Residential Trips Programme
2025/26
Contents
Trips Programme Ethos and Aims
Challenge Week Trips (Year 4 - 10) General overview
Challenge Week Itineraries Year 4 Dana Reserve Trip Year 5 Ajloun Adventure Year 6 Ranger Camp Year 7 Southern Circuit Year 8 Red Rose Triangle Year 9 Northern Circuit Year 10 PADI Diving Course Year 10 Wadi Rum Wilderness
Sports & Other Trips General overview
Other Trip Itineraries Y5 - 8 Bayt al-Hikma Diploma Trip, Dubai Year 9 - 13 London Arts Trip Year 5 - 10 Ski Trip, Switzerland Year 6 - 10 Spanish Trip Year 5 - 10 French Trip Year 10 - 12 World Challenge, Malaysia
How to Sign Up for Trips General Notes on Trips
Trips Programme 2025/26
We are honest and trustworthy and take responsibility for our actions. We strive for excellence through hard work, resilience, perseverance and a positive attitude. We are open-minded, global citizens who appreciate, celebrate and honour other cultures, beliefs and worldviews. We understand and support the thoughts, feelings and experiences of others and are able to show compassion and care. We are fair-minded and treat everyone as we would like to be treated. We are the International Community School.
The trips programme at ICS aims to further our mission, vision and values. We are an international community, and in this programme we offer our students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and into the wider world, experiencing other cultures , overcoming challenges with perseverance , broadening their horizons and expanding their worldview , forging new friendships, and embracing their place as open-minded global citizens . Last year we increased our focus on residential trips within Jordan, offering all children from Year 4 - 10 the opportunity to join a Challenge Week residential trip. It was lovely to see over 200 of our students exploring the natural beauty of Jordan and having memorable experiences with their friends. This year we are further expanding the offering of local residential trips, with each year group from 4 - 10 now having their own distinct Challenge Week. It is important to stress that our trips are not ‘holidays’. They are formulated to challenge the students and to take them out of their comfort zone. We strongly encourage all students to get involved in these trips - they are a fantastic way to discover new parts of Jordan, strengthen and form new friendships, and to increase independence and resilience. Throughout the year we have a number of sports trips, as well a diving trip, a ski trip, a Bayt al-Hikma sustainability trip, and an Art Faculty trip to London. At the end of the academic year we have an exciting trip to Malaysia with World Challenge for Year 10 - 12 students, as well as language exchanges to France and Spain. We hope that students will get involved in our trips programme and embrace the opportunity to try something new, to step out of their comfort zones, to talk to new people, and to relish their role as a member of the International Community School.
Y4 - 10 Challenge Week Trips
All students are encouraged to join their year group’s Challenge Week trip. These trips are progressive in nature, beginning with a single night trip for Year 4 and building up to expedition style trips and diving courses in Year 10. They are a fantastic opportunity for year group bonding, while also promoting resilience and independence. The trips are designed to be challenging but at the same time they are fun and take the students to some of the most beautiful parts of Jordan.
80% Secondary students recommended their Challenge Week trip to others.
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Challenge Week
The Challenge Week trips take place during term time. They are progressive in nature and are designed to take students out of their comfort zone, fostering teamwork, resilience, and independence. They are a fantastic opportunity for year group bonding and we strongly encourage all students to join their year group’s trip.
Cost (JD)*
Trip Name
Date
19 - 20 October (1 night)
Year 4 Dana Experience Sign-up here by 10th September
180
21 - 23 October (2 nights)
Year 5 Ajloun Adventure Sign-up here by 10th September
250
20 - 23 October (3 nights)
Year 6 Ranger Camp Sign-up here by 10th September
330
2 - 6 November (4 nights)
Year 7 Southern Circuit Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September Year 8 Red Rose Triangle Hiking Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September Year 9 Northern Circuit Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September Year 10 Into the Wild Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September Year 10 PADI Diving Course Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September
480
2 - 6 November (4 nights)
475
2 - 6 November (4 nights)
485
2 - 6 November (4 nights)
495
2 - 6 November (4 nights)
750
*Please note costs are estimates and depend on student numbers and hotel and transport prices at the time of booking.
