Why study residentials?

Why study residentials? The Intuitive Case We all “know” that residentials are good for Children Most people in the UK have personal experience of a residentials. Many people remember “magic moments” that happened on a residential There is a long tradition of residentials in the UK, this is a “stable” part of the education system

Why study residentials? BUT Residentials take time and cost money – Teachers need to show the benefit People are becoming more risk averse. Adults can be afraid to let children take part in adventure Some schools perceive that time out of the classroom is wasted time – and that it is more important for pupils to be at their desks.

What is Learning Away?

What is “Learning Away”? Action research project from 2009 to 2015 60 schools in 13 partnerships Focused on Outdoor Learning which specifically includes an overnight stay – a residential. Develop innovative models of completing residential experiences Evaluate the effect of residential experiences on schools and learning. Produce recommendations for schools and teachers of how to run “Brilliant Residentials”

Big questions What is unique about learning in a residential context? What are the long term benefits of a residential? And can we prove it? Are all residentials the same? What can we do to get the best residentials possible?

What’s unique about residentials?

The overnight stay and an intensity of experience What’s unique about residentials? Opportunities to work intensively and be immersed in learning A new environment and routines and fewer distractions The overnight stay and an intensity of experience Unstructured time A collaborative community environment

What’s unique about residentials? Opportunities to break down existing barriers, hierarchies and power relationships Opportunities to develop and practice key social skills A new context for relationships Students and teachers work more collaboratively in unfamiliar surroundings on unfamiliar tasks Residentials are a leveler for students and staff - The teacher is not automatically the expert

What’s unique about residentials? A wide range of practical and physical challenges Different and varied opportunities to experience success Opportunities to overcome fears Immediate opportunities to revisit and build on learning experiences

What are the benefits of a residential?

79% What are the benefits of a residential? Improve students’ engagement with learning of secondary students indicated that the residential had made them realise that what they learn at school is important to them 79% “Before going on the trip I hated school, but now I just love it. I love to learn about maths, literacy and science.” (Primary Student Focus Group)

82% What are the benefits of a residential? Improve students’ knowledge, skills and understanding 82% of KS2 pupils said their teachers and lessons on the residential helped them to learn. “It showed me how to study, what’s effective. Now I know what’s best for me.” (Secondary Student Focus Group)

84% What are the benefits of a residential? Foster deeper relationships of secondary students said that because of the residential, they get on better with the other pupils in the class. 84% “In school you see teachers as scary and strict but on the residential trip they’re so much nicer. You see them as normal human beings.” (Secondary Student Focus Group)

78% What are the benefits of a residential? Improve students’ resilience, self confidence and well-being 78% of KS2 pupils felt more confident to try new things they would not have done before the residential “Their confidence has increased. They hold themselves in higher esteem. We’re very good in schools at judging on levels and recording achievement based on targets. Camp showed them that we’re able to value them in different ways.” (Staff Focus Group)

…and much more… Enhanced relationships Students and staff trust each other Students feel more able to ask staff for help Students feel more comfortable with each other Students are more able to empathise The sense of community is sustained Increased motivation and engagement Improved behaviour and attendance Increased participation in lessons More enjoyment of learning Enhanced confidence, resilience and wellbeing Increased ability to overcome challenges and try new activities Deeper and better understanding of specific subjects/topics Developing vocabulary Improving creativity Meaningful opportunities to develop and practise leadership skills Increased ability to apply learning and skills in new contexts Improved engagement More successful transition experiences (at all key stages) Raised aspirations

Are all residentials the same?

Are all residentials the same?

What makes a Brilliant Residential?

What makes a brilliant residential? fully integrated with the school curriculum and ethos designed and led by teachers and, where appropriate, students inclusive and affordable for all students deliberately planned to meet students’ specific learning needs part of a progressive programme of experiences designed to include a wide range of new and memorable experiences designed to allow space for students to develop collaborative relationships with both peers and staff supported by senior leadership and school governors.

What are the barriers to YOU doing this?

What are the barriers to YOU doing this? A Brilliant residential is… fully integrated with the school curriculum and ethos designed and led by teachers and, where appropriate, students inclusive and affordable for all students deliberately planned to meet students’ specific learning needs part of a progressive programme of experiences designed to include a wide range of new and memorable experiences designed to allow space for students to develop collaborative relationships with both peers and staff supported by senior leadership and school governors. What challenges would you face if you decided to start planning a Brilliant Residential? What are the solutions?