Last month, learners from our SEND provision took part in a 10-day trip to Canada through the Turing Scheme, giving them the opportunity to experience a different culture, visit some of Ontario’s most well-known attractions, and spend time together outside the classroom. 

During the trip, students visited a range of locations across Ontario, including the South Simcoe Railway, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Amazon Fulfilment Centre. They also spent time in Algonquin Provincial Park, where they enjoyed a picnic before continuing their journey to Niagara Falls. 

A major highlight of the trip was the visit to Niagara Falls. Students travelled on the Falls Incline Railway before taking part in Journey Behind the Falls, which offers visitors a unique view of the waterfalls from tunnels carved into the rock behind them. They also explored the Niagara Parks Power Station and learned more about the area's history and hydroelectric power generation. 

The group continued to explore the Niagara region with a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car, which crosses above the Niagara Whirlpool and rapids, followed by the White Water Walk, where students were able to experience the force of the river from a close distance. They also took a boat tour to the base of the falls, providing a different perspective of one of Canada’s most famous landmarks. 

Other activities included a visit to the Maple Leaf Chocolate Factory Educational Experience, a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the CN Tower Experience in Toronto, where students enjoyed panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. 

The Turing Scheme provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to participate in international educational experiences that promote inclusion, independence, and personal growth. A trip to Canada allows students from our SEND provision to develop confidence by navigating new environments, engaging with different cultures, and taking part in activities that may be outside their usual comfort zone. These experiences help students build resilience, improve communication and social skills, and develop a greater sense of self-belief in their abilities. 

For many SEND students, opportunities to travel abroad can be limited, but thanks to the funding and support available through the Turing Scheme, it has helped to remove these barriers and ensure that international mobility is accessible to all learners.  

By participating in a structured and supported overseas programme, students gain valuable life and employability skills, increase their independence, and broaden their understanding of the world. The experience also helps to raise aspirations, encouraging students to pursue their course, training, and employment opportunities with greater confidence. 

Well done to the students who went on this trip and stepped out of their comfort zone to take part in the various activities, and thank you to the staff who supervised the trip, it wouldn’t have been possible without your support. 

This curriculum trip forms part of the SEND Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.