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St Benedict's Catholic School

St Benedict's
Catholic School

Educational Visit

We believe that educational visits are an integral part of the entitlement of every pupil to an effective and balanced curriculum. Appropriately planned visits are known to enhance learning and improve attainment, and so form a key part of what makes St. Benedict’s Catholic School a supportive and effective learning environment.

This page will show you historically what trips and visits regularly occur for each year group. Any prices that are included are for example, as each visit/trip is costed each time to find the best package and costs for our students. 
 

Year 7 Residential: Pilgrimage Chapel of St Peter-on-the-wall. & Personal Challenge

Subject Area: Pastoral / Religious Education
Term: Summer Term
Type: Residential Trip
Location: Bradwell, Essex Outdoors & Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall
Participants: All Year 7 Students
Time of Year: September
Cost: £180
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This Year 7 residential combines spiritual reflection with personal growth. Students visit one of England’s oldest churches—Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall—on a meaningful pilgrimage. They also take part in outdoor activities like sailing and team-building at Essex Outdoors, staying in purpose-built tents. The experience helps students form lasting friendships, build confidence, and make unforgettable memories early in their school journey.

Year 7 Science Visit: Space Dome Experience

Time of Year: Summer Term
Type: On-site Day Event
Location: St Benedict’s School (UK)
Target Year Group: Years 7–9 (KS3)
Time of launch: January
Cost: £7.50
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This immersive experience supports our KS3 curriculum, specifically the Earth and Space unit (EARTH 1). The Space Dome deepens students’ understanding of space, planets, and Earth, while sparking curiosity and offering challenge and enrichment opportunities for all learners.

Year 7 Christmas Sleepover

Category: Enrichment
Term: Autumn Term
Type: Overnight Event
Location: St Benedict’s School (on-site)
Participants: Up to 100 students
Time of Year: December
Cost: £20
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
The Christmas Sleepover is a fun and festive overnight event held at school. It offers students a safe, supervised environment to enjoy social time with their peers, relax, and celebrate the end of term together. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build friendships and create lasting memories.

Year 8 Normandy Cultural and RE Residential – Pays d’Auge Tour 2024

Year Group: Year 8
Term: Summer Term June Monday to Friday, dates TBC)
Type: 5-Day Residential Trip
Location: Pays d’Auge, Normandy (International)
Participants: Year 8 up top 90 students 
Cost: Approx. £530
Frequency: Annual

Overview:
This unique exchange offers Year 8 students a chance to build a meaningful connection with a school in the Pays d’Auge region of Normandy. Over five days, students will attend French lessons alongside their peers, take part in music and cultural activities, and deepen their appreciation of French life and language.

Highlights include a guided tour of the basilica—climbing to the dome (95 metres high! In addition to school-based activities, students will enjoy a day trip to a traditional cheese factory and a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry, enriching their understanding of both French culture and history.

This immersive trip supports language development, cross-cultural friendship, spiritual growth, and international awareness—creating lasting memories and meaningful connections.

Year 9 History Battlefield Trip

Subject Area: History
Term: Autumn Term
Type: Residential Trip
Location: Northern France (International)
Participants: 40 Year 9 Students
Time of Launch: Summer Term Year 8
Cost: £245
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This residential visit to key First World War sites in France is designed to support the Year 9 history curriculum. Students explore historic battlefields and memorials, deepening their understanding of the war’s causes, impact, and legacy. It’s a powerful learning experience that brings classroom study to life.

Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Qualifier Expedition

Award Scheme: Duke of Edinburgh's Award – Bronze Level
Term: Summer Term 
Type: Overnight Expedition
Location: UK (Exact location TBC)
Participants: Year 9 
Cost: Approx. £40
Frequency: Annual

Overview:
This Bronze Qualifier expedition is a key stage in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award journey. Over two days, students will develop essential life skills including map reading, resilience, teamwork, and problem solving—while navigating and camping independently in unfamiliar terrain.

