Trips, expeditions and DofE

We believe that first-hand experience is an essential part of every student’s education. Whether joining a day trip to investigate the impacts of coastal management, a joint politics trip with Abingdon School to Washington DC and NYC, a volunteering expedition to Eswatini, language exchanges in Europe or playing sport in Spain, trips and expeditions provide students a chance to broaden their understanding of themselves and the world around them and create lifelong memories.

We provide an exciting and varied programme which offers unique learning experiences for all year groups. Some trips, such as those related to the curriculum, take place every year, while others represent an enrichment of the curriculum or are adventure-based and they may happen on a two- or three-year cycle. Our programme is constantly developing in response to student feedback. Enjoy exploring a flavour of the wide range of trips and expeditions on offer below.

Junior Department

Day visits

Junior residential

Lower School

Kew Gardens

Condover Hall residential

Netball tour

Ski trip

Middle School

Art trip to Cornwall

Battlefields trip

Brisbane exchange

Cricket and netball tour

English literary retreat

Eswatini

Geography field trip to Snowdonia

Lacrosse tour to the USA

Languages: French, German, Spanish

Netball and tennis tour to Marbella and Gibraltar

RPE and Classics trip to Greece

Ski trip

Tate to Tate

Sixth Form

Art residential trip

Art trip to Paris

Cricket and netball tour

English literary retreat

Eswatini

Geography field trip to Dorset

Geography field trip to Iceland

Lacrosse tour to the USA

RPE and Classics trip to Greece

Yachting in the Greek Islands

Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)

DofE is a fantastic opportunity for students to go out into the world and embrace new experiences that will be remembered long after their time at school. This nationally recognised award encourages participants to complete activities in volunteering, skills development, physical recreation, and going on expeditions.

At St Helen’s, we offer students the necessary resources, opportunities and support to complete their DofE Awards successfully. Expedition training, practice and assessment are provided by our official, in-school team of DofE experts for Bronze and Silver Awards, with Gold-level students being encouraged to participate in expeditions organised by external providers.

We are proud to have a high participation and completion rate at all three levels, and to support our students in gaining new skills, and enhancing their CVs and university applications.