Dear Parents/Guardians
I hope your child is looking forward to an exciting year at the College with several enriching educational visits planned for students in all year groups. Each year group will have a minimum of three trips planned for them that will enrich their learning in the curriculum as well as provide memorable experiences during their time at St Joseph’s College. Trip packages also provide parents with an upfront detail of the costings involved. We believe this provides transparency and enough notice for parents to understand the costs involved for trips across the academic year. Trips will be billed in your half term extras invoice, and you will receive one per term. Please see below for brief summaries of the educational visits planned for your child. Information regarding departure and arrival times or specific equipment needed will be communicated closer to the date of the trip. These trips are a compulsory aspect to the educational provision we provide at the College, and we are confident that they will provide an enriching experience for all our students.
Path Hill
As part of the induction process to Year 7, we have planned a program of activities through Path Hill who will facilitate a collaborative team-building day where students will work in both small groups and houses. Activities will encourage students to recognise and celebrate their differences and to welcome everyone’s contributions within the year group.
Activities will include a carousel of team building/crystal maze activities, with fire lighting and cooking over the fire. This day trip will be accompanied by Year 7 Form Tutors, as well as the Path Hill qualified instructors. We are looking forward to a memorable, fun and challenging day.
Venue: Path Hill Farm, Path Hill, Goring Heath, Reading RG8 7RE
Date(s): Thursday 18 September 2025
Method of travel: Coach
Dress: Casual
Kintbury
As part of the continuing enrichment and induction process, Year 7 students will experience a day spiritual retreat at the St Cassian Centre, Kintbury. The day will be a chance for reflection on the year so far, and through spiritual and personal development activities, we intend to continue to develop positive relationships within the year group.
Venue: Wallingtons Rd, Kintbury, Hungerford RG17 9SR
Date(s): Tuesday 10 – Wednesday 11 February 2026
Method of travel: Coach
Dress: Casual
Rushall Farm
The visit to Rushall Farm will compliment your son/daughter’s studies of Geography. Rushall Farm is an organic mixed farm, which grows crops and keeps cattle and sheep. Students will be studying soils, land-use, agricultural machinery, and woodland ecology; there may also be an opportunity to see and interact with the animals.
Venue: Scratchface Ln, Reading RG7 6DL
Date(s): Tuesday 19 May 2026
Method of travel: Coach
Dress: Casual
Blenheim Palace
The visit to Blenheim Palace will enrich your son/daughter’s studies of History and English. Built for the 1st Duke of Marlborough after his victory at the Battle of Blenheim, this Baroque masterpiece is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rich educational experience and a chance to explore British heritage in a stunning setting. The trip will include an appreciation of Baroque architecture, Winston’s Churchill’s oratory and the reign of Queen Anne, the last monarch of the Stuart dynasty
Venue: Blenheim Palace Woodstock OX20 1PP
Date(s): Wednesday 1 July 2026
Method of travel: Coach
Dress: Casual
Total Cost of Year 7 Trip Package: £231
Please note that for any educational visits that require any personal data to be provided to third party companies (such as tour companies, Airline companies), the College will ensure that the necessary checks are made to conform with the GDPR prior to any data being disseminated.
Invoicing
The cost of your trip package will be split into three equal instalments as follows:
October Half Term Extras: £77
February Half Term Extras Invoice: £77
May Half Term Extras Invoice: £77
Please do not hesitate to contact me, should you have any questions about your child’s trip package.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Mathew Jones
Assistant Head (Enrichment & Extension)
