The pupils and teachers from Harris Girls’ School in Bromley recently experienced a 1-night school residential trip at the Rootd Adventure Activity Centre in Hertfordshire. This adventure gave their Year 7 pupils the perfect opportunity to build new friendships, challenge themselves, and embrace a sense of independence, skills that will continue to support their academic and social growth throughout the year.
What they had to say about booking a residential trip with Rootd
We’ve designed the process of booking a Rootd trip to be simple and stress-free, and that’s exactly what this school experienced! The staff mentioned that, “the booking experience was brilliant”, even though they had lots of questions and back and forths with the team with “more and more students wanting to join!” Assistant Principal Rebecca Halke felt, “the whole Rootd team were brilliant andcommunication was excellent throughout.”
Positive impact back in the classroom
Positive impact back in the classroomOne of the most exciting outcomes of a Rootd residential is seeing how the experience translates into lasting change back at school. This Year 7 group came back full of new friendships, stronger connections with their teachers, and a sense of pride in all they achieved.
Assistant Principal Rebecca Halke expressed that Harris Girls’ Academy is “already seeing the impact of our Rootd Adventure now we are back at school in the new friendships that are formed, positive relationships with new teachers being built and the girls having pride in all that they have achieved.” These new bonds and positive relationships are thriving in the classroom, establishing a strong foundation for the year ahead.
Year 7 residential objectives
For Harris Girls’ Academy, the main objectives for their trip were to help their brand new Year 7 students get to know each other, push themselves out of their comfort zones, and foster a sense of independence.
Not only were these objectives met, but they were “far exceeded!” The ethos of Rootd, with its safe and supportive environment, allowed students to take on challenges, make new friends, and grow in confidence – all while having a blast.
A great location for London Schools to visit
When choosing a residential trip, several factors come into play. For Harris Girls’ Academy in Bromley, location, ethos, activities, and approach to working with young people were key considerations. Rootd ticked all those boxes, providing a space that’s easily accessible from London but feels like a world away in terms of adventure and outdoor experiences.
Activities that Year 7 pupils loved
The variety of activities at Rootd gave the Year 7 pupils endless opportunities to explore, challenge themselves, and connect with their peers. Whether they were taking part in team games or simply enjoying the outdoors, there was something for everyone.
Woodland activities
From the moment they arrived, the students were engaged in a range of outdoor adventures. They particularly loved the woodland activities, where they could explore, play games with the skilled Rootd leaders, and immerse themselves in the natural environment.
The campfire was another major highlight, with songs, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie bringing everyone together. This ‘back to basics’ experience helped the new secondary school students step out of their everyday routine and enjoy something truly special with their new friends and teachers.
A residential trip that looks after teachers
Teachers deserve a break too, and at Rootd we know how important it is for them to have a great trip experience. The staff from Harris Girls’ School enjoyed our teacher chill out areas, the teacher accommodation and the work of our team. One teacher shared how their team was “so looked after” that teachers were keen to sign up for a second trip. With the Rootd team leading the activities, teachers could relax and enjoy the experience alongside their students, rather than worrying about logistics.
Teacher accommodation on trips
Accommodation for teachers was comfortable and designed to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. With Rootd handling the day-to-day running of the trip, teachers could focus on bonding with their students and enjoying their own moments of fun and relaxation in the beautiful outdoor setting.
The Year 7 pupils from Harris Girls’ School had an unforgettable experience at Rootd, where they built friendships, grew in confidence, and enjoyed a seamless, well-supported trip. Teachers were also well looked after, with plenty of time to relax and bond with their students. Rootd is the perfect choice for schools seeking a meaningful adventure for both students and staff.
Ready to plan your school’s next adventure? Get in touch with our team to start your journey!