Foundation Learning Students at Calvert Devon

Thirty‑eight students from across the Foundation Learning department took part in a multi‑day residential trip to Calvert Devon in March, returning with new skills, lasting memories, and a renewed sense of independence.

The learners immersed themselves in a diverse programme of outdoor and team‑based activities, including climbing, abseiling, canoeing, horse riding, bushcraft, biking, archery, and team‑building challenges.

Developing Core Life and Personal Skills

The visit was designed to support meaningful skill development across several key areas essential for learners’ long‑term growth.

Independent Living Skills

Learners increased their independence by managing aspects of daily living throughout the residential stay—organising their belongings, preparing for activities, and following a structured timetable with reduced staff prompting.

Social Communication & Teamwork

Through group‑based activities and shared challenges, students strengthened their communication abilities. Staff observed improvements in cooperation, turn‑taking, problem‑solving, and positive social interaction with both peers and staff members.

Emotional Regulation & Wellbeing

Facing new environments and activities helped learners practise emotional regulation strategies. Students demonstrated resilience, self‑awareness, and growing confidence as they navigated unfamiliar or demanding situations.

Employability Skills

Several aspects of the programme aligned with employability development. Learners practised following instructions, working collaboratively, taking responsibility, and maintaining safe working practices — all valuable, transferable skills for future pathways.

Student Reflections

Upon returning, the students have been speaking enthusiastically about the experience. They shared how having time away from families, spending time with friends, becoming more independent, and taking part in the activities made them proud of themselves after being challenged with new experiences.

Kentar talked about the amazing time he had at the college trip, thank you all for making that experience possible!