Last month, eight ROC College students travelled to Gran Canaria on a 16-day Turing residential trip, designed to help them build greater independence and valuable experience away from home. 

Throughout the trip, the students got to visit a range of local landmarks and also took more responsibility for their daily routines, personal care and shared accommodation. From preparing and cooking meals to cleaning and emptying bins, they found joy in working together to keep their living spaces organised. 

These everyday responsibilities gave the group practical experience of managing a home while encouraging teamwork, problem-solving and greater confidence in doing things for themselves. 

Exploring the local landscape 

The residential included a jam-packed programme of cultural, educational and outdoor activities. 

The students visited local museums to learn more about Gran Canaria’s history and heritage, and enjoyed a unique, memorable meal at a traditional cave restaurant, where they sampled authentic Canarian tapas and discovered more about the island’s cuisine. 

Adventure also played a big part in the residential. The students challenged themselves through surfing lessons, visits to water parks and a range of physical, outdoor activities that encouraged communication, teamwork and resilience. 

They also experienced some of Gran Canaria’s most spectacular scenery, including watching the sunset above the clouds with views across to Tenerife. The group later travelled to the summit of Pico de las Nieves, more than 6,000 feet above sea level, where they reflected on some of their achievements on the trip. 

Ben, one of the students, said: “The sunset was so mind-blowing, being above the clouds. I really enjoyed it.”  

Job Coach Lesley, reflected on the experience, saying: “The trip to Gran Canaria was probably one of the most challenging things I have done but also the most rewarding. It was an honour to see the growth in the students and to view them conquering obstacles. What an experience!”  

Learning through new experiences 

Taking part in even more hands-on visits, the students were also given the chance to learn about local industries and food production. 

They explored a banana plantation to discover how the fruit is grown, visited a coffee plantation where they roasted their own beans, and spent time at a traditional goat farm! There, they learned how local cheese is produced before making some of their own with guidance from experienced staff. 

Tom, one of the Learning Mentors who accompanied the group of students, said: 

“Turing trips are an amazing experience for students, and staff, to gain skills and confidence in another setting, away from their comfort zones. It’s intense, but the growth that we see in students is massive. The activities are fun, and the group very quickly bonds together. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone interested in going abroad and challenging themselves.” 

Trip lead Rebecca added: “Watching the students grow, bond and build genuine relationships and friendships was really special. But what happens when we return home is equally as important. As one of the students’ Learning Mentors shared with me, ‘he’s come back a different young man, he’s so much more confident’.”  

In the end, the residential was a fantastic success, giving every student the chance to try something new and create lasting, meaningful memories together. 

By stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing unfamiliar experiences, the students returned home with even greater confidence, resilience and belief in what they can achieve.

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