School name: Bute House Prep School
School motto/mision: Every Girl Runs Her Own Best Race
School's website: www.butehouse.co.uk
Favourite activities: Nightline, Explorers Nature Session, Cresta Run Toboggans, Bushcraft
“Our two-night stay at Phasels Wood was highly worthwhile. Pupils returned with greater confidence, improved social skills and many positive memories to carry forward.”
When Bute House Prep School for Girls, based in Hammersmith, chose Rootd for their Year 3 residential trip, they were looking for a location just outside London where their pupils could experience the peace and tranquillity of a woodland setting, without the need for long travel times.
Choosing an experienced provider with a focus on safety was also a top priority, as they wanted to bring to life their school learning powers of resilience, flexibility and collaboration through back-to-basics bushcraft activities.
Trialling a two-night stay
The school had previously gone on a one-night Year 3 Rootd residential trip, but impressed by the quality of activities on offer and the specialist knowledge of the instructors, they felt that a two-night stay would give children a more enriching experience.
Parents were also supportive, feeling that a longer stay would promote independence and allow more time for the children to develop new skills.
Boosting character development
For Bute House, the main objectives of the residential trip were to improve pupils’ teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. Through group outdoor activities and adventures, they wanted to help the pupils to form closer bonds and learn how to work together, learning the importance of listening and patience.
They also wanted to link their outdoor learning to their Year 3 wellbeing and science curriculum, so the benefits if the trip would extend beyond the three days, with children taking their new knowledge and skills back into the classroom.
Tailoring the activity programme
To encourage children to work together, think creatively and never give up, Rootd created a tailored programme of teambuilding activities for them:
- Their shelter building activity, where collaboration is a must, was a big hit amongst the children and gave them the perfect opportunity to work together on a shared goal.
- Trusting one another was the focus of the popular Nightline rope course, where, working in pairs, one child wears a blindfold while their partner guides them around the course.
- Pupils loved the adrenaline of the Cresta toboggan run, cheering each other as they flew down the slopes on wheeled sledges.
Rootd also incorporated activities that brought them closer to nature and enhanced their Year 3 science learning. Through nature walks and bug hunting, children learnt more about the surrounding woodland habitat, giving them the chance to fully experience the magic of the outdoors.
Happy children and teachers!
The Bute House pupils had a brilliant time, with their highlights including the Cresta Run and toasting marshmallows around the campfire!
Feedback from the teaching staff was fantastic. Bute House Deputy Headteacher, Matthew Foster, told Rootd: “The trip was very well run. The Rootd staff were friendly, knowledgeable and kept everything running smoothly – so we could focus on supporting the children.
“We’ll use the bug hotel project in science lessons, apply the debrief discussions in PSHE and share photos to help pupils reflect on teamwork and perseverance.”
And the two-night test?
Choosing a two-night trip was a big success. The extra day gave pupils more time to practise skills, build friendships and fully enjoy each activity without feeling rushed.
Matthew Foster said: “I’m very glad we moved to a two-night residential instead of one. It provided a deeper learning experience, stronger group bonds and a more memorable experience.”
Wondering if a two-night residential is right for your school? Why not get in touch to find out more.