requirements

“We have had a wonderful time. Students have enjoyed the activities and their behaviour has reflected this. Accommodation is great and

SAMPLE BUDDENS 5-DAY PLAN

MORNING SESSION

LUNCH

AFTERNOON SESSION 3

AFTERNOON SESSION 4

DINNER Pasta Bolognese Curry Night

EVENING Egg Drop/Fire Pit Self Led Activity

& Gravy

Pit Fire Pit/Marshmallows & Stories

the food is wonderful and plentiful” Elly, Cantell School

POOLE PARK ACTIVITY CENTRE

Poole Park Activity Centre 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?

• Shallow and extremely safe activity area

• Best for introduction to watersports

• Short taster and multi-activity sessions in sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking

• Affordable for most pupils - making watersports even more accessible and increasing participation

• RYA certificated courses available in sailing

“I just wanted to say the biggest thank you for last week’s visit with Year 3. The children loved their time trying all the different paddle sports. Huge credit to your team for all their effort and energy in making sure everybody had a good time.”

Jack, BCS School

DORSET SCHOOL GAMES

Poole Park is the venue for our FREE annual event - the Dorset School Games. The Sailing Regatta day offers students a chance to compete against other schools in sailing while the ‘Can Do’ Festival is a fun and inclusive day of watersports for pupils with SEND requirements. Our aim is to increase watersports participation and make it more accessible to all whilst also providing a fun, competitive spirit amongst students.

DAYS OUT

Our week long programmes include the chance to explore the local area and take part in both fun and educational activities away from our centres. Our UK centres are the ideal base to arouse your geographical and natural field interests - 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.

We’ll be on hand to offer any help with additional resources or to arrange excursions. We have a choice of excursions from which 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

CORFE CASTLE

MAN O’ WAR BEACH & DURDLE DOOR

DORSET ADVENTURE PARK

SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY

With over 47 years of experience in leading activity trips, we have an enviable reputation for our high safety standards, which are rigorously applied at all our centres.

“Excellent! Very well organised - we have complete trust in the Rockley team.” Streatham and Clapham High School for Girls

• 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

• We have staff on duty 24 hours a day

• BEST for Instructor : Student Ratios

OUR SKI RESORTS

A very exciting new addition to Rockley’s outdoor residential offering to schools and groups are our fantastic ski packages. In collaboration with UCPA – a French-based adventure sports and travel organisation, Rockley has selected two wonderful ski resorts in the French Alps that we feel will perfectly meet the ski requirements of your group!

SAMPLE SKI TRIP PLAN

VAL CENIS

Val Cenis is ideally situated at the heart of the department of Savoie, French Alps. With the Sports Village at the heart of the village itself, and the accommodation only 20 metres away from the first lift.

LA PLAGNE 1800

Located in Savoie, on the edge of the Tarentaise National Park and facing the Mont-Blanc massif, the sports village of La Plagne 1800 opens its doors to discover the mountain from all angles.

WHY ROCKLEY SKI?

• Ski-in, ski-out resorts

• Affordable

• Group specific hotel

• Ski rental in the hotel

• Ideal beginner ski areas

• Challenging slopes for the more experienced skiiers

• Coach or air travel

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 23 Hours of tuition (Mon-Fri)

• Lift pass

• Skis

• Ski boots

• Helmets

• Poles

• Transport

• Full Board Accommodation

ENRICHMENT DAYS

Buddens Activity Centre offers excellent year-round team building and enrichment opportunities for your group, aimed at enhancing relationships and improving communication skills, as well as being fun!

ACTIVITIES

Our team building inspired activities can include: code breaker, nightline, crate stacking, jacobs ladder, orienteering, fire lighting and the Buddens Challenge and many more.

With a flexible outdoor learning programme - full day, half day or 2-hour sessions, Buddens is the perfect location for primary and secondary schools to engage their young people in adventurous, character building and enjoyable activities. To be immersed in the outdoors, without the use of electronic devices and bonding with peers and teachers, has such a positive impact on the confidence, well-being and attainment of young people which is reflected in the classroom when they return.

WATER-BASED TEAM BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES ALSO AVAILABLE AT OUR POOLE PARK LAKE CENTRE

“Highly satisfied - great range of activities and all instructors were brilliant. Very personalised service by all and good structure.” Carrington School

SPEAK TO OUR TEAM ABOUT A BESPOKE PROGRAMME TO SUIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

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 from this.” Armstrong Scouts

EAT, SLEEP, TRAVEL EATING

STAYING WITH US

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.

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

All our food is prepared onsite 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.

SLEEPING

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. 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 and metal frame beds. As Group Leader, your tent will also have refreshments to welcome you on arrival.

At our UK centre, Rockley Point, your group’s accommodation will consist of bunk rooms. Bunk accommodation sleeps six to eight pupils and has its own bathroom. Group Leaders may share rooms.

TRAVEL

Depending on pricing, our trips can 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 Activity Centre.

• Door to door convenience

• No regional supplements

• Reclining seats and seatbelts

• Stereo / PA system and DVD

• Toilet

• Air conditioning

• Minimum of two drivers (1 for UK trips / 2 for French trips)

• Regular stops and driver changes

“ Thank you ALL once again for a wonderful time. Thank you for all levels of communication and care before and during our stay. Thanks to all your wonderful team members. Our kids don’t want to go - consider that job done!” Ed, All Saints School

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.

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

ADDED VALUE:

• 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

MEET THE TEAM

The School and Groups Team are made up of a bunch of wonderful 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.

HEAD OF SALES & MARKETING

Jack has been at Rockley for over 12 years. A dedicated father of four young girls, he is also the Chair of Governors at his daughter’s school.

I’d play football with: Anyone from Saints

I’d spend a sunny weekend: Camping with my family

SCHOOL SALES ADVISOR

Former primary school teacher Sara heads up the Poole Park bookings and ensures the smooth running of the Dorset School Games Festival - no mean feat!

I’d jump out of a plane with: Mickey Flannagan

I’d swim away from: Jet skiiers

SCHOOL SALES ADVISOR

As well as talking to schools, Ross also ensures the smooth running of all the school transport. When out of the office, he loves classic cars, boats and more cars!

I’d buy a classic car with: Mike Brewer - king of classic cars

I’d sail away from: Mondays

SCHOOL SALES ADVISOR

A former Rockley College student, Courteny is a lover of all things snow and water, and is our go-to person and expert when it comes to our ski trips.

I’d surf with: Jamie O’Brien

I’d make them do a black run: Alan Carr

OUR STAFF

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. We are dedicated to the continuous training and development of all staff in order to maintain our high standards of excellence.

“Thank you for your ‘nothing is too much’ attitude.”

Mark, Copthorne Prep

Jack Sara Ross Courteny

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED?

An activity trip (unlike a ski trip) does not require much in the way of specialist equipment. We provide all the necessary equipment 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, 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?

Our UK 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?

TEACHER WEEKENDS

If you would like to truly experience the kind of residential adventures we offer young people at Rockley, then please enquire about our FREE Teacher Weekends. SCAN

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.

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.

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.

FIRST AID

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.

FACILITIES

We try to be as accurate as possible with regards to the availability and opening times of the facilities available on the sites. 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 sites 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

• 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

OTHER TRANSPORT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

WHAT’S INCLUDED CONCESSIONARY PLACES

FREE staff places on a ratio of 1:10 full paying students

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• 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

THE ENVIRONMENT

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

Pip Woods, MD

“We love the waters we use and we have a responsibility to protect them and encourage others to do the same.”