Why are trips so educational for children?

Most year groups will go on a trip every half term/ term. But, the question is, why?

The most obvious answer is because, simply, children LOVE them! The thought of leaving school for a day, going somewhere by bus, and the anticipation of turning up to a location they haven’t been to before is obviously very exciting for them. The day runs completely differently compared to back in the classroom, as the structure of the day involves a variety of activities - usually active and hands-on, and the atmosphere is slightly less ‘rigid’. Children get to explore a heap of new things and overall have a fun and exciting day away from class.

This is not the only reason why we encourage trips. They are also incredibly educational. Being outdoors and seeing their learning helps children put their understanding into context. For example, the Year 4 children had a fantastic trip to Ranweli this week to explore the birds and butterflies native to Sri Lanka. Rather than the teachers simply telling the children which birds and butterflies are found in Sri Lanka and them gaining no real experience of this, they were able to see them live on their nature walks and boat rides. This, not only makes it much more exciting for the children, but real!

As well as this, it supports following learning in their topics. After half term, Year 4 will be focusing on habitats in science. The trip will be a fantastic opportunity to draw on their existing and real knowledge of what they learnt from the trip to support their new learning in lessons.

And most of all, let’s not forget my first point: TRIPS ARE FUN! Please see the photos below of the Year 4 children having a fantastic and educational time on their trip to Ranweli Eco Resort as proof!