King’s Hawthornes Head to the Conway Centre for a Character-Building Adventure

Year 8 students from King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes recently took part in an unforgettable two-night residential trip to the Conway Centre in Anglesey, one of the Trust’s key outdoor education partners. The trip offered students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience in a stunning natural setting.

Led by Michael Rowlands, the school’s King’s Adventure Leader, the residential was carefully designed to help students fill their ‘King’s Rucksack’ with a valuable range of life and leadership skills.

During their trip, the students engaged in a wide range of exciting activities, including ziplining, kayaking, climbing, archery, an “egg drop” challenge, and much more. Each task encouraged them to push past their limits, support one another, and work together towards a common goal. Michael also explained that the students “used the King’s Compass to navigate their learning, putting our ASPIRE values into practice.” The experience also allowed students to strengthen their relationships with peers and staff, building a strong sense of trust and mutual respect in an exciting new environment.

Michael was thrilled to see so many members of King’s Hawthornes staff actively involved in the residential, whether through helping with the behind-the-scenes organisation or joining the trip in person to support students every step of the way. “It wasn’t just the students who threw themselves into the residential,” Michael stated. “I’d like to say a big thank you to all the staff who gave up their time and welcome them to the King’s Adventure programme. We look forward to seeing you on future adventures. Proud to be Hawthornes!”

The residential marked another milestone in the Trust’s commitment to character education, proving once again that learning goes far beyond the classroom. The King’s Adventure programme empowers students to grow into confident, capable young leaders - ready to face challenges with courage and collaboration