National Trust outings

 Riversides utilises the amazing offer through the National Trust where for a small fee per annum, the school can take it's classes to any of the properties or parklands within the Three Counties.

There are around a dozen that are accessible to the pupils,working within the time and distance constraints of a school day. Below are the Year 5 group enjoying a sunny Autumn day at Croome Court.

There are two playgrounds. A structured, organised one and also a natural one (with the emphasis on 'Loose Parts' and inventive play).

The pupils also enjoyed a walk through the arboretum which is scattered with peaceful areas full of deck chairs offering a quiet place of contemplation.

And below are Year 10 enjoying another glorious autumn day in the sunshine at Croft Castle in Herefordshire.

There are expansive grounds and parkland around the stately house with a natural play area which has some impressive rope swings.

Here the group sit at an area reserved for storytelling. Surprisingly enough, for a class of big, exuberant personalities, sitting on the speakers chair was an awkward experience for a few of them.

After a walk around the outskirts, the class made their way inside to the formality and tradition of the home and church. There was much to see and discuss whilst walking around.

These visits offer a fabulous opportunity for the pupils to visit places that very often, they may not have the chance to see outside of school, creating interesting conversations on the settings, their relevance and how they are maintained for the public to access them.