When Ryde School with Upper Chine chose Rootd for their Year 9 residential, they were looking for an adventure that offered more than just physical challenges. They wanted a variety of activities that would engage every student—whether it was bushcraft, survival skills, or adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures. At Rootd, we delivered exactly that, combining exciting, inclusive experiences that pushed students beyond their limits while fostering teamwork and self-confidence.
From booking to execution, we made sure every detail was handled, allowing the school to focus on what mattered most: giving their students an unforgettable, team-building experience. The trip was a huge hit, with activities like the tunnels, bushcraft, and buggy building leaving lasting memories that are still talked about today. Rootd’s personal touch and care made this trip a standout experience for both students and teachers alike.
Key Factors in Choosing Their School Residential Trip
When Ryde School with Upper Chine was selecting a residential trip for their Year 9 students, Pippa Ball, Head of Year, highlighted two key factors in choosing Rootd. As they wanted an experience that catered to a variety of interests and abilities, the first priority was the variety of activities we offer.
“We wanted a residential that wasn’t only one thing. We didn’t want it to be only physically challenging activities but something for everyone. Rootd’s combination of adventurous activities and bushcraft and survival skills ensure that there are sessions enjoyable and accessible to all.”
The second key factor was our staff team. The teacher appreciated that we could provide a personalised and safe experience for every student, even in a larger group. “Having a staff team who I knew would and could get to know a large group of students in a quick period of time and provide fun activities within safe boundaries was essential,” they shared.
From the very beginning, our team at Rootd made sure the booking process was as smooth and stress-free as possible. “Joe was incredibly helpful and accommodating with the initial booking. He was then incredibly patient while getting the final pieces of student information from me. He gave the impression that nothing was too much trouble and was utterly unflappable.” We pride ourselves on offering excellent customer service, ensuring that the school felt supported every step of the way.
What Were the Key Objectives of the School Residential Trip?
The main objectives for Ryde School with Upper Chine’s Year 9 residential trip were centered around team building, team bonding, and the integration of new pupils into the year group. These goals were key in ensuring that students could come together, build strong relationships, and feel part of the community.
Additionally, the school wanted the students to have the opportunity to discover their own potential. As Pippa shared, “We also wanted the students to discover that they are capable of so much more than they initially think.” At Rootd, we understand the importance of fostering self-belief and helping students step outside their comfort zones, which is why we tailor our activities to challenge them in supportive ways that promote growth and confidence. Through teamwork and personal challenges, every student had the chance to realise what they are truly capable of.
How Rootd Helped Achieve the Objectives of the School Residential Trip
The activities at Rootd were carefully chosen to support Ryde School with Upper Chine’s goals of team building, team bonding, and boosting self-belief. The head teacher shared that our activities were effective in encouraging both team spirit and individual encouragement, ensuring every student felt supported in their personal journey.
What truly set the Rootd experience apart was our staff’s ability to identify students who needed a little extra help and encouragement. “The staff were excellent at identifying students who needed that extra bit of help and self-belief,” Pippa noted. Our team made sure that every student had the opportunity to push past their limitations and go beyond their own expectations, creating a powerful sense of achievement and camaraderie that will stay with them long after the trip.
What Students Enjoyed Most About Their School Residential Trip
The students from Ryde School with Upper Chine had a blast at their Rootd residential, with certain activities leaving a lasting impression. According to the head teacher, “The tunnels are still talked about today, so certainly the most lasting impact, if not the most enjoyable at the time!” The tunnels became a memorable highlight that students will carry with them, sparking excitement and conversation long after the trip ended.
In addition, bushcraft was a big hit with all the students, providing them with essential survival skills and teamwork experiences. Another standout activity was the buggy building, which brought out creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Pippa noted that this was “a big hit,” as students worked together to design and build their own buggies—creating fun and valuable moments of achievement and bonding.
The Teacher’s Perspective on the Rootd Residential Trip
The head teacher from Ryde School with Upper Chine shared their positive experience, saying, “I loved it. I felt complete trust in the Rootd staff and was able to sit back and enjoy watching our students find new limits.” With Rootd’s expert staff managing the trip, the teacher could relax and focus on enjoying the experience alongside their students, confident that everything was in capable hands.
Pippa also appreciated the seamless organisation of the trip, adding, “The only running around I did was finding pieces of students’ lost kit.” This highlights just how well the trip was managed, allowing everyone—teachers and students alike—to feel well looked after and fully immersed in the adventure. It’s this level of care and attention that makes Rootd a standout choice for school residential trips.
Key Lessons Learned by Ryde School with Upper Chine Students on Their Rootd Trip
One of the key lessons Ryde School with Upper Chine took back to the classroom from their Rootd residential trip was the powerful mindset shift that difficulty doesn’t mean you can’t do it. As the teacher shared, “That difficult doesn’t mean you can’t do it.” The trip helped students overcome challenges, pushing past their own limits and realising that with persistence and teamwork, they could achieve things they never thought possible. This lesson of resilience and self-belief is something that will stay with the students, influencing their approach to challenges both in and out of the classroom.
How Rootd Compares to Other Residential Trip Providers
When Ryde School with Upper Chine compared their experiences with Rootd and other residential providers, such as PGL, they quickly saw what set us apart. In 2022, they used PGL for their residential trip, and while it was a successful experience, the head teacher noted that it lacked the warmth and family feel that Rootd offers. “We were one group of many at PGL,” they shared, “whereas at Rootd, we feel like the only group there.”
At Rootd, we pride ourselves on creating a personalised and intimate atmosphere, where every group feels special. We work hard to ensure that the focus is entirely on your students, providing tailored experiences and fostering strong relationships between staff and students. This close-knit, supportive environment allows students to feel truly cared for, and teachers can relax knowing that their group is in good hands.
The teacher added, “Amazing team, amazing product, amazing outcomes,” reflecting their satisfaction with how our approach led to positive, lasting results. Rootd is more than just a trip—it’s an experience designed to inspire, challenge, and create memories that last long after the adventure is over.
Ready to create an unforgettable adventure for your students? Contact us today to learn more about how Rootd can deliver an extraordinary residential experience tailored to your school’s needs. Let’s make your next school trip a journey of growth, teamwork, and lasting memories!