As teachers ourselves, we understand the challenge of running school trips. We’ve made it as easy as possible for you by answering the questions we know you will have.
What are the benefits of a Paddle and Pick?
What are the National Curriculum links?
P.E.
- Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance
- Take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team
Year 5 Science
- Properties of materials: give reasons, based on evidence from comparative and fair tests, for the particular uses of everyday materials: plastic
- Forces: identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces
Year 6 Science
- Animals including humans: recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function
Geography
- Physical Geography: describe and understand key aspects of physical geography, including: rivers (pollution)
PSHCE
- Health and wellbeing: the importance of physical activity and diet for a healthy lifestyle.
- Provide opportunities to explore, clarify and if necessary challenge, their own and others’ values, attitudes, beliefs, rights and responsibilities
- Provide the skills, language and strategies they need in order to live healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible and balanced lives.
How does it support the work of our school Eco Team?
This is a lovely opportunity for your school eco team or environment committee to take part in something which actively contributes to their roles, or a lovely way to reward them for their dedication to the team.
How else does it support the development of young people?
We do more than just educate young people on the danger of plastic in our waterways. We also:
- Give children time in, and a connection to nature
- Get children physically active
- Broaden children’s experience by experiencing a new activity
- Teach independence, resilience and determination
- Help improve mental health
- Get children thinking creatively
- Get children to engage with their local communities
- Create positive experiences
On the day
What is the schedule for the day?
Please arrive at 9:50 so that we can begin promptly at 10am
Who will be running the day? What will the teachers be expected to do?
We have fully qualified SUP coaches who will run the paddle and picks and a Green Whale team member who will be leading the canal walk. One teacher will be able to go on the paddle and pick with each group should they like to join us. We just ask teachers to supervise, engage with the discussions and enjoy the day. We also have several ideas for follow-up activities after your trip.
Where do we paddle?
Brentford Lock, a quiet canal location in West London, close to the lock where the River Brent joins the Grand Union Canal.
What facilities are on site?
There is a secure container, where you can get changed and leave your belongings locked away whilst you are on the water. This is about 100m away from the pontoon where we launch the paddleboards.
There is a toilet and running water on site. Showers should be available by next summer (tbc) near the pontoon but we hope that you will not require a shower!
What do we wear?
Wear comfortable, lightweight clothes, such as leggings or a tracksuit; bring a jumper and a waterproof jacket and wear water shoes or old trainers that can get wet. You do not need a wetsuit. Bring a towel, change of clothes, a reusable water bottle, sun hat and sunscreen.
Can we have lunch there?
Yes, there is a garden area near the pontoon for you to sit down to enjoy your lunch after the activities, supervised by your teachers.
Getting there
How do we find you?
Paddlers Avenue, Brentford Lock. Turn right onto Commerce Road (at the Holiday Inn). At the end of the road turn right at Paddlers Avenue (we are located halfway down the avenue).
How do we get there by public transport?
Train: Brentford overground station is a 10-15 minute walk to Brentford Lock. There is a regular train service from London Waterloo and from Weybridge. You can check train times and destinations on the National Rail Enquiries website.
Bus: There are several buses going direct to Commerce Road and also to nearby Brentford High St. There are regular buses from Hammersmith and Hounslow. For routes and times please visit the Transport for London website.
Is there parking?
The closest car park is the Holiday Inn car park, for which you pay an hourly rate. If you let us know in advance, we can arrange for you to park your minibus next to our entrance for free.
Booking & policies
Do you need a deposit?
Yes please. We ask for 50% up front and the balance the week before your trip.
What if we need to reschedule or cancel?
If you need to reschedule, we require a minimum of 72 hours notice (so that we can notify our instructors) and we will work with you to reschedule an alternative date.
Cancellations will forfeit any deposit and balance already paid.
What happens in bad weather?
There is a small chance that we may have to reschedule if there are dangerous weather conditions (strong winds or storms/lightning). We don’t cancel if it is light rain! If the forecast is for heavy rain we will try to reschedule in advance as we don’t want you to have a horrible experience.
Do you have a risk assessment?
Yes, this will be sent to you when you book, along with full details of the day, what to bring and permission forms.
How do we sign up?
Choose your dates and email carolyn@greenwhalefoundation.org or call Carolyn on 07870 685994. We are taking bookings now for the summer term on weekdays from 15 April – 19 July 2024.
