School name: Fossdene Primary School
School motto/mision: Respect, kindness and achieving high standards
School's website: www.fossdene.greenwich.sch.uk
Favourite activities: Bushcraft, Cresta Run, Archery and High Ropes
Staying in tents during a school residential trip brings a real sense of adventure that you just can’t get from indoor accommodation! It gives children the chance to experience the great outdoors more closely - listening to the sounds of nature, feeling the fresh air and enjoying life away from screens and walls.
When Greenwich-based Fossdene Primary School chose a Rootd residential, they wanted to open their pupils’ eyes to new experiences and challenges beyond the classroom – giving them a new kind of adventure.
They saw a Rootd trip as the ideal opportunity to encourage children to step out of their comfort zone, get closer to nature and develop their social skills in an exciting and supportive environment.
Balancing adventure and safety
Rootd’s bell tents strike the perfect balance between adventure and safety, and so they were the ideal choice for Fossdene – giving pupils the feeling of real outdoor camping, surrounded by nature, while still being part of a well-organised, secure site.
The tents are well equipped and cosy, so Fossdene’s pupils and teaching staff had a comfortable place to store their belongings and relax after a busy day of activities.
And with an indoor dining room and shower facilities, motion sensor lighting and night toilets, the facilities on camp made the whole experience safe and manageable for everyone.
Building responsibility safely
Staying in the bell tent village also offered children a unique opportunity to explore their surroundings, experience independence and take on greater responsibility in a controlled environment.
While children were encouraged to enjoy the freedom of the woodland during the daytime, staff were always nearby to offer support. And in the evenings, teachers could relax in the teacher tipi, while still having 360-degree views of the tents.
A hit with the Deputy Headteacher
Fossdene’s Deputy Headteacher, Joanne Bradley, thought the trip was a great success. She told Rootd: “Staying in tents let us get closer to nature while still having a cosy space to call home. It challenged the children to be more independent as they adapted to the outdoors environment, and it encouraged teamwork and a real sense of community as they shared the space with friends.
“It was such a fun way to step out of our comfort zones, try something different and add a bit of extra excitement to our school trip. Most importantly, camping together created special memories – late-night chats, laughter under the stars and that wonderful feeling of being part of a group.”
And will they be back?
Fossdene’s pupils loved the adventure of staying in tents, and yes, the school will be visiting again next year!
Joanne Bradley said: “Overall, the combination of practical facilities, supervision-friendly layouts and a secure woodland setting made bell tent accommodation a very achievable and rewarding choice for our pupils.
“There’s something really special about waking up to birdsong, spending the day exploring, and falling asleep under the stars. It’s an experience that builds confidence, teamwork and unforgettable memories.”