Isleworth & Syon School is a large secondary school for boys based in London’s Hounslow region. As part of our induction process for new Year 7 students, Isleworth & Syon School organised a residential trip to a PGL activity centre in October 2015, as we do every year for our new intake. We have been running this venture for a number of years now and our experience is always a positive one.

by Mark Dargan, Assistant Headteacher

OBJECTIVESThe main focus of the trip to PGL’s Marchants Hill activity centre was independent learning, teamwork, respect, and building confidence and resilience – in this case by being away from home. The trip also provided an opportunity for students to make new friends, as some were coming alone from their feeder primary, so forging strong social links early in the school year was vital.

ACTIONThe three-day residential trip departed Monday morning, returning Wednesday afternoon. The approximately 140 students were roomed with other students from their tutor groups to build positive relationships and then mixed across the year group whist in activity groups, with the aim of widening friendship groups.

The activities involved a lot of climbing, quad bikes, shooting, archery and social time through meals and evening activities. We have a house system in school and many of the activities we did on-site were competitive within house teams.

After a magnificent breakfast of bacon, beans and toast, my day was filled with quad biking, rifle shooting, the zip wire and, best of all, the trapeze. All of these forced me to conjure up as much strength as possible and the only thing that kept me alive was dinner!”

Joe, Year 7

CASE STUDY: Isleworth & Syon School trip to PGL activity centre

IMPACT ON STUDENTSThere is no question that the impact could be seen upon the students’ return to school. There was increased resilience. Of those that attended, twenty were the only student from their primary school. The trip helped these students to build friendship groups and feel part of the wider school ‘team’.

The students also appeared to have increased confidence within the school setting. This could be attributed to the wider friendship groups, but also thanks to a good relationship with form tutors, pastoral staff and senior leaders that supported the trip.

Survey results from the trip show an overwhelmingly positive response. Parents responded to a survey which was to review our whole induction process. Of the students that attended, 96% of parents/carers strongly agreed or agreed that the PGL trip was a positive influence on their son/ward.

IMPACT ON SCHOOL Our tutors certainly reported much better working relationships within their tutor groups following the trip.

Usually the trip is staffed by Year 7 tutors and these can often be newly qualified staff. The teachers on the trip developed skills associated with the Teacher Standards and in particular standard 7 - ‘managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment’, and standard 8 - ‘fulfilling wider professional responsibilities’. As we also train teachers, some of our trainees were involved in the trip; they then usually become Year 7 tutors the following year. This leads to some degree of continuity on the trip.

One of our Pastoral Support Managers (non-teaching member of staff) also supported the trip, which was good for developing an understanding of the needs of the cohort and specific individuals, and for that member of staff to be visible to all of the students.

We do encourage our staff to be fully involved in extra-curricular programmes, and this annual trip allows new staff to see the immediate benefits of such activities and hopefully ensures that the staff engage in supporting us in the longer-term.

There is a significant cost to the school as we subsidise each participant’s cost. There is also a cover implication for school whilst the Year 7 students are away. Our staff understand this, and are supportive of our intentions to create a positive induction for new students. We do use the time to plan and run other activities/events for the students remaining at school.

The activities were brilliant!”

Rio, Year 7

PGL was helpful because I conquered my fears and learned to work in a team.”

Toby, Year 7

CASE STUDY: Isleworth & Syon School trip to PGL activity centre

KEYS TO SUCCESS• During primary liaison and the initial induction processes in school we start the

dialogue about the benefits of the PGL trip. Many students are signed up before they formally start school.

• We planned and organised the trip meticulously, with careful consideration given to all aspects of the event, in particular the student groupings. This is to avoid any potential conflict and to ensure that students felt safe. Clear expectations and guidance is given to all the students ahead of the venture.

• We hold an information evening for parents/carers ahead of the trip. Photographs are used to inspire the students and to show that students on previous trips have had a great time. We signpost parents/carers and students to the PGL website.

• Detailed paperwork was provided to all members of staff ahead of the venture with groupings, activities, medical details and photographic permissions. Staff briefings are given ahead of the trip so that staff are clear about what to expect, and we ensure that they are clear about the need for excellent support around wellbeing.

• Whilst on the trip, our staff embody the values that we want to see at school. This at times can be different from the PGL staff’s normal ways of working, and we are appreciative of the way the PGL staff adapt to our expectations and needs.

• Catering at the PGL centre provides carefully for all dietary needs, including nut allergies, halal food etc. – again, this is carefully planned in advance.

EMBEDDING AND SUSTAINING CHANGEDuring our induction assemblies each year, we make a great celebration of the venture. We use our photographs for displays around school and on the school website. At the end of the school year, we produce an Annual Review (a glossy magazine) which is widely distributed.

Within school we continue to utilise the mantras about ‘being outstanding’ and ‘being the best that you can be’ – messages that our students will have heard on their PGL trip. We continue to encourage behaviours around respect for others and teamwork, both key components of the trip.

IN SUMMARY

The transition from primary to secondary school is a challenging time for our new Year 7 students. Our yearly residential trip to the Marchants Hill PGL Centre is a very important part of our Year 7 induction process. We utilise this trip both to build resilience; a key characteristic of an independent learner – and to build relationships within the Year 7 team.

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CASE STUDY: Isleworth & Syon School trip to PGL activity centre