Y4: Dana Experience
Location: Dana Reserve
Cost: 180 JD
Year: 4
Dates: 19 - 20 October (Primary Challenge Week)
This trip gives Year 4 their first taste of an overnight residential trip. They will explore Dana Biosphere Reserve and stay at the beautiful Feynan Ecolodge - one of the 25 best ecolodges in the world according to National Geographic Traveler Magazine! On the trip, the children will learn about the sustainable mission of the lodge and have several educational activities, including a sunset hike, guided stargazing, a nature walk to see the reserve’s flora and fauna, and a Bedouin workshop on breadmaking. They can also look forward to fun games with their friends and toasted marshmallows by a campfire!
Sign-up here by 10th September . Payment is due by 17th of September . Contact class teachers for more information.
Y5: Ajloun Adventure
Location: Ajloun Forest
Cost: 250 JD
Year: 5
Dates: 21 - 23 October (Primary Challenge Week)
We are delighted to partner with the RSCN to offer this 2-night trip to Year 5. The trip combines nature, adventure and history in the peaceful surroundings of Ajloun Forest.
Students will enjoy guided hikes, calligraphy and biscuit making workshops, team challenges, and activities including high rope courses and ziplining. They will also take the cable car to Ajloun Castle. The students will stay at the RSCN Cabins, which are surrounded by nature and well-positioned for the activities they will be doing. They will be in single-sex rooms, sharing with one or two other students. Read more about Ajloun Forest, its walking trails and activities, and the sustainable tourism mission of the RSCN here.
Sign-up here by 10th September . Payment is due by 17th of September . Contact class teachers for more information.
Y6: Ranger Camp
Location: Jordan Ranger Camp
Cost: 330 JD
Year: 6
Dates: 20 - 23 October (Primary Challenge Week)
Set in the purpose-built Jordan Ranger Camp, this trip is all about teamwork and outdoor challenges. Students will learn how to use a map and compass and will put their skills to the test in a day hike, an orienteering challenge, and a night hike by torchlight. They will also enjoy high elements activities, maze games, archery, outdoor team challenges, and more. Two nights will be spent in ensuite cabins and one night in field tents. In the evenings the students can look forward to a bonfire, a traditional folklore night, and campfire games.
Sign-up here by 10th September . Payment is due by 17th of September . Contact class teachers for more information.
Y7: Southern Circuit
Year 7
Location: Southern Jordan
Cost: 480 JD
Dates: 2 - 6 November (Secondary Challenge Week)
This action packed camp covers the area around Little Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. The students will have a mixture of hotel accommodation, Bedouin-style camps, and wild camping. They will learn essential outdoor skills such as setting up a tent, basic first aid, and cooking, and they will take part in team challenges, hiking trips, and abseiling. In addition to this, they will contribute to a local community service initiative. In the evenings there will be fun games and activities, as well as stargazing.
The final night is spent in Aqaba, where the students will split their day between Ryze Adventure Park and a boat cruise, with the opportunity to swim and snorkel.
Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September . Payment due by 17th September .
Y8: Red-Rose Triangle Hiking
Location: Southern Jordan
Cost: 475 JD
Year 8
Dates: 2 - 6 November (Secondary Challenge Week)
Embark on an exciting hiking adventure through Jordan's most iconic landscapes. We begin with a trek through Wadi Wadi al Hassa, before heading to Little Petra to recharge over a Bedouin dinner. The next day is a 14 km hike from Little Petra to the Treasury, allowing us to explore lesser known trails with unspoilt views of ancient ruins. After Petra we head to Wadi Rum, with one goal in mind - to summit the highest peak in Jordan! Jabal Um Ad-Dami sits on the border with Saudi Arabia and getting there is an adventure in itself, as we pass through some of the less visited but most spectacular parts of Wadi Rum. Once we complete the hike to the summit, we will enjoy unspoilt 360 views, as well as the satisfaction of reaching the highest point in the country. The final day is in Aqaba, where we will enjoy a boat ride with the chance to snorkel over coral reefs. This adventurous trip offers a blend of fun and challenge in stunning locations.
Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September . Payment due by 17th September .
