High five as pupils repeatedly return for residentials
THE first school to hold a residential visit to a Rother Valley theme park has completed its fifth consecutive trip.
Wales High School first visited Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort in October 2021 and has returned with students each year for a residential visit to help youngsters transition between primary school and high school.
Wales High School has more than 1,800 students aged 11-19.
Craig Seedhouse, resort director at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “The benefits of residential visits for pupils who have recently moved from primary school to secondary school are well-documented and we are proud that more than 100 schools now choose to stay with us each year, both primary and secondary schools, all of which has been inspired by Wales High’s first visit to us in 2021.
“Making the move to secondary school can be as daunting as it is exciting for young people, not to mention for their parents and carers.
We work closely with the schools to plan their visits to help build children’s confidence, so that they begin to feel part of their new school community and get to know their new teachers.
“The children and teachers love the wide range of over 25 different activities we can provide, including a climbing wall, archery, grass sledging, laser tag, nightline and bushcraft.
The team-building exercises provide a fantastic platform for youngsters to bond and develop trust.
“All our residential stays are fully catered with all activities led by our activity rangers. We understand that organising a residential stay can be a complex task for schools and teachers.
“With so many factors to coordinate alongside everyday responsibilities, we recognise the importance of making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
“Studies show that one of the main reasons children are nervous at high school is because of worry about bonding with their peers and teachers.
Residential visits help boost children’s confidence and self-esteem, away from the school environment.
“The students meet new friends, develop resilience and confidence, and gain experience in team building, which will be beneficial to their lives in secondary school and when they move into the workplace."