Braeside Education

Centre

The experience of a lifetime!

Year 4 Residential 2014

Where: Braeside Centre, DevizesWhen: Wednesday 18th March to Friday 20th March 2015.Cost: £135-145Staffing: Year 4 team , Mrs Freeborn, Mrs Warwick, Mr Page.

Braeside House

Reputedly once owned by Sir Ernest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer. It was then later used as a World War I hospital in 1914,and a grammar

school. Braeside is now an education and conference centre for Wiltshire and Swindon schools.

The grounds are 4.5 acres which are used for many of the active teaching days. There are woodland, meadow, pond and traditional hedgerow habitats for studying. A large lawn and field provides space for some of the theme days and there are plenty of picnic sites and sheltered areas.

The outdoor shelter provides an outdoor teaching space. The ropes course and problem solving equipment are also in the grounds.

Pupils experience developing their balance and coordination skills working together on the ropes course.

Pupils need to wear a hard hat on the ropes course and are briefed about safety in the area.

Children develop their skills of cooperation by working together to solve some problems in the Braeside grounds. The rocking platform is definitely a favourite!!

The Pit really gets the pupils thinking about solving the

problem and helping each other to get

everyone across the hole!

A popular day is navigating a walk around Roundway Down using a map and compass. Various breaks during the day allow students to learn more about the local area and its history, particularly during the Civil War.

Roundway Hill - the mountain to climb and conquer!!

Children also visit Mother Anthony’s well to learn about the geology and explore the stream.

All pupil accommodation is shared, and there is a staff room in each unit which has an emergency telephone. Bed linen is provided. There are showers and toilets on each floor and disabled facilities are available. Children have limited time to prepare for the day and some recovery time after activities have finished.

During the evenings further activities are run at the centre by the school staff in collaboration with Braeside.

The main evening meal is at 6pm. A traditional two course menu of home cooked food is provided. There is always a meat and vegetarian main dish and a pudding. Dietary needs of all kinds can be catered for.

A continental style breakfast of cereal and toast starts the day, with a cooked option being available by prior arrangement. Lunch is usually a picnic lunch with a choice of sandwich fillings..

Activities start after breakfast with the briefing for the day where the children are introduced to the days activities and learn about the objectives and equipment to be used. All the essential equipment is provided by Braeside.

Boot racks for dirty shoes

Stables classroom

Children need to bring a small day sack, wellies or old trainers, which can get muddy, plenty of layers of old warm clothing and lots of pairs of socks! It is essential for safety reasons to be dressed appropriately for being outdoors all day whatever the weather conditions.

Any questions?