As part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma students must take part in CAS activities. These can be sports, volunteering tasks, cultural visits and physical challenges. The college offers students the opportunity to take part in trips in both the UK and abroad. In the past students have visited Northern Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Cornwall and further afield, places like Egypt and Israel.
Trip to Lisbon
March weekend
Students can choose to join the college's annual 3 day trip to Lisbon. Highlights of the trip include a tram ride to Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon as well as the Sao Jorge Castle, Lisbon's most splendid monument. Another visit of important cultural and historical significance is a visit to Belem where in 1497 Vasco de Gama set sail for India and hence discovered a sea route to the Orient. A visit to the Mosteiro do Jeronimos, the Park of Nations and plenty of free time ensures students feel their weekend trip has been an experience to remember.
Trip to Barcelona
February half term
Another annual European trip is a 3 day stay in Barcelona. This trip is not restricted to students studying Spanish; it is available to any student with an interest in discovering more about other cities, languages and cultures. As with the trip to Lisbon, students are accompanied by members of staff who are fluent in the national language.
An essential place to visit is La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's incredible unfinished cathedral. A half day walking tour of Barcelona includes several refreshment breaks allowing students to savour good coffee and famous pastries. A walk along the beach, a visit to the famous La Boqueira market is finished with a stunning Flamenco show. Free time enables students to visit the Picasso museum, Miro museum or other sites and markets that might appeal to the students.
CAS trip around South West England
Half term break
This is a really enjoyable week at half term travelling around the South West of England. Based in Bristol for 4 nights and in Wadebridge, Cornwall for 4 nights, we will visit several famous cities and also spend time by the sea in Cornwall, doing activities such as surfing and cycling. This is a great opportunity to see more of England and be immersed in its beauty and culture. Students are accompanied by two members of staff.
The cost of the trip is £575 and includes
- Minibus travel
- 4 nights bed and breakfast in Bristol
- 4 nights bed and breakfast in Wadebridge (as a base)
- 8 group meals
- Entrance tickets to museums and sights on the set itinerary
- Scheduled activities on the programme
Highlights
- Sightseeing around Bristol and visiting the famous street art and graffiti walls
- Spending time at the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, visiting the caves and appreciating the views
- A two hour surf class in Polzeath, Cornwall
- Cycling the Camel Trail in Cornwall
CAS trip to Northern Ireland
November weekend
Three full days exploring the political, social and economic aspects of life in Northern Ireland. On Friday we explore the rugged coastline of County Antrim. On Saturday we explore the political side of life in Derry city. We explore the tensions that still exist in Belfast city on Sunday.
Highlights
The cost of the trip is
£440 per person and includes return flights, coach transport in Northern Ireland, 3 nights accommodation and activities over the weekend. The price also includes breakfast for three days in Belfast and 4 evening meals. Lunch is not included. Students will need money for evening activities and any souvenirs they may wish to purchase.
CAS Trip to Israel
Spring half term trip
Enjoy six days / five nights exploring the political, social and economic aspects of life in Israel. We begin in Jerusalem staying in a hotel for 3 nights. We stay in a Kibbutz country lodge in Galilee, visit the Golan Heights and end our tour in Tel Aviv.
Highlights
This trip for 18 students will be accompanied and supervised by 3 members of staff. We will fly with British Airways and stay in a hotel in Jerusalem, Kibbutz in Ashdot Yaacov Ichud and Residence in Jaffa, home of the Jaffa orange.
The trip price is £1200 per person includes return flights, airport transfers, 5 nights’ accommodation, all meals, travel insurance, sightseeing as per the itinerary, with coach and a private guide.
Kevin Hennessy, Head of Activities, can provide more information about these exciting trips -
kevin.hennessy@stclares.ac.uk