As part of The Hawthorne’s Induction Programme, each child, presuming they meet our criteria has a complementary residential visit to Brathay, Ambleside in the Lake District in Year 7 and in Year 8.  These visits have a fun, action-packed itinerary which is aligned with our values and character driven curriculum.

Building Resilience

Essentially we believe that students with character and resilience will achieve greater success. The visits to Brathay allow the students to be challenged in an outdoor environment and develop resilience when facing opportunities that may place them outside their comfort zones.  Entering the ‘learning zone’ and the ‘challenge zone’ in this environment reinforces the school’s work within the curriculum and ASPIRE sessions.  

Building Character

Amongst some of the activities the students undertake are water sports, hill walking, climbing and bushcraft. For some, even the challenge of spending a night away from home can be character building; for others the idea of trusting your partner 10m from the ground on the V wires can alter perceptions and build strong relationships!

In Year 7 we go away for one night, usually before October half term. This gives the year group an opportunity to bond and learn about each other and themselves.

Building Skills for Life

In Year 8 students have a 2 night residential, usually in March.  Here they learn to be more self-sufficient, further embed our ASPIRE values and put into practice their leadership skills. As a Trust and School we believe that character education and leadership gives students a firm grounding for life’s challenges.  Activities such as the Brathay residential reaffirm our school motto of ‘Where aspirations become reality’.

For more information parents can attend our Brathay Residential Information Evening on Wednesday 27th September at 4pm and read our Induction Booklet The Hawthorne’s.