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High-quality learning experiences for students are within every school’s reach. Here’s how to make it work, says Matilda Miles “What are you WAITING FOR?!” A s the days get longer and warmer, there’s a feeling of renewed hope in the air. Spring is upon us, yet schools continue to face mounting pressures and big challenges. With ever-tightening budgets and stretched resources, it can feel like playing a game of catch-up, with ‘non-priority’ activities such as learning outside the classroom (LOtC) being put on hold. Yet LOtC shouldn’t be an add-on that only happens once in a while on a big off-site school visit; it should be woven into the school curriculum and daily teaching practice to have maximum impact. Start with the question, 'Is the classroom the best place to teach this lesson?' LOtC might be as simple as taking your students outside into the school grounds and using the environment to explain a new concept. Compared with a full outing, this approach lowers costs, lowers risk, uses staff time efficiently, is more sustainable, and is easily adaptable to students’ ability, subject and learning objectives. But there’s more... Explore your local area No matter whether your school is based in an urban or rural environment, there will be a huge range of learning opportunities on your doorstep. From a short walk to the local shops or park, arranging a visit to the local mosque or church to find out about religious celebrations, taking the bus to the town’s art gallery, museum or theatre, or inviting parents or local businesses into school to talk to your students about their profession or trade, students will relish learning in different yet familiar places, and doing so will help them develop connections with their local community. Travelling by public transport is also a fantastic learning opportunity – something that enhances confidence and provides invaluable life experience. It can develop skills such as money and time management, understanding how and where to buy tickets, how to use public transport safely, and appropriate behaviour and respect for operators and other passengers. Rethink your MO What about safety and learning outcomes? With some creative thinking and planning ahead, educational visits and experiences can be accessible for all schools and students without sacrificing safety, quality and learning outcomes. Why not take a short walk around the local area with your teaching team to identify the learning “Whether your school is based in an urban or rural environment, there will be a huge range of learning opportunities on your doorstep” 64 | www.teachwire.net/school-trips