Year 5 Residential 2019 Initial Meeting

1. Year 5 Residential 2019Initial Meeting

2. Why introduce a residential?*Serve as a taster for the week long experience next year. *Independence and self confidence* Learn life-long skills (e.g. how to make beds, responsibility for their area and equipment)* Stretch themselves and try new things. *Being in the natural environment and learn more about the world around them.* Become team players and aware of others. *Develop friendships as this is an experience in which they need each other.* Go home exhausted, muddy and well fed!

3. Gibside Stables Learning & Discovery Centre

4. Why Gibside Hall?*Stunning 18th-century venue with beautiful landscape gardens and a haven for nature.* Perfect for an introduction to residentials* Close proximity to East Boldon Juniors* Engaging and varied activities on offer.*Great facilities*Experience of conducting many residentials with a whole range of groups.*Competitive price

5. Where are the Stables? • The Learning and Discovery Centre lies in the heart of the Gibside estate, surrounded by woodland and farmland (40 minutes drive from school) • The residential centre is on the first floor of the Stables. • It is a 250 year old building that was refurbished in 2005 and re-opened as the Learning & Discovery Centre in 2008. • It is owned and managed by the National Trust. Stables Entrance

6. Around the Estate Activities take place around the estate, with lots of places to explore and discover: Beautiful natural areas Historical buildings and ruins

7. Around the Estate And there is some amazing wildlife to spot – if you are lucky!

8. Our Facilities

9. Dormitories There are two dormitories with bunkbeds and a single bed in each – the Red Squirrel (Girls) and Bat Dormitories (Boys). Each dormitory has a separate leaders room with a bunkbed in each room. On arrival pupils will be asked to make their own beds!

10. Dining Room Breakfast and dinner are served in the Bowes Room. More home cooked meals, higher quality ingredients and a wider range of more child friendly meal options.

11. Other Facilities Red Kite Room The Red Kite Room can be used for quiet activities and relaxation. Bathrooms Each dormitory has its own bathroom that has separate toilet and shower cubicles. There is also a separate toilet and shower room for leaders plus facilities for people with disabilities.

12. Our Activities We will be taking part in a range of different activities, some of which are shown here. Each group has a personalised itinerary for their visit. Wildlife Investigations: e.g. Tracks and signs, Night walk. Physical Challenges: e.g. Low Ropes Course Bushcraft: e.g. Den Building and Fire Lighting Team Building Activities: e.g. Orienteering

13. Safety The National Trust put safety first: • We will run through a fire drill with the group to make sure everyone knows what to do if the fire alarm goes off. • All of the staff working with the group are DBS checked and trained for the activities they are leading. • There will be at least one qualified first aid staff member (Miss Rosenthal) but there are first aid National Trust staff on site. • Group leaders will have a set of keys to secure the Stables at night and provide access in an emergency.

14. Things to Bring • Bedding – a pillow and a sleeping bag. • Waterproof coat with hood. • Wellies, trainers, strong shoes or walking boots. • Change of clothes for each day (not your finest!). Something that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. • Nightwear and slippers. • Toiletries and a towel. • Clean underwear and socks for each day. • Small bag or suitcase to place clothing into (please try and fit everything into one bag for transportation to and from the Stables). • Torch. • Water bottle. • Sun cream and sun hat/cap (in summer). • Small amount of money for the shop (£10 maximum).

15. Things NOT to bring • No electronical items including mobile phones or hand held games. • Best clothes and footwear • Basically anything of value and anything which conflicts with our intention of learning in the outdoor environment. • Sweets/chocolate

16. Dates and Arrangements Mrs Martin’s class (Class 5JM) Children attend school as usual Mon/Tue Wednesday 3rd July 2019 9.10am departure to Gibside Activities, after arrival which includes Stables tour, bed selection and a health and safety briefing, commence at 11.15am. Friday 5th July 2019 Activities throughout the morning and then we depart after lunch. Children will be back at school approximately 2pm where they are welcomed home by parents/carers. Children to go home to share their experiences (and get a good wash!) at 2pm. Mr Chilton’s class (Class 5SC) Monday 1st July 2019 9.10am departure to Gibside Activities, after arrival which includes Stables tour, bed selection and a health and safety briefing, commence at 11.15am. Wednesday 3rd July 2019 Activities throughout the morning and then we depart after lunch. Children will be back at school approximately 2pm where they are welcomed home by parents/carers. Children to go home to share their experiences (and get a good wash!) at 2pm. Children return to school as usual on Thursday

17. Dates and Arrangements • The cost includes: • Accommodation for two nights • Activities throughout • Transport • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) • Per child: £130 (approximate depending on numbers). • ParentPay(Staggered payments) • Letter has already been distributed and confirmation including a deposit of £50 will be required to secure a place by 31st January 2019 (Thursday). • We will have a meeting in June 2019 (date to be confirmed) which will outline specific arrangements prior to departure. • Full payment will be due before the residential commences, no later than Friday 21stJune 2019.

18. We hope this has been useful and informative! Any questions?