Banks Road Residential Pathway
Exploring New Horizons: Residential Pathway at Banks Road
At Banks Road, we believe in nurturing the whole child, both in and beyond the classroom. Our carefully planned residential visits offer our children the chance to explore new places, try new activities, and develop independence, teamwork, and resilience.
Our residential pathway gives children a chance to experience the joy of overnight stays away from home, with each trip building on the last. Here’s what your child can look forward to as they move through the years:
Year 2 & Year 3 – Crosby Hall Educational Trust (CHET)
Our journey begins at CHET, a special place where younger children experience their first taste of adventure! Children explore woodland trails, build dens, try out exciting obstacle courses, and enjoy evening activities like night walks and environmental art.
Year 4 – Willersley Castle
As they grow older, children head to Willersley Castle, where they take part in thrilling outdoor pursuits like canoeing, climbing, air rifle shooting, and zip wires. It’s all about trying new things, learning to be part of a team, and pushing personal boundaries in a safe and supportive environment.
Year 5 – France Residential
In Year 5, children have the chance to broaden their horizons even further with a visit to France. This international trip is an unforgettable opportunity to explore a new culture, practice French, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Year 6 – Skiing in Italy
Our pathway reaches its peak in Year 6 with an exhilarating skiing trip to Italy. Children learn to ski on real snow slopes and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. It’s a chance to build confidence, independence, and friendships in a truly magical setting.
Developing the Whole Child
Our residential pathway isn’t just about exciting trips; it’s about nurturing and developing the whole child.
Residential visits give children a safe and supportive environment to try new things, often for the first time. Whether it’s conquering an adventure course, paddling down a river, or navigating a busy French market, these experiences build confidence and self-esteem.
Children also develop independence—learning to take responsibility for their own belongings, make their beds, and even decide what to eat at breakfast. These small but significant steps help children grow in maturity and prepare them for later challenges.
Working together on outdoor activities like climbing or team-building games encourages children to develop communication and cooperation skills. Friendships deepen as children support one another, solve problems together, and share new experiences.
Residentials also give children the chance to be physically active in new environments, from forest trails to snowy mountains. This supports their health and wellbeing, encouraging a love of the outdoors and an appreciation of the natural world.
Crucially, time away from home can help children become more resilient and adaptable. They learn that they can face new situations, overcome challenges, and thrive, even when things feel a little unfamiliar at first.
Finally, residential visits create lifelong memories—those magical moments of laughter, fun, and discovery that children (and adults!) treasure forever. These shared memories also strengthen the sense of community within our school, as children and staff bond through these unique experiences.
How We Support Access for All
We believe that every child deserves the chance to take part in these life-changing experiences. That’s why we heavily subsidise our residential visits using Pupil Premium funding, helping to ensure that no child misses out.