At TGSA, we are proud to offer our children high quality, affordable residential trips at several points during their journey through the primary phase. 

As well as being incredibly enjoyable, research by the University of Cumbria has found that residential trips enhance and transform relationships, increase engagement and help pupils to become resilient and mindful, with enhanced metacognition. 

Year 2: Conkers 

Each year, we offer a one night residential within Leicestershire to our Year 2 children. This is a great opportunity to stay away from home (maybe for the first time) and try new skills but without travelling far. This year we are staying at Conkers for the first time. 

Year 4 Residential: Walesby Forest  

Walesby Forest, near Newark in Nottinghamshire, is an International Outdoor Activity Centre set in 250 acres of forest. They offer adventure activities, led by trained instructors. We stay for two nights which allows us to experience eight different exciting activities as well as evening activities such as songs around a campfire. 

Day 1

Day 1 of our residential has gone really well. All the children had a fantastic time on the lake in canoes and making rafts. It was lovely to see everyone being kind koalas and collaborative chameleons working together and helping each other out. We also had lots of resilient rats who kept on trying even though they were very very soggy. Last night we had a yummy tea before sitting around a camp fire singing songs. A good day was had by all…

Day 2

Day 2 started quite early with some people waking with the birds; however in general we were up and ready by 7:30am. After breakfast we had some time to update our diaries and organise our rooms. We then started our busy programme which included archery and rock climbing. Then after lunch we had rifle shooting and the assault course. It has been lovely to see children working together as collaborative chameleons, trying new things as a curious cat and in many cases being that resilient rat who does not give up and keeps trying… good job all you proud peacocks.

Year 6 Residential: Hautbois Activity Centre 

Hautbois Activity Centre is an impressive 19th Century country house, set amidst 28 acres of beautiful countryside. Located on the edge of the Norfolk Broads, it also has its own private cut onto the River Bure. 

We stay in shepherd huts for four nights which gives us time to experience sixteen different adventurous activities. On our last night, we toast marshmallows around a campfire. 

Day 1

Great first day! After settling in to our shepherd hut village, we got straight on with our first activities: bridge building and archery. We’re glad that Mr Parkinson is a teacher not an engineer…! In the evening, we relaxed with card games, a football match or just chatting about the day. 

Day 2

Another exciting day. Everyone was up early this morning…how long will that last?! Today we have tried out the climbing wall, orienteering, raft building and kayaking.  

The team building did not stop in the evening when we had to work together to retrieve the football from the ditch!  

Day 3

Everyone slept later this morning. We can’t imagine why! It’s been non stop adventure since breakfast. Today we’ve tried paddle boarding, pioneering, crate stacking and shelter building. 

The chess games this evening were tense and hard fought! And you’re never too old to enjoy bubbles… 

Day 4 

Another good night’s sleep had by all. Today we tested our skills against the obstacle course, the low ropes course and the climbing tree. 

Our day ended with hot chocolate, songs and toasted marshmallows around the campfire. 

Day 5 

Although this was our final day, we still managed to fit in abseiling before we left. 

It’s been a fantastic week and we are so proud of what our children have achieved. Amazing memories and new confidence to take into secondary school.