Why do we need school trips?

Think about what your favourite school memories are. How many of them took place inside the classroom?

Whether they were educational or just as an end of term treat, some of our fondest memories are school trips. We were delighted to be able to hold all our planned school trips in the Michaelmas Term. Not only were these trips fun and a hugely memorable experience for both children and teachers, it also provided a wonderful opportunity for children to expand their own individual tacit knowledge. Below, we have listed a few reasons why we believe schools trips are an essential part of a child’s education.

Experiential learning takes place

The classroom is an effective simulation of the real world. However, experiential learning argues that when learning is shifted into to a real-life situation it becomes more powerful in individuals. This supports the idea that in order to prepare children effectively for life we need to give them memorable experiences, for example, our Cumulus school trips. These types of school trips also allow children to work on their “soft-skills”, such as strong communication, problem solving and critical thinking.

Their worldview is expanded

Embarking on educational tours, and submerging children into cultural experiences have been found to be invaluable for development and understanding. It is a perspective that cannot be taught, only experienced for oneself. It is challenging to impart a passion for learning languages, understanding another culture or teaching why current world affairs is important to children in the classroom alone. ‍

It reinforces classroom material

Going to important historical landmarks and great museums gives children the opportunity to visualise, experience and discuss the topics they study in order to gain a greater and deeper understanding. Not only do children recall the experience long after the trip, they may start to develop historical empathy, contextualising historical actions and understanding people of the past. This gives them a deeper understanding of people, places and situations which in turn can teach students critical thinking in their own life.

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It supports those students who learn by ‘doing’

It is well known that not everyone was ‘made for school’ or ‘school just didn’t suit them’. Switching up the environment and bringing these types of students out of the classroom and into the real world can be a great way to spark their interest. Trips are the perfect way to take advantage of the informal learning situation and ignite passion in those who learn by ‘doing’.

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Finally, and most importantly, lifelong memories are made

When in a new environment, children need to work as a team with other classmates outside of their normal group. Not only that, but they make lifelong memories among peers, which is no doubt a fun learning experience in itself.