1. Common Entrance The Start Bay Centre
The environment is at the heart of everything we do. Students will explore and learn in a fun and engaging way by immersing themselves in the natural world, taking in sights, sounds and smells and getting their hands dirty. The activities will keep all students engaged throughout the whole of each session; we believe children benefit the most from participating rather than watching.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will create a stimulating and inspiring learning environment leading to memorable residential experiences.
We offer:
A tailor made programme designed around your requirements
Exclusive use of our homely centre
Home cooked meals and packed lunches included in the price
Easy access to Slapton Woods, secure parts of Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve and the beach.
Our programmes:
Link to particular aspects of the curriculum
Support learning on a specific topic
Are flexible to suit your needs
Allow students to get closer to nature
Create a sense of awe and wonder of wild landscapes and places.
Our Feedback:
“Amazing first experience here and we will definitely return. Staff are very knowledgeable and encouraging” – Sparkwell Primary
“A really enjoyable and productive week. The tutor was excellent and the catering team friendly and extremely helpful” – Falcons Prep
“We had a wonderful time with absolutely no time for boredom” –
St Mary’s & St Catherine's

2. Common Entrance Sample Common Entrance Programme Day Morning Afternoon
Evening
Monday   
Arrival 4pm
Introductions to the Centre and Course
Tuesday
Rivers
Team Challenges
Wednesday
Coasts
Low Ropes Course
Thursday
Rocky Shore
Campfire
Friday
Depart 9am
Day Sessions
Coasts
Exploring the stunning Start Bay Coastline, learning about the coastal processes that affect it and the impact that these have on the people who live and work there. The day will be spent walking along this coastline looking at case studies whilst carrying out fieldwork to increase students understanding of these processes.
Rivers
Follow one of Devon’s rivers from high up on Dartmoor to the mouth. Students will collect data to support their understanding of river features and processes and how these might change as you move downstream.
Weather and Climate
Focus on the water cycle and microclimates. Students will investigate the different components of the water cycle including interception, infiltration and run off. A visit to the weather station will introduce meteorological recording equipment before students carry out their own investigation into microclimates around the centre.
Rocky Shore
Spend a day looking at the fascinating and inspiring world of rockpools, crevices and outcrops to investigate the creatures that inhabit the rocky shore. Looking at classification, adaptations and populations.

3. Common Entrance Shingle Ridge
Investigate the change in plant communities in relation to changes in environmental factors such as wind speed, soil depth and temperature and identify adaptations that are common to each community and allow that community to thrive.
Freshwater
Sample two freshwater microhabitats, measuring the abundance of different organisms in each, students will identify specific adaptations and consider how these enable different species to survive in a particular microhabitats.
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve and Conservation
Discover about conservation and management in the varied habitats on Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. Take part in a hands on conservation activity as a group to contribute to the management of this special area.
Evening Sessions
Introductions
An evening spent getting to know more about the course, the centre and each other.
Team Challenges
Tackle a wide variety of fun activities and puzzles designed to encourage problem solving, teamwork and good communication.
Low Ropes
A range of activities and challenges to allow students to develop their personal, learning and thinking skills. All done in the centre grounds on our Low Ropes Course.
Campfire
Spend an evening around a campfire sharing stories, songs and tales as well as toasting a tasty treat. Foster deeper relationships to take forward into the year ahead.
Methodology
Focus on the Individual Fieldwork Enquiry investigation stages. Writing up the methods used to collect the fieldwork data, assessing limitations and improvements.
Data Presentation
Focus on the Individual Fieldwork Enquiry investigation stages. Reviewing data presentation techniques, selecting appropriate techniques and creating graphs.
Data Analysis
Focus on the Individual Fieldwork Enquiry investigation stages. Students will be guided through analysis of data collected in the fieldwork.
To Make a Booking:
The Start Bay Centre
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