Visits, visitors and residentials

We believe that visits and residentials are crucial in bringing learning alive, inspiring and motivating children, and making memorable learning experiences. It is no coincidence that these memories are what are quoted at the Year 6 Leavers' Assembly every year and what many children take with them into adult life. Perhaps you are one of them?

Here at Leven Valley we invest much time and energy incorporating such experiences into the curriculum provision, whether they are local or further afield, but gradually building on previous opportunities as the the children move through the school.

A programme of 3-day residentials for Class 2 (Year 3 & 4) children has been introduced recently: for many this is the first time staying away overnight without parents or family, but the rewards are high and we often see much increased confidence and self-esteem which in turn impacts on the child's learning.

For Class 3 (Year 5 & 6) we have a two year rolling programme of residentials: an urban experience in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and an outdoor based residential using the fabulous Lake District National Park on our doorstep.

We aim to make all opportunities accessible to all children and work to ensure we achieve the best balance between cost and quality. We usually ask for a contribution towards the costs of these activities.

Interested in finding out more about the value of residentials? Visit the Learning Away website for current research findings. And watch this short Learning Away video about the benefits of residential experiences.

This article featured in Horizons, the Institute for Outdoor Learning's publication: it tells the story of the bi-annual residential we organise for the year 5 and 6 children.