Primary Times Derbyshire Winter 2017

The Brilliant Benefits of
Winter Residentials
There is a wealth
of research which
illustrates the fantastic
transformative effects a
school residential can
have upon children and
young people of all ages.
Most residentials take
place towards the end
of the summer term,
but there are benefits of
taking them earlier in the
academic year.
The thought of taking a
residential in the winter
might conjure up thoughts
of bad weather and frozen
children but when it comes to
outdoor pursuits there is no
such thing as bad weather just
inappropriate clothing!
Residentials have been proven to
increase pupils’ engagement with
their own learning and can help to
boost resilience, self-confidence
and the well-being of pupils.
According to research by Learning
Away, 72% of primary school
children said that their behaviour in
school is better after a residential.
Winter residentials have illustrated
a lasting positive impact on
children in terms of behaviour,
attendance and attainment and
can potentially develop a passion
for learning within pupils at an
earlier stage in the academic year.
Taking pupils on a winter
residential creates stronger
relationships between staff and
students that are sustained
throughout the rest of the school
year. 79% of primary school
children felt like they knew their
teacher better after a residential
experience, allowing for pupils
to become more trusting and
respectful back in the classroom.
Teachers also gain a better
understanding of their pupils and
what they require for academic
success!
Sadly only 1 in 5 children in the
UK get the opportunity to enjoy
a school residential each year
with children from disadvantaged
areas having fewer opportunities
to take part. However, winter
residentials can be a far more
affordable option for schools on a
tight budget, with many residential
providers offering reduced rates
over the winter months. The
shorter days and longer nights
also present a wide range of new
learning opportunities, including
astronomy and night walks.
With so many outstanding
benefits for pupils and teachers,
winter residentials can provide
an enriching experience which
positively impacts the rest of
the school year, and provides a
greater return on investment. So
why not wrap up warm, and get
outdoors. It’s a winter wonderland
out there!
Victoria Cox Mount Cook
Adventure Centre
www.mountcook.org
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Primary Times WINTER Issue 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/derbyshire