Our Residential Programme at St Barnabas Trust
Our curriculum-enriched residential and challenge programmes offer valuable opportunities for students to develop independence, resilience, and perseverance. These experiences aim to support their growth as well-rounded individuals and create lasting, enjoyable memories during their primary school years.
Aside from the Year 2 students, who will continue their annual one-night ‘Winter Warmer’ visit to the Spirit of Adventure centre, a comprehensive two-year rolling residential programme has been carefully curated to combine opportunities for exploration, curriculum-based learning, and maximum fun!
Trust Residentials
Spring: Spirit of Adventure – Dartmoor
Join us for an unforgettable 24 hour experience at the Dewerstone Bunkhouse, a converted cottage nestled in the heart of Dartmoor. Run by Young Spirit, this trip is the perfect introduction to residential stays. Our focus is on teamwork, environmental appreciation, and accessible adventure – featuring easy walks and achievable challenges designed to build confidence.
All equipment is provided. This will be a fully catered one night residential although a packed lunch will be required on the first day.
Summer: Discover Cardiff and Welsh Heritage!
This three-day, two-night adventure takes us across the border to the vibrant city of Cardiff, Wales! This is a jam-packed experience designed to meet core elements of the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum through unforgettable, immersive experiences.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! We have an incredibly action-packed schedule lined up, taking you from the historic towers of Cardiff Castle and the underground depths of The Big Pit to the hands-on wonders of Techniquest and the open-air history of St Fagans. The excitement continues with bouldering, a visit to the Senedd, spotting Roald Dahl’s “Enormous Crocodile” and a fun evening cinema trip. While this high-energy itinerary will certainly test your stamina, it is the ultimate opportunity to embrace independence, build resilience, and forge unbeatable friendships as you tackle new challenges away from home!
Summer: Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunt – Beer
This is a three-day, two-night adventure designed to bring the curriculum to life through hands-on experience and exploration along the stunning Jurassic Coast. This trip truly takes learning outside the classroom and is packed with educational workshops and thrilling adventures!
Gear up for an unforgettable coastal adventure! Our itinerary is packed with thrilling exploration, from discovering history at the Tank Museum and Dinosaurland Fossil Museum to getting hands-on at the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Students will push their limits with a challenging climb up Golden Cap and an adrenaline-fueled session on the Tunnel Tree Tops high ropes course. Beyond the non-stop action, this fully catered two-night residential is a vital stepping stone for the future. It provides the perfect environment to master independence, manage risks, and forge stronger relationships, equipping students with the essential resilience and life skills they need for their later school years.
Summer: London Residential: History, Culture, and Citizenship!
This is a three-day, two-night residential trip to the heart of London! This immersive experience is specially designed to align perfectly with the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum, offering pupils invaluable, hands-on learning across History, Geography, Science, and Citizenship.
Get ready to take London by storm! We have curated a non-stop itinerary that captures the very best of the capital, from exploring the treasures of the British Museum and Natural History Museum to conquering the climb up The Monument. Students will see the city from every angle—cruising the Thames on an Uber Boat, soaring above the skyline on the London Eye, and navigating the Tube like true Londoners. Our walking tour hits all the icons, including Westminster Abbey and Downing Street, before we cap off the adventure with the mind-bending Twist Museum and a dazzling West End musical. This fast-paced experience demands real stamina, offering a fantastic real-world challenge where students will master independence, teamwork, and money management while having the time of their lives!
Summer: River Dart Expedition
Prepare to unplug and go back to basics! Living off-grid offers a unique chance to pause, reflect on what is truly important, and discover the incredible power of a strong team. We’ve turned this experience into an exciting challenge where enthusiasm and collaboration earn teams precious ‘gems.’ The adventure culminates in real-world decision-making, as students must distinguish between wants and needs to wisely spend their hard-earned treasure.
Day 1 kicks off the adventure! After trekking to camp, students will master wild food foraging, tackle an exhilarating tree climb, and learn essential bushcraft and firelighting skills. The fun continues into the evening with dinner, games, and stories around a cozy campfire.
Day 2 Begin ‘Challenge Day’ with a cooked breakfast before canoeing through a hidden gorge to the ‘Lost World’. Back at camp, you’ll create bushcraft pizzas from scratch over the fire, then spend your hard-earned gems on treats and fun team challenges to end the night.
Day 3 Finish on a high by soaring across the canopy on our 70m zipwire for a thrilling bird’s-eye view of camp! After packing up, enjoy a final lunch and some well-deserved free time before a short walk to meet your transport and head home.
Trust Challenges
Summer: Saints Way Hike – Cornish Coast to Coast (2 Days)
Walking from the north coast of Cornwall starting at Padstow to the south coast of Cornwall finishing at Fowey. Walking 19 miles over the course of the 2 days
Summer: Three Peaks Expedition (5 Days)
Mountain walking challenge climbing the 3 highest mountains of Great Britain, , Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon
Summer: River Wye (3 days)
Canoeing 30 miles over the course of three days, traveling through some of the most scenic countryside on the River Wye on the border between England and Wales
