Why school trips are important for students’ personal development?

A school trip can be a transformative experience for both primary and secondary school students. Not only do they get to have fun and enjoy themselves whilst learning about exciting topics, but it also gives them a chance to pick up skills that will help them later in life. But the benefits don’t stop there!

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at why school trips are beneficial for students’ personal development.

Why school trips are important for primary school students’ development

In the UK, students begin their educational journey in primary school. Throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, children are introduced to curriculum topics such as maths, science and history.

In addition, children start to increase their knowledge of the way the world works, build bonds with their classmates and learn how to communicate effectively during these formative years. School trips can help students to do all of this and more.

They help students learn about curriculum topics

Educational school trips allow students to learn about exciting topics from the curriculum in fun ways. You can do this by visiting locations and landmarks that are directly related to the topic, or engaging in activities that will pique students’ interest in their study area.

For example, on a school trip to London, you can visit sights such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum or even see a West End show to educate students on the UK’s rich culture and history.

Improving students’ communication skills

School trips can also help students to improve their communication skills. When children take a trip away from the school grounds, they’ll interact with people outside of their social group or comfort zone. This will encourage them to think before speaking and communicate more effectively.

This is especially important for primary school students, as improving communication skills early on will better prepare them for secondary school, university and employment in later life.

Helping students form friendships

Some people form lifelong friendships in primary school and school trips can aid this process. Whether you’re embarking on a day trip or an overnight stay, your students will get the opportunity to work and interact with classmates outside of their social group. This can build students’ confidence in speaking to new people, creating the perfect environment to strike up conversations and make new friends.

Why school trips are beneficial for secondary school students

As students transition into secondary school, they will begin to study a broader range of curriculum topics that will be an essential part of their future tertiary education. In many cases, they’ll also develop as individuals outside of the classroom, picking up extracurricular activities such as playing a musical instrument or sport.

Secondary school trips can help students’ personal development both inside and outside of the classroom in a number of ways.

They deepen students’ understanding of complex topics

The subject matter gets more complex as students get older and your class will require a deeper knowledge of the curriculum in order to succeed. Fortunately, that’s where school trips can help!

Students can deepen their understanding of complex topics by delving into relevant subjects as part of a secondary school trip. Whether you’re visiting a museum, going on a field trip to an archaeological dig or even taking students abroad, you will be preparing them for exams, higher education and future jobs that rely on this type of knowledge.

They allow students to experience new cultures and lifestyles

Taking secondary school students on a foreign trip can be the best way to broaden their horizons and expose them to new cultures and lifestyles. Giving students this kind of intercultural experience will help prepare them for living, working and studying in an international environment, which is becoming increasingly common as globalisation and remote working grow.

They prepare students for university and apprenticeships

Secondary school trips can help students to prepare for university and apprenticeships by improving their academic and non-academic skills. During a school trip, most students will be required to listen to in-depth talks, work in groups and conduct independent work, all of which are activities that students will carry out regularly at university or during an apprenticeship.

How can we help?

Delving deeper into the reasons why school trips are important will help you plan more valuable expeditions. Fortunately, the Diversity Study Trips team understands the true value of school trips and can help you extract the maximum value from your visit.

Our expert school trip planners will work closely with you to create an itinerary that meets your learning and developmental requirements. Get in touch today to learn more.