Y9: Northern Circuit
Location: Jerash, Ajloun, Irbid, Dead Sea
Cost: 485 JD
Year 9
Dates: 2 - 6 November (Secondary Challenge Week)
This trip takes in some of the best historical and natural areas of northern Jordan.
Day 1 begins with an exploration of the Roman city of Jerash, before embarking on a 9 km hike in Borma Forest. In the evening there will be team building games and star-gazing.
Day 2 sees us abseiling and completing another forest hike, with a BBQ dinner and team challenges to round off the day.
Day 3 takes us close to Irbid in the northern Jordan valley. Today our main objective is completing a 9 km waterfall trail. In the afternoon we will have more team building challenges, this time with inflatable games. The day ends with a campfire and toasted marshmallows. Day 4 brings us the historic city of Umm Qais in the far north of the country. After some time exploring the site, we head south to the dead sea, where we can look forward to a weightless float in the sea, fun in the swimming pool, and inflatable field games. In the evening we will have awards and music.
Day 5 is our last chance to enjoy the water before checking out and returning to ICS for the end of the school day.
Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September . Payment due by 17th September .
Y10: Into the Wild
Year: 10
Location: Wadi Rum & Aqaba
Cost: 495 JD
Dates: 2 - 6 November (Secondary Challenge Week)
This adventurous trip takes the students on a stunning multi-day trek through Wadi Rum, as they hike, scramble, climb and camel-back ride from camp to camp, before a rewarding last night in the Mövenpick Hotel!
Day 1 involves rock climbing and an 8 km hike to the camp, where a barbeque dinner awaits. The first night is spent under the stars in expedition-style tents.
Day 2 is a longer 15 km hike through stunning landscapes. The reward at the end of a long day is comfortable beds in a bedouin tourist camp. There will be time for ball games and team challenges in the evening before enjoying a traditional Zarb dinner.
Day 3 sees the students beginning with an 8 km hike before upgrading to camels in the afternoon to cover the remaining 7 km to the next camp!
Day 4 involves no hiking at all! Instead, the students will hop aboard trucks and will follow the lesser-known desert trails towards Aqaba. When the desert ends and the mountain road begins, they will switch to a bus and continue to the 5 star Movenpick hotel in Tala Bay. After lunch there will be time to relax at the beach and enjoy some swimming or team games.
Day 5 is an early start, as make the long trip back to Amman in time for the end of the school day.
Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September . Payment due by 17th September .
Y10: PADI Diving Course
Location: Aqaba
Cost: 750 JD
Years: 10
Dates: 2 - 6 November (Secondary Challenge Week)
Over 5 days you will work towards achieving your PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water Diving Certification. No prior diving experience is needed, although students who have already completed the basic Open Water course will be able to complete the Advanced Open Water course.
The courses consist of a mixture of theory sessions, pool-based practicals, and open water dives. We will stay at a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort, with its own training pool.
The PADI course is a fantastic way to achieve an internationally recognised scuba diving licence in just 4 days, qualifying you to dive independently around the world.
Please note, you must be medically fit to dive - see medical form for more details.
Sign up via Schools Buddy by 10th September . 1st payment (400 JD) due by 17th September . 2nd payment (350 JD) due by 12th October.
Sports & Other Trips
Year Groups
Cost (JD)*
Trip
Date
Y5 Y6 Y7 Y8 Y9 Y10 Y11 Y12 Y13
Bayt al-Hikma Diploma Trip, Dubai
1700 - 1900
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
2 - 7 Nov
INVITATIONAL: World School Games (Basketball), Valencia INVITATIONAL: BSME U13 Football, Cairo
5 - 10 Nov
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
1900
✔ ✔
4 - 7 Dec 900
London Art Faculty Trip
11 - 18 Feb
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
2300
Ski / Snowboard Trip, Switzerland
28 Feb - 7 March
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
2200
INVITATIONAL: BSME U11 Football, Abu Dhabi INVITATIONAL: BSME U15 Football, Cairo INVITATIONAL: BSME U15 Volleyball, Kuwait
22 - 25 Jan
✔ ✔
1100
22 - 25 Jan
✔ ✔
900
17 - 18 April
✔ ✔
1000
Spanish Language Trip
24 - 30 June
1500 - 1700
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
24 June - 1 July
1400 - 1600
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
French Language Trip
Malaysia World Challenge Trip
✔ ✔ ✔
2 - 9 July 2600
*Please note costs are estimates and depend on student numbers and flight prices at the time of booking.
