Archbishop Rowan Williams Primary School

Meet Katie Clement, a year six teacher from Archbishop Rowan Williams Primary School. Her small school, located just outside of South Wales, had been dreaming of coming to UKSA for a while. However, due to the distance, they reached out to UKSA for assistance in funding the trip. Thanks to the support and generosity of UKSA, the school’s dream became a reality, allowing the students to embark on this unforgettable experience.

The journey itself was an adventure for the children, starting from a bus ride to a ferry and finally a floating bridge followed by a walk. For many children, it was their first time away from home since the COVID pandemic began, making it a truly memorable and special experience.

At UKSA, the children were presented with new experiences they had never encountered before. Some of the children couldn’t swim, making this residential trip a real challenge for them. Nonetheless, it was an opportunity for them to step out of their comfort zones and push themselves.

Katie’s students were excited yet nervous about their trip, with one student confessing, “I don’t know if I’m nervous or excited, I have a really funny feeling in my tummy.”

Despite some of the students being unable to swim, they had an amazing time capsizing their boat and taking on challenges they never thought they could handle. The children learnt how to become independent by doing simple things like cleaning their rooms, getting their own food, and cleaning up after themselves. Out on the water, the children enjoyed the sunshine while sailing on the dinghies. Some of them refused to get in the water at first, but eventually, they did and had the most amazing experience.

“Seeing the joy on their faces was breath-taking” shares Katie. “The UKSA staff were amazing, with different staff members for both morning and evening activities. This gave the children a chance to be independent and mix with other people. Ted, one of the UKSA instructors, helped the children overcome their fear of the water by giving them the encouragement and determination to pontoon jump.”

The children had spacious rooms with their own en-suites, which was a crucial factor in ensuring their comfort during the trip. Larger rooms were also provided for students with medical needs. The trip was a huge success, and the children were looking forward to coming back to UKSA in the future.

Plan your own adventure with UKSA!

• Why choose UKSA for your Schools & Groups trip?
• Launch your trip with UKSA
• A safe learning environment