'Solvitur Ambulando'
'It is solved by walking'
ABOUT REVISEAWAY
Reviseaway is a bespoke travel company started by Francesca in 2024. Reviseaway is a company which combines learning with a retreat. This allows students to feel they are looking after both their mental and physical health as well as getting into good habits for school and exams. Private or school trips are run by teachers and volunteers with experience and expertise in languages and other subjects (dependent on the week). Reviseaway aims to restore and inspire students in their learning through walking, exploring nature and visiting beautiful cities whilst providing valuable tutoring and mentoring.
'As a languages teacher, I've witnessed first hand the importance of getting students to put languages into practice. I've found that boosting their confidence in speaking is often the key to helping them reach their full potential. On a pastoral level, I've seen a growing need from students to disconnect from technology and embrace real social connections, spending more time with friends and enjoying the outdoors. Recognising these needs led me to set up Reviseaway, a revision retreat with student well being and confidence at the heart.'
ABOUT FRANCESCA
Francesca has been a language teacher for six years and Head of Modern Foreign Languages for four years. Francesca teaches both French and Italian from beginners to A level and can also help beginners in Spanish and German. Before teaching in the UK, Francesca was an Assistant Houseparent in Lausanne, Switzerland, and ran a boarding house as well as accompanying sports and activities. Francesca studied languages at the University of Edinburgh and lived in Paris whilst teaching and working for the British Council. In the last three years, she has built up expertise in running school trips as Trip Leader through her school and now runs school trips independently for groups of school children and private clients. Francesca has taken students to Paris, Sorrento, Sicily, Rome, and more. Francesca is passionate about student motivation and putting languages into practice, as well as witnessing first-hand the struggles that teenagers face today. Reviseaway aims to combine a restorative, technology-free holiday with supportive learning.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Francesca chooses locations carefully when planning a school trip. All hotels and restaurants are chosen with the group in mind. Usually, the trips last between 3 to 4 days and students are taken to France or Italy with possible trips to be planned also in the UK and other destinations abroad. School trips are booked either by schools or parents privately. During the trips, students are encouraged to put phones away and enjoy each other’s company. Day trips are planned to small towns or cities as well as sporting activities. In the afternoon there is also time for tutoring and mentoring and there is a time where students are encouraged to speak only in the target language. Reviseaway is primarily centred on language learning but there are times when subject-specific teachers join the trips and Maths, Science, English, RE, Geography and History have also been included.
Tutoring
Tutoring takes place in the afternoon. This year, Reviseaway is taking place in the small village of Montriond, about ten minutes from Morzine. In the afternoon, Francesca tutors Italian and French to small groups of teenagers and focuses primarily on speaking and pronunciation. Students are encouraged to work in pairs or groups to gain confidence and learn from their mistakes. Small exercise books are provided, but students should bring stationery and a notepad or diary, as in the evening, students will use the Target Language to write about their day. Francesca often has staff accompanying trips or volunteers. For example, this year Luca, who can tutor Maths and Science, is accompanying trips, and parents can pay extra for tutoring outside languages, which is included in the price at the time of booking.
Mentoring
Francesca and her staff or volunteers mentor students throughout their time away. Students will have technology-free time when talking about which subjects they find difficult, the importance of kindness and listening, and the power of nature. Students will have daily walks with time to talk through any concerns or anxieties. Reviseaway takes place in locations surrounded by mountains, lakes, sea, or coasts, which inspires creativity and reduces anxiety. The motto 'Solvitur Ambulando' is about moving whilst thinking and allowing students to reflect and problem-solve whilst moving physically.
Daily Excursions
This year, Reviseway is taking place in the heart of the Alps. Every week is different, but students have a variety of local activities and excursions. Some days will include a walk down to Lake Montriond with a picnic and swimming gear. Other days, a walk or hike, or an afternoon exploring the local town. There are tennis courts, cycling, and swimming opportunities, as well as finding out more about local produce and foraging. There is also the option on a rainy day to go to the cinema or ice rink for more indoor activities. Depending on the group and availability, day trips are also organized to small French, Swiss, or Italian towns. Francesca has taken students to Annecy, Lausanne, and Montreux, just to name a few. The Reviseaway team is always keen to add more activities and adventures to the trips, and the activities can be tailored to the needs of the group size and ages.
Exercise
Reviseaway is about moving to then boost productivity. It doesn't matter if your child isn't a keen sports player, but all the group is encouraged to participate. Students who enjoy active sports, such as tennis, can have the opportunity to play more often than those who perhaps would prefer to read. Exercise is also about building teamwork and communicating, and walks and hikes are a big part of the retreat. The walk from Montriond to Morzine is about 30 minutes, so it is important to bring trainers or suitable walking shoes. Yoga is also offered as part of the wellbeing package. Reviseaway this year takes place over the summer to get students into really good habits for September and ensure they have a good balance between study, rest, and exercise.
Food
'Brain food' is important during a Reviseaway retreat. Meals are healthy and nourishing, and if students have dietary requests, these can be filled in when completing the application form. The chalet at Fat Fox Lodge in Montriond is run by hosts Tess and Joe. They provide breakfast and dinner, and the group eats all together. Other locations also include breakfast and dinner when booking a hotel, and Francesca tries to find out prior to departure the best food options. For lunch, students must bring a little pocket money for sandwiches on the go. Sometimes these can also be made at the chalet or by the hotel prior to the daily excursion.
