A guide to the perfectly planned educational journey

Education is one of the most vital features of life, as we all know. It is the first step that we take in life to ensure we have all the skills and tools we need out there in the big wide world. From a very young age educational activities and environments help young people engage with others, providing important social skills that will be used later on in working life. rnSchools are in place to not only teach but to give guidance and knowledge on how to act and behave. Teaching children to be diverse and open minded to other cultures and traditions; learning about history and geography is important as if we were never taught about it, how would we know that not everyone or every place is the same?

rnAs a teacher, you want to help children learn and engage in each subject and should always be finding new ways to present your experience and information that will really get the children interested. Educational school trips are a good method to use as it really opens up the children’s eyes and gives them a positive outlook on teaching. They are more willing to learn as they are excited and enthusiastic.

rnPlanning school tours or educational trips can be daunting and a huge responsibility but this doesn’t mean it should put you off. With the right information and organization it can be hugely beneficial, not only for the children but for the teachers too. On educational school trips , teachers seem much more likely to connect with the students as it is a more open and free environment than the classroom.

rnTo ensure that your school tours or trips run smoothly, optimize safety and precautions to the best of your ability to save any troubles that could arise. Create a checklist and be proactive. Note the methods of transport and research educational activities to secure the trips approval with senior management or the EVC. Look at budgets and create a budget breakdown then enquire about sources of funding.

rnDraw up a risk assessment and get it approved by the head teacher at your school and meet with the supervision staff that will also be on the trip. At this meeting discuss and explain your plans so everyone is in the know.

rnOne month before the trip, try to learn more about the location, if possible even try to visit and a do a test-run to check facilities such as toilets. Send out a letter to the parents that outlines the important factors such as dates, costs and equipment and then finalize and pay for the activities and other outgoings.

rnA week before you are due to take the journey, inform the school as to who is attending and who isn’t and pass on this information to any tutors of the pupils so they know which students will be expected in class and which students won’t. Be sure to check parental consent forms and make copies of phone numbers and other important details to pass onto the group leaders or supervision staff.

rnKeep a first aid kit handy that is tailored to the nature of the activities you will be undertaking with the pupils. Even contact the locations you will be visiting to make sure that you are aware of all fire exits. At last, you will be ready to benefit from your efforts so enjoy it!