Lake District Trip May 2025
19th May 25
This year’s residential trip for our Pre-sessional and Year 10 students took place in the Lake District National Park over the week 5th -9th May. A stunningly beautiful area in England, the students enjoyed learning at ‘Abbey College, Windermere’ as they spent the week working together in the wonderful environment of the Lakes.
This residential trip is designed to help improve our students’ English abilities, and offer opportunities for teamwork, leadership and challenge through the programme of activities. We were well looked after domestically by the brilliant team at the YHA Windermere; students enjoyed dormitory life, sharing rooms with their friends, and the catering rivalled Abbey’s own according to some student diaries! Diaries were written each evening to record achievements and reflections of the trip and their daily experiences.
The weather was stunning, and this helped the students enjoy the activities of rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, gorge-scrambling and much more! The students worked hard together in small groups throughout the week to help each other achieve their best and overcome any worries or fears they may have had when starting activities. We were guided by a highly professional team of instructors thanks to our partners at Carnegie Great Outdoors, who helped put this residential week together. An indication of how successful this trip was, we have already booked ‘Abbey College, Windermere’ for next year’s cohort to be able to have such a rich and special experience.
The last word goes to one of our students, who said in her diary; “These days I have learnt a lot. I really don’t want to go back home. Thanks to the teachers and school for giving us this chance.”
After the trip, students wrote thank you letters to the instructors who had organised and guided them through the activities throughout their time there. Here are some excerpts from these letters, about how the students felt during the trip and their favourite parts to take away afterwards.
“Each of the instructors was very helpful and you looked after us very carefully…we were always in safe conditions, even though the activities themselves sometimes were a bit dangerous.” – Julia
“Rock climbing was a real challenge…I was so proud when I reached the top!” – Ruoshui
“Thank you for always encouraging me to push myself and overcome fears.” – Ivene
“What I loved most is how every trip felt like a cool class. You always encouraged me when I said ‘I can’t do it’. It was really helpful for me to continue.” – Vivian
“[Rock climbing] is a new thing for me and the instructors were really patient to teach us how to keep safe.” – Kenneth
“When we were hiking on the first day, sometimes I wanted to give up, but you always encouraged me, so I persisted.” – Halona
“I had never done rock climbing before, but now I think this is my favourite activity.” – Julia
“All of the activities were really fabulous and wonderful for me because I had never tried them before. Some activities for example gorge scrambling were more difficult but very exciting.” – Matin
“The mountain adventure was really cool. We got to see beautiful views and feel the fresh air. Even though climbing the mountain all day was super tiring, I was really happy!” – Ruoshui
“Thank you very much for giving me such an unforgettable travel memory. I look forward to having the opportunity to go there in the future again.” – Joyce
“It was one of the best views of nature I have ever seen with my own eyes and I will never forget it.” – Mani
“It was an incredible experience that I will always remember.” – Matin
