School travel - Education or vacation?

• Nov 24, 2014

Elaine Skates, Acting Chief Executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, has published an article exploring the impact of school travel in raising student attainment.

In her article, which was published in Teach Secondary Magazine, Elaine wrote:

“Learning outside the classroom (LOtC), whether it happens in the school grounds or the Southern Hemisphere, raises attainment, improves behaviour and engages all pupils,” adding, “overseas visits offer varied and powerful opportunities for learning.

“The teaching of the curriculum can be enormously enriched by studying geographical and historical characteristics that can’t be seen in the UK, immersing students in a language or culture, or understanding other people’s lives and beliefs thorough first-hand experience.

“Memorable experiences enthuse learning with adventure and engage students in science, maths or English. There is also a compelling case around social, moral, spiritual and cultural education, from broadening horizons to building independence and improving social skills.”

In the article, Elaine offers tips for teachers, which include using a specialist school travel company “to reduce planning time and help identify opportunities for learning.”

If you’d like to discuss a school travel tour with us, call us on Freephone 0800 496 4996 or click on the link for more details of all our school travel tours.