Taking part in the DofE Award helps students grow in confidence, leadership, and independence. It is highly valued by colleges, universities, and employers, making it a standout addition to personal statements and CVs. This adventure challenges students both physically and mentally and leaves a lasting impact.

More details will be shared once the itinerary and dates are finalised.

Year 10 Rome Pilgrimage

Subject Area: Religious Education
Term: Winter Term (February)
Type: 4-Day Residential Trip
Location: Rome, Italy (International)
Participants: 30–40 students
Booking Timeframe: Expressions of interest open the previous February
Cost: £750
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This 4-day pilgrimage to Rome offers students a powerful opportunity to enrich their Catholic faith through visits to significant religious and historical sites. The experience encourages spiritual reflection, fosters independence, and nurtures a sense of individual responsibility. It’s a key moment in the faith journey of students at St Benedict’s.

Year 10 River Lark GCSE Fieldwork

Subject Area: Geography
Term: Summer Term (July)
Type: Morning Field Study (P1 to Lunch)
Location: River Lark, Hawstead (UK)
Participants: 30 GCSE Geography Students
Booking Timeframe: June
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This field trip forms a compulsory part of the GCSE Geography course. Students conduct a physical geography investigation along the River Lark, applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. The visit helps develop key fieldwork skills required for assessment and builds confidence in geographical enquiry and data collection.

Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition

Award Scheme: Duke of Edinburgh's Award – Silver Level
Year Group: Year 10
Term: Summer Term normally June/July
Type: 4-Day Expedition 
Participants: Approx. 25 students
Cost: Approx. £65 (based on previous year for both expeditions)
Frequency: Annual

Overview:
The Silver Expedition is the next step for students continuing their Duke of Edinburgh Award journey. Taking place over five days (including practice and qualifying phases), students develop greater independence, leadership, and resilience through map reading, problem solving, and teamwork.

Participation in the DofE Award not only builds character but also strengthens applications for Sixth Form, university, and employment. The Silver level offers a deeper challenge than Bronze, encouraging students to stretch themselves physically and mentally in a supportive environment.

Final details will be confirmed closer to the date.

Year 11

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Year 11 Art and Textiles GCSE Trip – Tate Galleries

Subject Area: Art
Term: Spring Term, January
Type: Day Trip
Location: London, UK (Tate Britain & Tate Modern)
Participants: GCSE Art and Textiles Students
Booking Timeframe: December
Cost: £25
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This essential GCSE trip provides students with first-hand exposure to a range of artworks that directly support their controlled assessment and exam preparation. By visiting Tate Britain and Tate Modern, students gather vital visual research to inform and inspire their final project work.

Year 11

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Year 12 Cambodia Enrichment Expedition

Year Group: Year 12
Term: End of Summer Term into Summer Holidays (4 weeks)
Type: Residential Trip
Location: Cambodia (International)
Participants: 15 students
Frequency: Annually
Selection: Application and selection process required

Overview:
This four-week expedition takes place at the end of the summer term and continues into the summer holidays. Students engage in a transformative experience that combines global citizenship, service, and personal development.

Participants are selected through an application process to ensure strong commitment and suitability for the demands of the trip. Once selected, students take responsibility for fundraising, helping them build initiative, resilience, and financial planning skills.

While in Cambodia, students work on meaningful community projects—such as improving schools, building toilets, and installing clean water systems. The trip also includes visits to cultural and historical landmarks like Angkor Wat, S21 Prison, and the Killing Fields, broadening students’ global understanding beyond the UK curriculum.

This is a unique opportunity that strengthens university applications and job interviews by demonstrating independence, leadership, teamwork, and compassion.

