School trips are the perfect way of getting the class out of the classroom, mixing elements of education and fun to ensure lasting memories are made with your students. Picking a destination for a school trip can be a bit of a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. By ticking off this simple checklist, you’re one step closer to ensuring your chosen location keeps both the teachers and children happy.
Ensure your next school trip location ticks most, if not all of these boxes, to guarantee a successful day out!
Convenient distance and travel time - It’s no secret that children can get restless, especially on long journeys. If you’re planning a school trip, ensure your class and their parents are aware of the journey time to allow them to prepare for a long trip ahead. You can also make sure your coach driver takes some convenient stops to allow those onboard to stretch their legs – this can really help to split up a longer journey. It might also be a good idea to prepare some entertainment to help occupy the little rascals. If you think the distance may be an issue, keep the trip relatively local to prevent any restlessness! You can check out some local school trip suggestions in our blog.
Keep the learning fun - School trips are designed to make learning new things exciting, taking education out of the classroom and into a new environment. New experiences, new ways of learning, new people, all of these things should be involved when deciding on a place for a day out with the class! Without elements of fun, the class may struggle to pay attention and stay interested in what is being demonstrated, taught or explored. Ensure that wherever you decide to go on a school trip involves things the class will get excited about, maybe even chat to them first to see what they’re most looking to learn!
Involve active elements - The connection between movement and your brain has been heavily researched, with studies saying that physical activity can help the brain form neural pathways, improving memory and increasing cognitive power. For this reason, choosing a destination for a school trip that can involve some form of exercise, physical activity and maybe even fresh air is a great idea. This gives the class the opportunity to feel the benefits of keeping active whilst also learning. Examples could include nature walks or activity centres like Go Ape.
Choose the right date - Not necessarily relating to location, this one’s more about timing. Having a school trip towards the end of the term might be the perfect way to end the term, but it also might mean the students struggle to pay attention as they’ve had a busy few months. Equally, kicking off the term with a trip might be a fun way to get the students ready for the next few months, but it also might mean that their brains aren’t quite in gear yet. Whenever you choose, just make sure it's best for your class as you know them more than anyone when it comes to learning and attitude!
Ensure suitable accessibility and dietary requirements can be met - When choosing a school trip destination, it’s important to ensure that the destination is inclusive of those with disabilities or special dietary requirements. Most locations are, but it’s a good idea to check this before you go to avoid being stung when you arrive. Some places may sell food and be able to cater for your students, others not, so a packed lunch may be the best option. Now go have fun choosing your next school trip destination!
There we have a suitable checklist to ensure that the destination (and timing) of your next trip is perfect for all of your classmates. You can book a school trip coach hire on our website today! Happy travelling!
Take a look at our latest brochure.
