Fairplay Outdoor Education Centre

0-16+
Citizenship, Communication Skills, Confidence Building, History
, Leadership, PE, PSHE/RSHE, Problem Solving, Science, Team Building
+6 more

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What will students see and do?

Whether you’re looking for a short school trip or school residential trips that combine interactive learning with outdoor activities for children, Fairplay Outdoor Education Centre in the Essex countryside is an oasis of fun for young people. The centre offers an exciting mix of low- and high-adrenaline activities that are all challenging in a good way.

The venue is located over two sites: a former mansion set in 12 acres of parkland, and The Barge at Haybay – a houseboat moored close by on the Blackwater Estuary. Because of its rural location, Fairplay House is able to offer exciting water and land-based activities, with an eye-watering range of challenges for the ultimate in activity holidays for children.

On-site, high ropes, a zip wire, a low ropes course and a big swing give students the chance to up the adrenaline levels – there’s even a purpose-built caving complex and an archery range on the grounds. Woodland games take place on-site, too, with a forest setting providing the perfect place for a clue-based game of hide-and-seek.

Moving off-site, a short trip to the Blackwater Estuary offers a range of water sports such as sailing, open canoeing, kayaking and raft-building. Off-site but back on land, options include an after-dark walk where students equipped with two-way radios and flashlights make their way back to base from a nearby drop-off point.

Further afield, Mersea Island is perfect for participating in some beach art or crabbing, and there is also an option to take a trip to discover some of the local villages.

This activity centre is run by qualified instructors, affording students the space to safely enjoy the benefits of outdoor learning. Along the way, they will also build self-confidence and discover all about the importance of teamwork.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

The Fairplay Outdoor Education Centre excels at personal development, promoting teamwork, confidence, resilience and independence.

There are also plenty of physical activities that make this an ideal centre for PE students at all levels. Plus – with options for kite and rocket making, pond dipping and beach art – science and creativity are also on the agenda.

Activities are so varied that they link to the national curriculum across a number of subjects; in particular the personal achievement aspect of the PSHE curriculum.

For GCSE PE students, there is also the opportunity to take part in an intensive course. The centre is suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme students, and runs residential courses for the Prince’s Trust, as well as for intensive revision.

Subjects covered

Citizenship

Communication Skills

Confidence Building

History

Leadership

PSHE/RSHE

Problem Solving

Science

Team Building

Teaching resources provided

All equipment and resources are provided.

Minimum and maximum group size

Fairplay offers sole residential occupancy sleeping up to 60 pupils plus 6 staff across 12 bedrooms. Bedrooms sleep four, eight, nine or ten pupils in bunk beds and all rooms have storage facilities and a sink.

Day visits are available for a minimum of 10 students.

Details of risk assessment

All staff adhere to a strict activity risk assessment, and all activities are regularly checked by external companies, including an annual check by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA).

Staff are also DBS checked, and trained and assessed by government bodies.

PLANNING