Visit our amazing capital city to enjoy culture at the famous museums and art galleries, the rich food of Chinatown, shopping at oxford Circus or ice skating at Alexandra Palace.
Boarding Trips & Activities
At St. Francis’ College, our boarders work hard academically, but we firmly believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Boarders’ wellbeing and personal development remain at the heart of everything we do, and we provide a wide range of activities to ensure students feel engaged, inspired and part of a vibrant community.
We aim to offer a variety of activities throughout the week, including workshops, masterclasses and creative opportunities, encouraging students to try new things, build confidence and develop new skills. From Model United Nations to our much-loved Boarders’ Bake Off, there are opportunities for every student, whatever their interests or aspirations, to get involved and make the most of boarding life.
The Boarding House also provides a welcoming space for relaxation, with a well-stocked Games Room offering board games, multiple streaming services including Netflix and Disney+, books and art supplies for students to enjoy during their free time.
Trips
Trips are a key part of the boarding experience, supporting students’ personal development, independence, and understanding of the local area. We aim to offer a trip every weekend, giving students the opportunity to explore new places, experience different cultures, and build friendships outside of the school environment.
To ensure all students benefit from these experiences, we organise a compulsory trip approximately every other weekend. Full-term boarders in Year 10 and below are expected to attend these compulsory trips, while students in other year groups are warmly invited to sign up and join if they wish.
Throughout the year, we offer a wide range of exciting trips and activities, tailored to suit different interests and age groups.
Below are some examples of the many opportunities available to our boarders:
London
Brighton
Enjoy the summer sun at the beach with us! This is one of our most popular trips and means that boarders have an opportunity to explore Brighton’s winding lanes, relax at its iconic beach and swim in the sea.
Cambridge
Explore the picturesque university city while enjoying some well-deserved shopping time.
Hitchin
Visit the local market town of Hitchin and enjoy its small shops and many cafes.
Pots of Art
A Ceramics Studio in Hitchin where you can create your own colourful and ceramic masterpiece.
Ten Pin Bowling
The challenge is on! Beat the Boarding Staff in a game of 10 pin bowling.
Thorpe Park
Looking for some excitement? Enjoy the rollercoasters and thrilling rides at this amazing theme park.
Winter Wonderland
Come visit the wonderful Winter Wonderland and feel Christmassy as we get closer to the holidays.
There are many more exciting trips on offer during the school year.
In-house Activities
Arts and Crafts
Every week, boarders can have fun and express themselves creatively with drawing, painting and crafting in the Games Room.
Baking
Bake some exciting treats and enjoy eating them in the evening with hot chocolate in the Boarding House kitchen.
Boarding Book Club
We now have a brand-new Book Club where students choose a book to read each term as a group and then we have debates over hot chocolate once we’ve finished it.
Christmas Flower Decorating
Prepare for the Christmas festive period use your creative skills to produce a wonderful floral masterpiece.
Christmas Party
Whole Boarding House party to celebrate the end of term and the festive season.
Games
An afternoon of fun playing games in the Boarding House with snacks.
Movie nights
A relaxed evening of movies, hot chocolate and popcorn.
Music
Different music clubs are available in College and boarders can practice in our Chapel.
Recycled Fashion Show
Create your own outfit with recyclable materials according to a theme, such as ‘Space’ or ‘Television’.
Sports
You can sign up to take part in activities such as, swimming, football, tennis, athletics, rounders, or dance.
