Why School Trips Are So Important For Kids

Children have missed out a lot of schooling over the last couple of years due to the pandemic, but as well as having to skip parts of the curriculum and catch up on social skills, they have also been unable to go on educational trips. Now that schools are open again, it is essential youngsters are given the opportunity to enjoy these field days – here are a few reasons why.

• Boost in knowledge

One of the main benefits of school trips is how it enhances children’s knowledge of the subject they are studying. Many kids take in information better when they are able to interact, engage or physically see things, as opposed to hearing about it.

OFSTED emphasises the importance of interactive learning activities to enhance a deeper understanding of topics, as the excitement of going on a school trip encourages students to really think about the subject.

• Improve mental health

Children have spent a considerable amount of time learning through screens since Covid-19 struck, which is why it is essential to their mental health to go outside and explore now that they can.

Headteacher at Queensgate Primary School on the Isle of Wight Sam Sillito told TES Magazine: “Over the last couple of years, it’s been very much about wellbeing and mental health, getting out in the fresh air, getting the children away from the screens, boosting self-esteem, confidence, providing a less traditional learning environment where children can really grow into being leaders.”

Ex-teacher Lauren Cross, who is now a research assistant at the University of Cambridge, added there is lots of evidence to support school trips in being beneficial to children’s emotional wellbeing.

• Behavioural education

Schools are not just there to educate children on maths and English. They are there to teach kids how to behave, respect authority, and socialise with each other.

Going on an outing teaches them lessons in listening, patience, being orderly, understanding the importance of safety, working together and being respectful of their surroundings – lessons they cannot always learn in the classroom.

• Cultural acceptance

One of the advantages of going on school trips is being able to experience first-hand different cultures, religions and races. This is particularly the case if the excursion is abroad, as students can improve their language skills, develop a better understanding of how other people live, and adapt to a different way of life for a short time.

However, it can still be experienced on a trip to religious buildings and exhibitions about cultural movements or periods of history.

• Acquire new hobbies

Some children have limited opportunities to try new hobbies and find what interests them, which is why school trips can be really helpful in giving them the chance to take part in activities and visit places they would otherwise not be able to go to.

They might realise they love art galleries or learning about history during a museum excursion, or they could find they are good a physical task they have not tried before.

“Adventure activity and sports skills can form the foundation of life-long interests, as well as address the health and obesity agendas,” Martin Hudson, chairman of the British Activity Holiday Association, wrote in The Guardian.

• Attendance

As trips are exciting and engaging, pupils are more likely to enjoy school if they know they will be able to go on them more regularly. Subsequently, they have been shown to improve attendance, providing an incentive to go to, and learn in, their classrooms.

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