Andrew Simpson Centre Portland - Residential School Trip

Andrew Simpson Centres

Residential Trip Residentials South West

We take a holistic approach to watersports, using sailing as a tool to develop life skills such as teamwork, determination, independence, and ownership.

Our experienced, qualified instructors tailor the session to the students’ abilities, ensuring everyone leaves the session having learnt and accomplished something new.

Andrew Simpson Centre Portland - Residential photograph

school trip at Andrew Simpson Centre Portland - Residential

school groups Andrew Simpson Centre Portland - Residential

Andrew Simpson Centre Portland - Residential school groups

Teacher Checklist

Risk Assessments
Free Places for Teachers
Bursaries or Funded Places Available
RYA Centre
£10m PL Insurance

What activities are available during educational visits?

Sailing

Kayaking

Giant Stand-up Paddleboarding

Marine Biology and Ecology lessons

Swim Safe

Teambuilding

Which curriculum topics do we cater for?

Sustainability School Trip Click to expand

Materials and recycling Plastic pollution Sustainable living Global warming Climate change Pollution

The Sustainability Programme runs over 6 sessions and gradually introduces participants to different environmental issues using hands-on learning. We cover topics such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss; giving the students an opportunity to explore each topic outside of the classroom and come up with creative ways to help combat these issues. Throughout the programme participants have the opportunity to develop scientific fieldwork skills to enrich their learning. These include water sampling, scientific data collection, data analysis and ecological survey techniques.
Our sessions support the National Curriculum (KS2) and general scientific understanding (KS3), to help students excel in science lessons at school. Taking part in field work can help develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem solving and effective communication. Providing this opportunity will inspire students to consider career pathways they may not have discovered yet.

Physical Education School Trip

Sailing Kayaking

Sailing, Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding are accessible sports for all. Our instructors are able to tailor the sessions to your group ensuring all participants learn or experience something new. Sailing improves hand-eye coordination, balance and core strength whilst paddlesports work on upper-body strength. Engaging in these activities offer students numerous health and wellness benefits
Each sport improves stamina and endurance whilst participants work together to complete tasks and games on the water. This has a knock-on effect of increasing teamwork and communication skills.

Watersports School Trip

SUP Stand Up Paddleboarding Sailing Kayaking Power Boating

With a wide range of activities such as kayaking, giant paddleboarding and sailing we're able to offer your group unique sessions on the water. We tailor each visit to the groups request, we can adjust sessions to suit your needs or ability of the group. Whether you'd like to develop communication skills and confidence through sailing, teamwork whilst paddleboarding or independence when kayaking, we've got the session for you!

What size groups do we cater for?

Up to 100 participants taking part in watersports activities at once with a minimum of 4. We have our own instructor to student ratios depending on activity. Teachers, careers, or assistants take part at no extra cost.

On-site classroom facilities?

We have 3 training rooms which all come equip with; wifi, TVs, tables and chairs. We have access to additional classrooms on request as well as a large indoor space.

Is there first aid on site?

All instructors and senior staff members hold First Aid qualifications, there’s also a De-Fib onsite.

Access for visitors with disabilities

The centre was built with advice from wheelchair users with ramps and wide doors to ensure everyone can access the facilities. There are numerous changing facilities for:

Under and Over 18s male and female

Disabled changing rooms

Alternative changing rooms

Within our fleet we have boats suitable for both wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Our instructors are used to adapting the session for those with any additional needs.

Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Yes, we even run a weekly Aiming High Club which is tailored for children with SEND. All instructors are trained and experienced in running adaptable sessions for those with SEND. All of our sessions can be adapted to your students needs. With adaptive kit for those with limited mobility participants can still engage in sessions such as sailing or giant paddleboarding.
Our instructors are used to running sessions as we hold a weekly Aiming High Club for young people with SEND.
The centre and facilities were built with wheelchair users in mind meaning all buildings are accessible. On-site changing facilities include disabled and alternative changing rooms, additional changing rooms can be arrange for those needing a quiet, calm environment to change.

Anything else?

Accommodation is provided by a third party, the centre help organise your stay, activities and food. One of the accommodation providers, RYA Portland House is a 10 minute walk from the centre and can sleep up to 60 pax. Rooms are split into twin or quads, each with it's own en-suite and kitchenette.

Who are Andrew Simpson Centres?

The Andrew Simpson Centre (ASC) Portland is one of five not-for-profit centres across the UK. Portland is the flagship centre, based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy home to sailing and windsurfing in the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) was set up to honour the legacy of Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson after he lost his life whilst training for the Americas Cup.