Ripplevale School: Building Confidence Through Adventure in Spain

Two students taking part in a high ropes course in the trees

Ripplevale School is a specialist school supporting pupils with special educational needs, with a focus on creating a supportive environment where students can develop their skills, confidence, and independence.

For the school, opportunities to learn and experience new things outside of the classroom can be just as valuable as those within it. So, when Ripplevale embarked on a school adventure trip to Spain, the itinerary was designed to give students the chance to try new activities, spend time together and enjoy a different environment.

Based in Calella on Spain’s Costa Brava, the group enjoyed a varied programme combining watersports, adventure activities, entertainment, beach time and plenty of opportunities to relax.

For the Ripplevale team, the trip delivered some particularly special moments.

“This is Exactly Why We Did This”

There were plenty of highlights throughout the tour, but one moment stood out for the school.

Seeing 29 students playing together in the hotel swimming pool and leading their own fun was a particularly rewarding experience for the staff.

There were probably many moments but for me, seeing 29, very anxious SEN students, simply playing together in the swimming pool, leading their own fun was brilliant.

Joanne Baker, Party Leader

For Ripplevale, this simple moment represented the wider value of taking students on a trip like this. Away from their usual school environment, the students had the opportunity to socialise, make their own choices and enjoy time together in a relaxed setting.

A Destination with Something for Everyone

Calella proved to be an excellent destination for Ripplevale’s group, offering a combination of active experiences, entertainment and downtime.

The students enjoyed a morning of watersports at Base Nàutica Pineda de Mar, taking part in sailing, kayaking and big paddle.

The following day brought an adventure at Activ Natura, where students took on a high ropes activity before enjoying an afternoon of bowling and mini golf.

The group also spent a full day at Waterworld Lloret, providing another opportunity to have fun and enjoy the destination together.

There was also plenty of time to enjoy the beach, relax at the hotel and explore Calella, including some souvenir shopping before heading home.

The destination is perfect for students wanting to taste a bit of everything. Watersports, shopping, down time, bowling and even watching the World Cup games!

Joanne Baker, Party Leader

Taking the Stress Out of the Experience

For a specialist school, ensuring that a trip is well organised and runs smoothly is particularly important. A clear structure and carefully planned itinerary can help students and staff feel comfortable while making the most of every experience.

For Ripplevale, Rayburn Tours took care of the key arrangements, from flights and transfers through to accommodation and pre-booked activities.

Rayburn Tours really pulled things out of the bag this year for us. Everything was meticulously planned and we had very smooth transitions from the flight to the hotel to the activities.

Joanne Baker, Party Leader

Sea Kayaking

Five Days of Adventure

Day 1 – Arriving in Spain

The group flew from London Heathrow to Barcelona before travelling by coach to their hotel in Calella.

After checking in, students had time to settle into their surroundings, enjoy the hotel pool and relax before their first evening meal.

Day 2 – Watersports and beach time

The group travelled to Pineda de Mar for a morning of watersports.

Students took part in:

Sailing

Kayaking

Big Paddle

After lunch at the hotel, the group had the afternoon to enjoy the beach in Calella before their evening meal.

Day 3 – High ropes, bowling and mini golf

The adventure continued at Activ Natura, where students took part in a high ropes activity.

After lunch and some downtime, the group headed out to Bowling Golf Calella for an afternoon of bowling and mini golf.

Day 4 – Waterworld

The group spent their penultimate day at Waterworld Lloret, enjoying a full day of attractions and activities.

It was another opportunity for students to have fun together and create shared memories before returning to the hotel for their final evening.

Day 5 – Exploring Calella and heading home

Before travelling to Barcelona Airport, the students had some final free time in Calella for souvenir shopping.

The group then made their way back to London Heathrow, bringing their Spanish adventure to an end.

Ready for Your Own Spanish Adventure?

Inspired by Ripplevale School’s experience in Spain? Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure trip, a destination that offers plenty of variety, or a trip designed around the needs of your students, Rayburn Tours can help bring your next school adventure to life. From finding the right destination and activities to taking care of the details, our experienced team is here to make planning your next school trip simple, seamless and memorable.

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