Generation Green funded Year 9 Geography Residential 2024
Education Team Leader, Robyn Landy at Nettlecombe Court spoke to Amelia Lomax, Head of Geography at Robert Blake Secondary School, Bridgwater, about the benefits of a recent trip to their students.
The school had previously visited us thanks to funding from Generation Green, and Amelia sent us a lovely testimonial detailing the impact on the students both during the visit and in school afterwards.
Why the school needed a funded outdoor learning trip
As a school serving a community with significant levels of disadvantage, access to outdoor learning and enrichment opportunities is something many of our students simply wouldn’t otherwise experience. Transport, costs, and a lack of exposure to natural spaces can all be barriers – so the opportunity to take our Year 9 students on a fully funded residential trip with the Field Studies Council was wonderful.
The experience of the trip from a teacher’s perspective
From the moment we arrived, the experience was expertly organised, engaging and impactful. Students were immersed in hands-on coastal fieldwork, using high-quality, high-tech equipment that they wouldn’t usually have access to in school. This not only enhanced their geographical understanding but also gave them a real sense of pride and professionalism in their learning. One of the unexpected highlights was a mindfulness session on the beach – for many, their first opportunity to truly pause and connect with nature in such a peaceful way.
Immediate impacts during the trip
We saw changes in our students almost immediately. They worked brilliantly in teams, supporting one another and building relationships outside their usual social groups. For many, this was their first trip away from home, and the independence and confidence they gained were incredible. Students’ wellbeing noticeably improved during the trip – laughter, fresh air, and a break from screens and daily stresses made a real difference.
Longer term impacts for the students
Since returning, the buzz hasn’t faded. Students still refer to the trip in lessons, drawing on what they learned and referencing the experience with pride. The trip deepened their understanding of the natural environment and gave real-world context to their classroom learning. The most telling sign of success? The next cohort of Year 9 students have already been asking if they will get to go – and interest in the trip has been incredibly high. Those who went have clearly spoken with real enthusiasm and positivity, encouraging others to want to be part of the experience too.
Why We Need This Again
Trips like this are not just “nice to have” – they’re essential for students like ours. They unlock learning, build confidence, support mental health, and widen horizons. Without funding, this simply wouldn’t be possible for many of our families. We would love the opportunity to return with future cohorts and continue building a culture of outdoor learning, aspiration, and connection to the natural world. The Field Studies Council residential has been a turning point for many of our students – we are truly grateful.
We would like to extend our thanks to Amelia and the Robert Blake Secondary School for providing us with such warm and heartfelt feedback, detailing the benefits of outdoor learning residentials, which helps us to continue to provide funding for others.
Find out more
If you are interested in learning more about the funding that we offer please read more about our funded opportunities and how to support us.
Visit our Courses and Experiences pages to find out more about the courses and outdoor experiences we offer, for schools, young people, teachers, and those interested in nature and the arts.