FEATURE: SCHOOLS TRIPS
School’s out(side)
Editor for Education Today, Charlotte Westwood, explores the significance of the school trip
S
chool trips. For many of us, even the mere phrase is enough to conjure nostalgic feelings and fond memories. The truth is that school trips deliver some of the most unforgettable, stand- out moments we can have while we’re in education. They bring adventure, a change from the Monday to Friday lesson timetable; they offer the chance for pupils to see theory put into practice; and sometimes, for some students, school trips are an opportunity to have experiences they might never otherwise enjoy.
TThere are major benefits in taking children out of their everyday learning environments. School trips are fun and educational in equal measure, and they bring the kind of variety and excitement that does wonders for pupil engagement. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a school that doesn’t agree. But despite this, 50% of schools reported cuts to trips and outings in 2023. That figure rose from 21% in 2022, and it’s the result of continually rising costs and budget pressures. While more of the most deprived schools reported having to make cuts to school trips (68%), the least deprived schools have not been immune to the ongoing cost of living crisis, with 44% reporting having to make cuts.
It’s certainly concerning that school trips - once part and parcel of school life that many took for granted - are on the decline, not least due to their significance in broadening the horizons of pupils from low-income families, who are much less likely to have these experiences outside of school. It’s a matter of particular importance for certain age-groups, too. For teenagers, interests sparked during those formative adolescent years can last a lifetime. And it’s on school trips that many of these interests are often sparked. Institutions and venues have observed the gradual decline in school visits over recent years. Speaking on this decline, Lara Longford of East Dorset Museum, said: “It’s really sad, it means that they are missing out on all the experiences that we offer here. We offer all the hands-on experiences which they can’t really get in the classroom.”
Meanwhile, English Heritage, a charity which provides free school visits, 36
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reported that trips to its sites dropped by 28% in 2024, compared to pre- COVID-19 figures. While visits to English Heritage sites are free, schools and parents/guardians are in many instances struggling to cover the cost of transport.
So what can be done? Should we accept that school trips as we once knew them are at real risk of becoming a thing of the past? When the benefits of the school trip are considered in detail, it’s clear that acceptance can’t be the solution.
The benefits of school trips
Enhancing learning: One of the most significant benefits of school trips is their ability to enhance classroom learning. Field trips allow students to gain a deeper understanding of subjects like history, science, and geography. In a classroom setting, these subjects are often taught through textbooks and lectures, which can feel disconnected from real-world contexts. However, when students visit places that relate to the topics they are studying, they can see the relevance and application of their knowledge in real life.
A broader worldview: Trips to different cities, regions, or countries can broaden students’ perspectives. By exposing pupils to different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life, school trips foster a sense of global awareness and cultural sensitivity. For students in the UK, travelling to places with rich cultural and historical significance can deepen their understanding of the world and their place in it.
Experiential learning: School trips facilitate experiential learning, which is often more impactful than traditional methods of instruction. Hands-on learning enables students to explore and discover knowledge independently, making it more memorable and meaningful. This type of learning promotes active engagement, critical thinking, and curiosity—qualities that are essential for success in today’s fast-evolving world.
January 2025
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