Residential Trips
Sandwell are extremely fortunate to have their own residential centres, Ingestre Hall, Frank Chapman, Edgmond Hall and Plas Gwynant. Going away from home on a residential is such a special part of being at school, building lifelong memories and taking part in activities and experiences that you may not normally have the opportunity to do. It builds friendships and skills such as resilience, confidence perseverance and teamwork.
St Martin’s children have three opportunities to experience these wonderful centres, in years 4, 5 and 6. We have committed to visiting three of the Sandwell centres, one each year on a three year rolling programme, giving children from year 4 onwards, three opportunities to go on a residential trip during their time with us.
This also allows parents, especially those with more than one child, to plan both logistically and financially for the residential trips that their children may want to go on.
Residentials usually last for two nights and tend to cost approximately £150, which includes the centre (accommodation, food, activities) and the transport to and from the centres. We tend to book the trips for the Spring term, meaning the weather is slightly better and we are avoiding the summer SATS assessment window for year 6.
Expression of interest forms are sent out in the first instance to gauge interest in the tripe, ensuring it is viable.
Once we are sure the trip can go ahead, we ask for a small deposit to secure the place for your child. The trip is then added to ParentPay, giving parents time to pay in instalments.
In the rare occasion of the trip being over-subscribed at the point of expression of interest, we will offer places by drawing names fairly from a raffle, with unsuccessful children being placed on a waiting list.
Sandwell Residential Centres
Edgmond Hall
At Edgmond Hall we utilise a child centred approach to create a perfectly balanced programme of discovery, learning, challenge, support and reflection. Our programmes are not about how much we can cram into a day, our focus is on providing the best possible holistic experience for education, personal growth, social development and mental wellbeing.
Frank Chapman
The Frank Chapman Centre is set in 90 acres of beautiful ancient oak forest, creating an adventurous setting for exploring and learning in the outdoors. The centre was purpose-built to provide high quality residential visits and in recent years has seen investment in a climbing wall, high ropes and a fabulous glamping village.
Ingestre Hall
Ingestre Hall is home to the UK's only dedicated residential arts centre. At Ingestre we deliver unique learning experiences through expressive and creative arts such as drama, visual art, music, dance, and animation. An Ingestre Arts residential is unlike any other, giving pupils the opportunity to explore a topic or stimulus, imagine, create, express themselves and realise their creative potential.