Residentials are a vital part in the progression of your child. Throughout their time during school, students are faced with a series of challenges and obstacles to overcome and, equipped with the skills that they have developed, residentials give them a backdrop to practise this in a real-life environment. The importance of education outside of the confines of school is essential in enhancing the learning experience; not only does it allow children to create new bonds and friendships with other pupils, but it enables them to improve their knowledge. Below, we discuss why we believe that they are a crucial part of education.
Strengthens Friendships
Being on a residential and visiting somewhere new often strengthens friendships, in addition to creating new bonds. Being in a new situation allows children to assess situations and acknowledge the strengths of each other whilst being respectful of their weaknesses. This allows them to cooperate with different students, developing trust in order to complete any task that they are faced with. In a report by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, it was found that upon returning from a residential, findings from Key Stage 2 pupils discovered that “71% felt they got on better with their peers as a result of their residential experiences”. From their time away, children’s interpersonal skills and leadership talents can flourish, as well as the ability to improve upon their teamwork and awareness of others.
Creates Independence
For some, residentials are their first encounters with being solely independent. Through spending time away from home, children can develop their confidence and sense of self, which is essential for those who will soon be moving onto secondary education. In addition to being independent, the opportunity to develop confidence is created through being faced with a series of new tasks. By partaking in a residential, children can pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, which is hugely beneficial for those who may have doubts surrounding their abilities, as it encourages them to conquer fears. A positive impact on their confidence will enrich their learning experience, in addition to their relationships.
Develops Understanding
During their time at school, students are in an environment where their knowledge and intelligence can improve through new opportunities, thus enhancing their experience with the national curriculum. Residentials also are beneficial for children who often struggle with the pressures in-school academia can present them with. Additionally for some students, motivating them towards the end of the academic year can be a challenge, especially if they are a child who needs occasional reassurance. Removing them from the classroom environment while combining the excitement of a new task with the national curriculum can often boost their morale. Replacing this with an experience in which they can see first-hand means that there is a greater possibility of their understanding developing. In addition, channelling their energy into one of the tasks that they are presented with while on a residential gives them a new focal point. This can improve their mental well-being, which results in their cognitive skills also improving.
Here at St Peter’s, we believe that residentials are a perfect way to enrich their learning experience. It is important to us that each pupil is confident in their abilities and, through tackling new challenges and developing new skills, this is made possible. Throughout their time at our independent primary school, they will be presented with residential opportunities which we believe are a fulfilling and enjoyable opportunity. To discover more about our residentials, head over to our blog.
