FEATURE: SCHOOL TRIPS
Plain sailing
This is not just television, but computers, tablets, phones and watches, gaming, communications and social media. It is suggested that “screen time” reduces attention spans; increases both mental health issues and isolation and reduces academic achievement and the ability to interact socially. Outdoor learning and being on the water in a completely new environment can be an antithesis to this. Our children are spending less time outdoors than ever before, impacting their health, wellbeing and development. This, teamed with a cost-of-living crisis is resulting in more young people missing out on the benefits of outdoor learning and residentials.
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n our look at the benefits of school trips this month, we are delighted to hear from Ben Willows, CEO of UKSA, the maritime youth charity and world-renowned training centre of excellence.
The education and youth development sector has long championed the benefits of outdoor learning and specifically residential visits, however, not only did the Covid-19 pandemic halt these opportunities, we now find ourselves in a generation where our young people are immersed in technology.
I was 11 when I went to an activity centre in Wales called The Ranch, being able to do different activities finally gave me the feeling that I was actually good at something after struggling in the classroom environment. Having that moment as an 11-year-old showed me I can find something I’m good at and I will succeed, even if it’s not at a desk.
At UKSA, we offer young people of all abilities life-enhancing water-based adventures, education, and world-leading maritime training where they can learn skills for life in an aspirational and safe environment. The experience of new activities, adventure, challenges while being away from the normal routines of home and school helps develop confidence, resilience, and the important sense of independence.
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www.education-today.co.uk
Some past research by Learning Away shared the positive impact of residential experiences on year six pupil progress and attainment, particularly with ‘vulnerable’ students who were likely for personal and family reasons, to underachieve. Teachers cited the confidence gained while away coupled with enhanced relationships with peers and staff, compensated for the negative impacts on learning experienced outside of the school’s control.
We run a fully funded, half day on the water for all Year 6 pupils on the Isle of Wight called Test the Water, that supports 1,500 beneficiaries every year and through this activity, we have first- hand evidence that outdoor centres like ours help young people’s mental health and confidence, build resilience, and instil life skills. In addition to this, the healing power of water and coastal environments have been shown to improve our health, body and mind which is why it is more essential than ever for young people, especially those from inner cities, to have on-water experiences.
As a charity, our passion for removing barriers and providing funding for children and young people who wouldn’t be able to access such experiences without financial support drives us every day, and our customised programmes are designed to build confidence and encourage teamwork using watersports and the great outdoors as a catalyst for positive outcomes. We can only continue to transform the lives of
January 2024
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