Trips & Expeditions

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The School provides a diverse array of thrilling trips and expeditions year-round, facilitated through the Boarding House, subject teachers, the sports department, as part of ceremonial events, or our outdoor leadership and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) programmes.

Weekend House Activities

These encompass a diverse array of activities designed to cater to varied interests and preferences. From leisurely outings to the cinema and bowling alleys to cultural explorations in Dover and Canterbury, students have the opportunity to delve into rich historical sites and vibrant cityscapes. Bluewater Shopping Centre excursions offer a chance for students to indulge in retail therapy.

The School also organise special House dinners, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students. These outings not only provide entertainment and relaxation but also promote social bonding and the development of lasting friendships among students.

Academic Trips

The School offers a diverse range of experiences, spanning a wide spectrum of activities and interests. From scientific expeditions and theatre visits to photography excursions and mathematics workshops, there is something to engage every student. Cultural culinary outings and national competitions further enrich the array of opportunities available.

Recent excursions have seen students embarking on fieldwork visits to the Wildwood Trust, delving into Geography expeditions along the picturesque Kent coast, and participating in illuminating Psychology seminars.

For enthusiasts of English and Drama, there are frequent trips to Canterbury’s Marlowe and Gulbenkian theatres, where students can immerse themselves in live performances. Additionally, students have the opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of London’s West End, further enhancing their appreciation for the arts and culture.

Language Exchange Trips

Trips to Spain and France are essential components of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum, offering students immersive experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. These excursions provide firsthand exposure to language, culture, and customs, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation. Through interactions with locals, visits to landmarks, and cultural activities, students enhance their language skills and cultural competence. Experiencing daily life abroad broadens perspectives and cultivates global awareness. These trips enrich the MFL curriculum, bolstering language proficiency, and igniting a lasting passion for cultural exploration.

Overseas Expeditions

Scheduled every two years during the summer holidays, the most recent overseas expedition in 2024 saw students visit Cambodia. Overseas expeditions feature exploration, work programmes, and volunteering and community work, offering participants a diverse and immersive experience. From exploring ancient temples to engaging in community service initiatives, participants will make meaningful connections and contribute positively to local communities. While in Cambodia, students completed a sub-aqua expedition, providing a unique opportunity to explore marine ecosystems.

Ceremonial Duties

These encompass a range of ceremonial duties that hold significant importance in our school community. Selected younger students participate in the revered Chelsea Hospital Founders’ Day annually, a solemn occasion steeped in tradition and reverence. Meanwhile, older students have the honour of providing a Guard of Honour at London’s Westminster Abbey for the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, paying homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to remembrance and honouring the sacrifices of the past, students also embark on a poignant journey to Belgium during Remembrance Week. This meaningful trip allows students to pay their respects at historical sites and memorials commemorating those who lost their lives in conflicts, fostering a deep understanding of the significance of remembrance and the enduring legacy of sacrifice. Through these ceremonial duties and remembrance activities, students not only honour the past but also embody the values of duty, service, and respect that are central to our school ethos.

The school’s military band also perform regularly across the UK at various engagements, recently including The King’s Coronation, London Tattoo, Royal Norfolk Show, and pre-Rugby fixtures at Twickenham.

Sports Trips

These afford students on sports teams the opportunity to attend away matches and regional or national competitions. The rugby teams receive coaching from Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Union Club staff and have visited Welford Road, home of the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club. Hockey students have enjoyed a tour to Holland in previous years, enhancing their skills through matches again various Dutch teams.

All students also have the opportunity to take part in regular Ski trips.

Outdoor Leadership and Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award

These initiatives see every Year 9 student undertaking the Bronze DofE Award, engaging in skill development, volunteering, and a week-long expedition featuring campcraft, navigation training, kayaking, sailing, climbing, abseiling, and hiking/camping. These initiatives see every Year 9 student undertaking the Bronze DofE Award, engaging in skill development, volunteering, and a week-long expedition featuring campcraft, navigation training, kayaking, sailing, climbing, abseiling, and hiking/camping.

Adventure Training

Available to all students from Year 7 to Year 13, providing opportunities for outdoor education and leadership development through a progressive program of activities such as walking, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, raft building/racing, high ropes course, trapeze, tree climbing, gorge walking, mountain biking, climbing, and abseiling.

Trips & Expeditions

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