Adventures in Education: Unmissable School Trip Ideas to Plan This Year
Planning an educational, engaging, and memorable school trip takes time and creativity. As teachers, we want experiences that excite students about learning while creating lasting memories from their school years. This year, think outside the box for school trip ideas that tie into the curriculum in fun, interactive ways. Consider destinations across the UK and even abroad that inspire students and make subjects come alive.
Science: Manchester Science and Industry Museum
Manchester is a top pick for science trips, hosting interactive exhibitions at the Museum of Science and Industry. Learn about space exploration, forces, electricity and more through hands-on displays. Pre-book one of the fantastic science shows, like experiments with liquid nitrogen. You can also reserve dedicated demo areas for your class to participate in special science activities. Don’t miss out on experiencing one of the city’s historical sewer tunnels, too!
History: Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum
Immerse students in British 20th-century history with a trip to Eden Camp in North Yorkshire. This large museum complex hosts a wide range of exhibits and wartime memorabilia indoors and outdoors. Let students try on uniforms and handle ration packs while exploring creative displays. Many options exist for facilitated sessions, talks or military demonstrations to enhance the learning experience. And the scenic countryside location makes for a pleasant outdoor lunch spot, too.
Geography: Lake District National Park
See geology, natural landscapes, and more come alive first-hand with an excursion to the Lake District. Work with expert local guides that bring interactive educational sessions on geography, conservation, and local history to life. Exciting options include gorge scrambling, panning for gold and measuring water quality. And, don’t miss out on a cruise across stunning lake waters. Packed with hands-on indoor and outdoor activities, a Lake District trip promises an unforgettable geography adventure that connects learning objectives to the real world.
Literacy and English Studies: Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Immerse students in Shakespeare’s world with a journey to the Bard’s hometown in Warwickshire. Walk in Shakespeare’s actual footsteps through the house where he grew up and get hands-on with Tudor life exhibits. Attend an actor-led workshop at the picturesque Royal Shakespeare Theatre to actively participate in bringing scenes to life. And explore fascinating behind-the-scenes architecture tours of the iconic venue, too. Follow up with browsing the expansive collections at the Shakespeare Centre for a truly unmissable literary experience.
Art and Design Studies: Tate Liverpool
Give art students inspiration with a day immersed in the exciting exhibits at Tate Liverpool. The collections showcase diverse contemporary artists through installations, paintings, sculptures and more. Pre-book a guided tour aligned to study topics, such as exploring colour use or analysing composition. Add on attendance at a short lecture or demonstration from the team of art experts. After exploring the galleries, students can flex their creativity in their dedicated hands-on workshop space as well.
Modern Foreign Languages: French Exchange Programme
Practice foreign language skills first-hand by organising a pupil exchange programme in France. Partner with a French school to arrange for students to host each other for a week-long reciprocal language and cultural immersion. Pupils live with exchange families while attending the partner school, too. An exchange provides motivation through real-life conversational practice and forging international friendships.
Performing Arts: Royal Opera House Backstage Tours, London
Students passionate about performance will adore an immersive behind-the-scenes day at the Royal Opera House in London. Journey through usually restricted backstage areas, like the costume department and scenic workshop. Explore the Royal Ballet’s dance studios and listen in on rehearsals when available (schedules permitting). An interactive singing workshop can be included for budding vocalists as well. Dedicated costume and prop handling sessions are certain to inspire creative young talents, too.
SMSC Personal Development: Outward Bound Trust Expeditions
Gift pupils with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that builds resilience, confidence, and teamwork skills through a multi-day expedition with the Outward-Bound Trust. Students tackle exciting physical challenges like canoeing, climbing, and hiking under the guidance of expert instructors. Destinations around the UK range from rugged Lake District fells to the picturesque Welsh coastline. Packages mix camping under the stars with comfortable lodge accommodations.
Leasing a Minibus for Your School Trip
There’s lots to think about when planning a school trip. To make planning these trip easier, consider minibus leasing for safe, reliable group transportation whenever you need it. Most minibus companies offer minibus lease deals at affordable rates. When you lease a minibus, you get the convenience without the overhead of owning a vehicle long-term. Ensure you find an operator that provides current, high-quality, and well-maintained vehicles.
School trips create educational magic through hands-on experiences outside the classroom. Interactive adventures tie into the curriculum while inspiring students’ passions, too. Whether travelling locally or farther afield across the UK, keep trip planning stress-free.
Poppy Watt