School name: Millennium Primary School
School motto/mision: Where Big Ideas Inspire Brilliant Futures
School's website: www.millenniumprimary.org.uk
Favourite activities: Underground Tunnelling, Low Ropes, Archery, Buggy Build, Bushcraft, High Ropes
“Our pupils loved experiencing the outdoors away from London. There were so many new experiences for them, and they loved being in a space that they usually have limited access to.”
Millennium Primary, based in Greenwich, were looking for a school residential trip outside London when they first contacted Rootd. They were searching for a peaceful, rural setting where children would feel fully immersed in nature and experience the many benefits of switching off from their screens.
They were also attracted by the range of activities on offer and the affordability of a Rootd trip, as they wanted to make sure the trip was accessible to as many children as possible.
Building independence and making memories
Developing resilience and independence was a key theme of the trip. Through a programme of inspiring activities, the school wanted pupils to feel challenged and experience the satisfaction and joy of achieving their goals.
They also wanted to give pupils the opportunity to try activities they may not usually have access to, so they could make long-lasting memories together.
Pre-trip planning
To ensure the setting and activity programme met Millenium Primary’s specific needs, Rootd invited them to their camp for a pre-trip visit. Rootd also made sure that all the paperwork was shared with the school in plenty of time, to help with their communication with parents.
The teachers were very grateful for Rootd’s quick response times, noting that they had ‘lots of support prior to arrival, with quick responses to any queries.’
Sharing new experiences
When they arrived at camp, Rootd had already learnt during the pre-trip visit that the children weren’t very familiar with bushcraft skills. So, keen to provide them with new experiences, Rootd made sure bushcraft activities, including shelter building and knife skills, were central to the activity programme.
Rootd also made sure they combined this with some more adventurous, challenging activities, such as underground tunnelling, where children could test themselves, build resilience and develop their independent thinking.
Nights under canvas
To maximise the outdoor experience, Rootd recommended that Millenium Primary stay in one of their bell tent villages in the heart of the woodland. Accommodating groups of six, their bell tents provided the pupils with the perfect place to recharge after a busy day of activities.
The teaching staff also told Rootd how ‘fantastic’ they thought the chill out area was – giving pupils a place to relax together and build closer bonds over the three nights.
A great escape
Feedback from the Millenium Primary teaching staff was overwhelmingly positive. They told Rootd that the ‘Rootd team were amazing and took a lot of the stress of the trip off them.’
The pupils thrived on the challenge of the activities, particularly the underground tunnelling, which they had felt apprehensive about initially. But they smashed it and ended up feeling very proud that they had done it!
The teaching staff also said that ‘coming away from London gave the children a chance to connect and communicate with friends without relying on technology’. By unplugging completely and making special memories together, they discovered the fun and adventure in nature.
Rootd were delighted that the school enjoyed their time away from the bright lights, and they look forward to welcoming them back next year!
Are you looking for a woodland residential just outside London? Why not get in touch to find out more.