An article looking at
the importance of school trips and tours, their educational and social value
and what to take into account when planning these trips.
The way children learn is complex and very individual. While one child may
thrive in a traditional classroom environment, another may get bored and
restless within minutes. Give a child a practical experiment to do and they
will love it, but sit them down for a written test and they struggle, while
their counterpart will flourish in the latter and flounder in the former. But
one place which almost all children will enjoy their learning is on school
tours or trips.
Getting kids away from their usual environment and showing instead of telling
is an excellent way to engage your pupils in their lessons. When you are
planning where to go, there are certain procedures you will need to follow.
First of all, make sure that you are following all the procedures outlined by
the Government and your local education authority (LEA). It is also a good idea
to go somewhere you are familiar with, take a trip in advance, or speak with
someone who has already been.
Health and safety are very important aspects of planning any school tours or
trips involving children and young people. So you need to take a look at where
you are staying and what type of activities the children will be taking part in
so you can form a risk assessment.
It is really important that every child feels included in the trip, regardless
of how old they are, their gender or if they have any particular special needs.
Take a look at the group you are planning to take and make sure the appropriate
adults will be with you too, eg the right gender balance, perhaps someone with
first aid or medical training, as well as any learning mentors or special needs
assistants.
Planning for all eventualities
You will also need to
make sure you have the right insurance for all elements of your trip, depending
upon where you are going and what activities you'll be taking part in. Don't
forget, if you're going abroad the children will need to have up-to-date
passports. You also need to make sure the trip will be financially viable
the usual system here is to make sure you know exactly what the whole
cost will be and to ask parents for a suitable deposit so don't book
anything until you know you can get the right numbers.
Stay in touch
Keeping parents
informed is vital. You will need to send them a comprehensive letter explaining
every aspect of the trip, including what clothing the children need, who will
be looking after them, any medical or dietary information, emergency contact
details and transport and accommodation information.
It's a lot to take in and a lot to organise. But once you have all the finer
details sorted, you will find a school trip can be a learning experience
enjoyed by teachers and pupils alike.
AUTHOR BIO
Peter Smith is a
retired head teacher who now shares his experience and expertise via a range of
blogs, articles and websites. His specialist subject is school tours and trips.
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