James Dodd, Head of Business and Economics at St Mary’s School, in Buckinghamshire told us why doing a preview trip ahead of his recent school trip to Prague made all the difference.
“My school has a policy that we have to complete inspection visits. It gives us the chance to explore the hotel, feel more comfortable in a foreign place and to complete general safety checks.
“I am so grateful I completed an inspection visit. Partly because it helped me to relax and feel more comfortable while on the trip, which I think helped relax the students, and partly because when the students asked questions I could give them an answer.
“I did find it very difficult to find a time to complete the inspection visit. I couldn’t take any time off from school and I like to make the most of my holidays. Once I actually found a date the process was very simple with Club Europe doing the majority of the work for me.”
James’ Business Studies group enjoyed a varied and thought-provoking programme, which included visits to Theresienstadt concentration Camp, the Tesco Distribution Centre, The Jewish Museum, the Skoda Museum and the TEP Factory.
“The highlight of the trip for the students was getting the chance to explore the city. The time the students had to be with each other and explore was clearly also valued. The only thing on the trip that wasn’t a highlight was the food, as the students were very fussy with their food.
“My advice to other teachers thinking about running a school trip is first of all – do it! It is so rewarding and enjoyable. Secondly, create a calendar with clear dates on it. It’s easy to let your teaching timetable take over and for you to forget, then suddenly out of nowhere you have lots of work to complete in a panic.
“Finally, check your boarding card information carefully to see if it matches students’ passports as this can lead to problems at the airport.”
If you’d like to do a preview trip of your tour, call Rob now on Freephone 0800 496 4996. Or click on the links for more on our Business Studies trip to Prague or all our school travel tours.
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