Bait al-Hikma Diploma Trip
Location: Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Cost: 1700 - 1900 JD
Years: 5 - 8
Dates: 2 - 7 November (overlaps with Year 7 & 8 Challenge Week)
We are delighted to offer a trip for students who participate in the Bayt al-Hikma Diploma Programme for Years 5 - 8. To build on the success of this year’s UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused programme, we are proposing a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which will focus on sustainability related excursions, and culminates in attendance at the BSME (British Schools in the Middle East) Climate Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of many of the SDGs, with educational experiences around sustainability and innovation the focus of the trip.
This trip is open to all Year 5 - 8 students, however priority will be given to those participating in the Bayt al-Hikma Diploma Programme.
Click here to read more about the trip.
If you would like your child to attend the trip, please complete the short form here by Thursday, 4th of September.
If there is sufficient interest for the trip to run, then a 700 JD deposit will be required by Thursday, 11th of September.
London Art Faculty Trip
Location: London, UK
Cost: 2100 - 2300 JD
Years: 8 - 10
Dates: 11 - 17 February (overlaps with half-term break)
Open to all KS4 and KS5 students studying examination subjects within the Arts Faculty - including Art, Creative Media, Computer Science, and ICT - this trip is designed to broaden contextual understanding through direct engagement with art, media, and technology in real-world settings. The final itinerary will be determined by the students participating, however it will included a diverse mix of cultural, artistic, and technological venues tailored to each discipline. Potential highlights include the Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery, V&A museum, Saatchi Gallery, and Serpentine Gallery for Art and Photography; the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and British Film Institute for Creative Media; the Science Museum and Apple Store workshops for Computer Science; and industry visits to Warner Bros./Universal Music Group and the Design Museum. Additional experiences such as a Thames River cruise, theatre show, and immersive SpyScape event will enrich the visit further. Students will be encouraged to document their learning through sketchbooks, journals, photography, and media logs, directly supporting coursework while fostering creativity and reflection.
To express interest in your child joining the trip, please complete this form by Thursday, 11th September.
Ski Trip
Location: La Tzoumaz (Verbier North), Switzerland
Cost: 2200 JD
Years: 5 - 10
Dates: 28 February - 7 March 2026
6 days of world-class skiing in La Tzoumaz, Verbier - with 6 hours of lessons and guided skiing each day on some of the most renowned slopes in Europe. This trip is open to all ability levels - from complete beginners to advanced skiers. Snowboarding is also available for intermediate and advanced students, provided there is sufficient interest. The trip is in partnership with Les Elfes , who have been running school ski trips in Switzerland since 1987. Students will stay in purpose-built accommodation located right on the slopes. Experienced Les Elfes staff, professional ski instructors, and accompanying ICS teachers will provide full support. Beyond skiing, Les Elfes also lead a rich program of après-ski and evening activities, ensuring fun, safety, and new friendships throughout the week.
Register your child here and read more here.
For a taste of the trip, click here, here and here.
Join for a brief presentation & Q&A: Sunday 7th September, 7:00 pm. Click here to join.
Spanish Trip
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Cost: 1500 - 1700 JD
Years: 6 - 10
Dates: 24 - 30 June 2026
Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Barcelona! This trip is the perfect mix of learning, exploring, and having fun. We’ll kick things off with Spanish classes designed just for you and your level (even if you're a total beginner you can get involved). These classes will have a practical basis and will be based around the week's activities so you can use the language in a practical setting. From wandering through the lively Raval neighborhood and tasting local treats at La Boquería Market, to standing in awe of the incredible Sagrada Familia, every day is packed with something new to discover. We’ll climb up to the colourful Park Güell and take in the best views of the city from the Bunkers del Carmel. There’s time for sports, sun, and sea on Barceloneta beach, plus a visit to Montjuïc and its fascinating Sports Museum. And just when you think it can’t get any better, we’ll spend a whole day at PortAventura, one of Europe’s most exciting theme parks! By the end of the week, you’ll have explored one of Europe’s most amazing cities, made unforgettable memories with friends, and picked up plenty of Spanish along the way.
