Year 4 Residential: Arete Activity Centre
We are excited to offer our year 4 children the opportunity to spend a a few days away in Wales to take part in some outdoor adventurous activities whilst developing their independence and social skills.
After nearly a year of restrictions we are keen to get outside as much as possible, allowing our children to boost their mental health whilst learning some valuable outdoor skills.
Based in the picturesque Snowdonia National Park this trip is a perfect opportunity for everyone to take on new challenges and create amazing memories whilst away from home with friends whilst being a stepping stone before our year 5/6 full week residential.
Date: W/C Monday 14th June
Trip Information
About Arete
Arete is a not for profit outdoor education centre.
The centre is located in North Wales in a small village called Llanrug.
The village is five minutes drive away from the popular village of Llanberis, home of the Welsh Mountain Railway, Mount Snowdon and Llyn Padarn.
The centre has little outdoor space meaning all activities take place in the local area.
There are no shortages of options for activities, we are a short drive away from the Snowdonia, Glyderau and Carneddau mountain ranges (the biggest mountain ranges in Wales).
Take a look around the centre by watching the videos on youtube
Trip Cost
The trip is £65 for three days (two nights).
We manage to keep the trip costs low as the course will be staffed by school and not outside instructors.
Activities
We have a choice of activities at Arete, this is normally planned around the ability of the group and the weather.
Our typical week could include the following:
A mountain walk which may be low level or working to reach a summit depending on group ability.
Camp fire
Orienteering
Disco
Bushcraft
Food preperation and cooking.
Teambuilding games.
Local learning activities such as visiting a local castle.
Participation
All activities are based around the ability of the group, therefore there should not be any reason for your child to not want to join in.
There may be elements of the day that encourage children to come out of their comfort zone and try some new challenges, however should your child not want to do these challenges then they will not be forced as we want their experience to be a positive one.
Risk Management
As with all activities there is an element is risk, after all nothing we do is ever completely risk free.
With outdoor adventurous activities the risk is often higher than regular sporting activities due to the environment, weather and demanding nature of the activity.
Every activity we go on is risk assessed and safety measures put in place to ensure the experience is not just fun, but as safe as possible, minimising risk by use of equipment where required.
Arete will provide every child with and safety equipment they may need, including helmets, harnesses, footwear and waterproofs.
Staffing
The trip will be led by Mr Bloodworth with another member of staff for support.
Mr Bloodworth has completed his Mountain Leader Training, has vast experience in the mountains and has been approved to deliver by a technical advisor.
Mr Bloodworth has also run several self managed residentials at the centre.
To keep costs low we will not be using any additional staffing from Arete.
Behaviour Expectations
Behaviour expectations will be high whilst at Arete due to the nature of the activities and the additional risk.
Children that are not meeting these expectations may be required to change groups away from peers, miss out on activities and lose any free time the group may have.
We always have excellent behaviour whilst away on residentials which has resulted in no injuries in our previous trips.
Food Menu
Breakfast at Arete will include:
A choice of cereals, toast and jam.
Lunch at Arete is a packed lunch including:
A sandwich, fruit, crisps, cake, water.
Children are responsible for making their own sandwich and choosing their packed lunch items.
Tea at Arete will include:
A freshly cooked meal by the group.
Dietary requirements can be catered for providing they are expressed on the Arete consent form.
Sleeping Arrangements
Children will be in dorms, sharing with friends.
COVID RESRICTIONS – only two children per dorm.
Boys and girls are separate with staff bedrooms situated nearby.
Bed wetting is not a barrier for attending our residential.
We have on many occasions supported children that bed wet so they can enjoy the trip and have their bedding washed discretely.
If you would like any more information on this or your child will require any support whilst away please get in touch with Mr Bloodworth.
Hygiene
The showers at Arete are split so boys and girls do not mix.
The showers are in bathrooms similar to what you would have at home.
All the bathrooms have doors for privacy.
Children will be asked to shower each day
Kit List
Packed into your backpack
If you are struggling to fit all in, you can pack towel & bedding into a plastic bag with your child’s name on.
Please ensure your child’s name is in all their clothing as unclaimed lost property without names will not be returned to school.
Special Equipment
Arete will supply all specialist equipment that is not on the kit list.
Please don’t buy anything specially for the trip.
We recommend old clothes and trainers.
Tuck Shop
There is a limit of £10 for the shop.
Please bring some change as we are not able to access the till therefore no change will be given.
Updates whilst at Lledr
School will update Facebook on a regular basis.
These updates may come late at night once all children are in bed.
The Day We Leave
Your child does not need to wear school uniform.
Monday group to arrive at normal time. Option to collect at lunch on Wednesday.
Wednesday group have the option to arrive at normal time or lunch, returning on Frida, time TBC.
Medication and money to be handed into staff.
