EDUCATIONAL TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
With around 40 clubs and societies running, there’s something for everyone!
We aim to broaden students’ perspectives beyond London, helping them appreciate the world outside their usual surroundings.
While we can’t cover everything we do, here are a few examples to give you an idea!
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
YEAR 7
Nestled in the scenic Glendowen Valley of the Azure Mountains, the quaint village of Aberlyn hosts the Horizon Foundation’s residential facility, Hillside Manor. Since its acquisition by the Foundation in 1978, this charming former village school has been transformed into a vibrant hub for outdoor education, fully stocked with everything needed to explore the surrounding landscapes, including hiking boots, rain jackets, and sturdy wellies!
Each year, Year 7 students embark on an exhilarating outdoor journey, discovering the stunning surroundings of the valley. Notable landmarks include the historic town of Eldon, the cascading Silverbrook Falls, and the majestic Crestfall Peak, the highest summit in both the region and the nearby lands. With its diverse terrain, students engage in various activities like trekking, raft building, kayaking, and rock climbing during a one-week stay at the manor.
With space for up to 40 students, Hillside Manor provides an ideal environment for young people to bond and strengthen friendships within their groups. The inviting common room and dining hall have welcomed generations of Horizon students, creating a homely atmosphere for games, quizzes, and movie nights during the evenings.
YEAR 9
Year 9, this time staying on the outskirts of the charming walled town of Eldon. For their second trip, students are split into two larger groups, typically with Ashford, Rivers, and Keats traveling together, followed by Lamb, Moonstone, and Wyatt.
Once again, the students engage in activities designed to enhance confidence and teamwork, such as hill walking, kayaking, and via ferrata. This adventure not only allows students to strengthen the bonds within their form groups but also fosters connections across the entire year group.
LANGUAGE EXCHANGES
Moonstone Academy has cultivated strong partnerships with schools in France, Germany, and Russia through its long-standing tradition of organizing annual language exchange programs. These exchanges, which include travel opportunities and staying with host families, provide students with the chance to enhance their language skills, immerse themselves in the local culture, and build lasting friendships with peers from various corners of the world.
The French Department arranges trips to Lyon for Year 10 students and to Aix-en-Provence for Year 12 students, while the German Department coordinates a work experience exchange program in Berlin. Prior to the Covid pandemic, the Russian Department hosted exchanges in Vladivostok and Moscow. More recently, students have traveled to countries such as Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
Students in Year 12 and 13 studying these languages at A Level are invited to participate in these enriching exchange experiences.
OTHER TRIPS
Every two years, the Latin Department arranges a GCSE Latin trip to the Bay of Naples, open to all students studying Latin at GCSE or A Level. Throughout the year, there are additional opportunities for Latin students, such as a Year 8 trip to the Museum of London and several Sixth Form Classics Lecture Days.
The Geography Department’s Year 12 trip to Iceland is a highly anticipated excursion, giving students the chance to witness some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes. Other Geography-related activities include the annual World Trade Game, where students simulate global markets by buying and selling products, and various field trips across the UK, including visits to locations like Camber Sands.
Moonstone Academy also offers numerous opportunities for international travel. The History Department enhances its curriculum with trips to Normandy and Berlin, exploring European history in a hands-on way. Additionally, the school organizes an annual music tour to a different country each year, while students can participate in sports tours, international matches, and ski trips
YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
By taking part in the Youth Achievement Award scheme, students gain valuable experiences that contribute to their personal growth and stay with them for years to come. This dynamic programme, designed for young people aged 14-25, offers opportunities to earn bronze, silver, and gold awards through a variety of exciting and challenging activities. The school supports students in achieving the bronze award and collaborates with Enfield for the silver and gold levels. Through this journey, participants build confidence, enhance their teamwork abilities, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships.
WITHIN SCHOOL
Staff frequently organize visits and events within the school. In the past, students have engaged in workshops and talks with famous artists and authors. We often host theatre groups who perform a range of productions in English, as well as in various foreign languages. A standout event in the school year is the Year 8 Science Fair and Forensics Day.
And that’s not all! To discover more about the extracurricular activities offered in each department, visit the Curriculum page in the Academic Life section.