Launceston College Year 7s Take On North Devon Residential

Most school trips end with a coach full of tired pupils and a lost jumper or two. This one ended with marshmallows, a campfire and a load of Year 7s who had spent the week throwing themselves off high ropes and into the sea.

Students in Year 7 at Launceston College, part of Athena Learning Trust, swapped the classroom for a residential trip to North Devon, with a programme built around outdoor learning, teamwork and adventure.

The trip started closer to home. Pupils took part in team building activities before they travelled across to North Devon and settled into their residential base.

High ropes, water and a walk to the coast

Once they had arrived, the challenges came thick and fast. Students tackled high ropes and a water assault course, working on confidence, resilience and teamwork through a run of physical activities.

They also made their way to the coast, walking to Westward Ho! before heading onto the beach for surfing and bodyboarding sessions.

Quizzes and campfires after dark

Evenings were a little gentler. Group activities included a quiz and time around the campfire, with students toasting marshmallows and looking back on what they had done during the day.

The residential is part of the college’s wider commitment to adventure learning and personal development. That continues through enrichment days, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and challenges such as Ten Tors as pupils move up through the school, alongside a dedicated Adventurous Learning Week (ALW) later this month.

Matthew Thompson, Principal at Launceston College, said:

“The students had a brilliant time at their residential, throwing themselves into every activity. They showed great teamwork and enthusiasm throughout, and made the most of every opportunity on offer. Experiences like this are a key part of life at Launceston College and help students build confidence and independence from the very start of their journey with us.”