Year 12 Sixth Form Trip – Art & French Residential

Subject Areas: A Level Art and French
Term: Spring
Type: Residential Trip
Location: Paris and Nice on a two yearly cycle. 
Participants: 26–30 Sixth Form Students
Booking Launch: Autumn
Cost: £466
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This enriching trip to Paris or Nice provides a vital stimulus for Year 13 Art students preparing for their final exam, with direct engagement in world-class galleries and artistic culture. For French language students, it offers an invaluable opportunity to practise speaking skills in real-life settings, enhancing fluency and confidence.

Students immerse themselves in both the visual and linguistic culture of one of Europe’s most iconic cities, gaining experiences that support academic success and personal development.

Year 12 UCAS Discovery Even

Year Group: Year 12
Term: Summer Term
Type: Full-Day Careers and Higher Education Trip
Participants: 75 students
Cost: Coach only – estimated £16–£20 per student
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
The UCAS Discovery Event is a key part of our Sixth Form careers programme. It offers Year 12 students the chance to explore their post-18 options, speak directly with university representatives, and gather information about courses, open days, and apprenticeships.

This event marks the beginning of their journey toward university, apprenticeships, or employment, helping students make informed decisions about their future. The event itself is free; the only cost to students is transport.

Year 12 & 13Sixth Form Parliament Trip – London

Subject Area: Politics & Citizenship
Term: Autumn Term
Type: Day Trip
Date: September 
Location: London – Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street, Whitehall & Supreme Court
Participants: Year 12 & Year 13
Group Size: 15 students
Cost: Approx. £35 (transport only)
Frequency: Annually

Overview:
This enriching day trip supports A Level Politics students with first-hand insight into the UK Government structure, focusing on the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Students will visit the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street (Whitehall), and the Supreme Court.

Open to all Sixth Form students, the trip also contributes to wider Citizenship education and serves as an inspiring promotional opportunity for A Level Politics. Entry to all institutions is free; the only cost is transport.

Year 12 & 13 Classics Trip – Athens, Greece

Subjects: Classical Civilisation (with possible links to Theology and other Humanities)
Year Groups: Year 12 and Year 13
Term: Spring
Type: 4-Day Residential Trip
Location: Athens, Greece (International)
Participants: 18 students (with potential to expand)
Cost: Approx £630
Frequency: Planned every two years

Overview:
This 4-day visit to Athens offers an exceptional opportunity for A Level Classical Civilisation students to explore key historical sites that directly support their exam content. Students will visit the Acropolis and other prescribed locations linked to their course, enhancing their understanding of ancient culture, architecture, and history.

The trip may also be opened up to students in related subjects, such as Theology, who would benefit from the cultural and philosophical context provided by ancient Athens. Museum visits and site tours will provide rich, immersive learning to reinforce classroom study.

Year 12 & 13 Christmas London day trip

Year Groups: Year 12 and Year 13
Date: Friday 1st December
Type: Day Trip
Location: London, UK
Participants: 150 students
Cost: £15 (transport only – best value quote from St Edmunds Travel)
Frequency: Annual / Enrichment

Overview:
This London day trip offers Sixth Form students the chance to enjoy time together outside of the classroom. It serves as a valuable bonding experience for Year 12 and a well-earned break for Year 13 students before the final stretch of their studies begins.

The trip is designed to boost wellbeing, strengthen relationships within the cohort, and contribute positively to the Sixth Form experience at St Benedict’s. 

Whole School Ski Trip to various locations: Austria

Year Groups: KS4 & KS5 (subject to interest and availability)
Dates: Feb Half Term
Type:  Residential Ski Trip
Location: , Austria
Participants: Up to 40 students
Cost: Approx. £1,510 (based on 40 places)

Overview:
This exciting residential ski trip normally in Austria, offering students a chance to experience alpine skiing at all levels—from beginners to advanced. Students will stay at a hotel and it includes luxury coach travel, full-board accommodation, ski lessons, equipment hire, lift pass, insurance, and a full evening entertainment programme. The trip is organised through a trusted provider with a strong track record for safe, high-quality ski trips.

This trip offers not only physical challenge and fun but also promotes independence, resilience, and unforgettable memories in an international setting.

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