To express interest, please email Mr Byrne (d.byrne@ics.edu.jo).
French Language Trip
Location: Annecy, France
Cost: 1400 - 1600 JD
Years: 5 - 10
Dates: 24 June - 1 July
The French language trip offers a blend of language learning, culture and fun. As with our last trip, students stay with local families, immersing themselves in day-to-day French family life and practising French in context. Each family hosts 2 - 3 ICS students, so no one is alone.
To top up their skills and get the most from the experience, students will have 12 hours of language lessons with professional teachers.
There will be lots of time to practise French, both in the home and beyond. Planned excursions include taking a mountain train to a glacier and an ice cave, a boat trip on stunning glacial lakes, a visit to the animated film museum, sampling French cheese in a cheese factory, hiking through the incredible mountain terrain, and a day out with the host families.
This unforgettable experience is the perfect opportunity to take your French to the next level.
To express interest, please email Mr Boruszewski (j.boruszewski@ics.edu.jo).
Malaysia Trip - Summer 2026
Location: Malaysia
Cost: 2600 JD
Years: 10 - 12
Dates: 2 - 10 July
The World Challenge Malaysia expedition offers students an immersive cultural and adventurous experience designed to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Beginning in Kuala Lumpur, we explore the vibrant food culture, landmarks, and famous Batu Caves, before joining an Orang Asli indigenous community. We will work on a sustainable development project, learning about local traditions, survival skills, and community life. The journey continues through the Cameron Highlands, where students take on leadership roles and navigate diverse landscapes, from tea plantations to ancient forests. The expedition closes in Kuala Lumpur, with reflection, celebration, and cultural experiences.
Throughout the trip, students will reflect on their growth, global citizenship, and personal values, with the aim of fostering independence, cultural awareness, and sustainability.
● ● ●
Click here to register interest in the trip. Click here for a video about the trip.
Click here for a full itinerary.
● There will be a 30-minute online presentation, led by World Challenge, on Tuesday, 7th September at 6pm. Click here to register for the presentation.
How to Sign Up
We have tried our best to list accurate costs for each trip. Nevertheless, the final cost may vary slightly depending on the number of students choosing each option and the flight prices at the time of booking. Any changes will be communicated to parents. Challenge Week Trips Sign-up for Year 4 - 6 trips is via the Google form, linked at the bottom of each description.
Sign-up for Year 7 - 10 trips is via Schools Buddy (the same as CCA sign-up). Sign-up will open on 31st of August and will close on 10th of September.
Full payment will be required by Wednesday 17th of September for all Challenge Week trips, with the exception of the Y10 Dive Trip.
In the case of the Year 10 Dive Trip, payment of 400 JD is required by 17th of September, with the remaining 350 JD due by Sunday 12th of October.
In the case of late payment, your child may lose their place on the trip.
Invitational Sports Trips The PE staff will contact parents of selected children.
Other trips Sign up details are given on relevant pages for each trip. To secure bookings, sign-up for international trips normally takes place at least 4 months in advance of the trip.
General Notes
● There will be a minimum 1:12 ICS staff to pupil ratio on each trip, and a 1:6 adult to pupil ratio when staff from the external providers are accounted for. ● Unless otherwise specified, the cost of each trip includes international flights, in-country transport, local guides, all accommodation, meals and activities. Spending money for snacks and souvenirs is not included. ● Depending on flight times, pupils may be required to meet at, and be collected from, Queen Alia International Airport. ● The cost of each trip includes travel insurance which the School will purchase for all pupils. The insurance cover will be specific to the itinerary of each trip. ● Return flights will be booked for each pupil and they will be expected to travel to and from the destination country with the rest of the group. ● Parents are responsible for paying for and obtaining visas for their children where applicable. School cannot be held responsible for late or rejected visas. ● Parents should consult with their doctors regarding necessary vaccinations and/or essential medication for the destination. ● Payments for trips are non-refundable.
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