School Trips Written by Kim Somerville, Interim Head of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
The benefits of leaving the classroom behind
residentials further afield, schools can provide an inspiring and memorable curriculum which links knowledge gained inside the classroom to the real world that lies beyond. Here are four benefits of learning outside the classroom (LOtC).
Engagement in learning LOtC can be a fantastic way of enhancing curriculum learning in literacy, science, geography, history, art and maths. Utilised as a ‘wow event’ to introduce a topic, or to consolidate or extend the learning at the end of a topic, there is evidence that LOtC can Is learning outside the classroom part of your strategy to improve attainment and achievement. For improve the outcomes for pupils at your school? If not, example an Education Endowment A Foundation funded research project it should be, writes Kim Somerville, interim head of c l a in 2014 used self-regulation and s s r o the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom environ om memorable LOtC experiences to help struggling writers doesn’t ment Developing the learning outside the classroom essential part of in years 6 & 7 – found a a l w a ys provide (LOtC) provision in your school grounds, their learning and strong positive effect on and you children local community or further afield can have development. the writing outcomes of an enormous impact on enthusing, engaging Learning outside low attaining pupils. with th ng people e real w and motivating your pupils to learn. the classroom experie A classroom environment doesn’t always (LOtC) is the Independence and nces thorld provide children and young people with the use of any space personal development e y need real world experiences they need. In addition beyond the classroom New experiences push children many young people lack everyday experiences for teaching and out of their comfort zone, so they that others take for granted, and this can be a learning, from the school may well be nervous before a school significant barrier to their learning. This is why grounds to local museums, wild trip or residential experience. However, we believe it is vital that every child and young spaces or places of worship. By combining the experience of overcoming their nerves person has the opportunity to experience regular experiences close to home with and trying something new can have a the world beyond the classroom walls as an more occasional educational visits and tremendous impact on their resilience and
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