Teach Secondary 14.4

Up, up and away... Annabelle Pemberton presents a guide for secondary teachers on how to make that summer trip unforgettable – for all the right reasons... A rranging a school trip can feel daunting, but organising a residential, especially abroad, takes things to another level. And it’s all too easy to fixate on what could go wrong. Having previously organised three international trips – one to Belgium and France, and two to Berlin – I’ve dealt withmy fair share of hurdles. One of the most memorable came last summer when, after months of meticulous planning, we found ourselves sat on a cancelled plane with 60 students. Rather than admit defeat, I scrambled to rearrange the trip for the following October. Despite all the stress, seeing the students finally experience the trip made every challenge worth it. So, based on what’s worked – and the things I’d rather not repeat – here are some key lessons to bear in mind when planning a residential summer trip... 1. Start early, stay organised Start planning at least 9 to 12 months in advance to secure the best deals and give parents time to budget. Spreadsheets are your friend – use them to track students’ details, payment deadlines and risk assessments. Over- communicate with parents and school staff to keep everyone in the loop. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Annabelle Pemberton is a lead practitioner and history teacher based in South London, serving as KS4 and EDI curriculum lead Think about what you want the students to gain. Factor in the costs, accessibility considerations and financial support options to keep things inclusive. Also, check what local events might be coinciding with your visit. During one of our Berlin trips, the city’s Festival of Lights gave us bonus activities. No matter howwell you plan, though, things will go wrong. Make contingency plans, establish your emergency contacts and set up a staffWhatsApp group. A little preparation goes a long way. 2.Get parental buy-In Understandably, parents worry. Ease their concerns with a pre-trip meeting, clearly presented itineraries and frequent updates. Payment reminders are essential, and if something should go wrong, communicate quickly. Support fromSLT back at school can be invaluable whenmanaging things on the ground. When our flight was cancelled, our swift communication really paid off. Even before rearranging the trip, I received some moving messages from parents expressing their gratitude, offering words of encouragement and even some flowers and a card. At a point when I felt completely defeated, their support was a poignant reminder of just howmuch these experiences mean to families, and the power of good relationships. 3. Sort your supervision and safeguarding Involve teachers who already have relationships with students – think tutors, year leads and subject teachers. Ensure your safeguarding procedures are crystal clear and designate all roles in advance. Allocate staff and students to groups, but ensure that all staff are aware of all students’ needs. Hold regular staff briefings and show appreciation for their help. 4.Workwith an experienced company A good tour company can be a lifesaver. One provider gave us expert historians who really helped bring the trip’s sites to life. Another supported me in swiftly rearranging everything. A provider’s expertise can reduce stress and ensure a much smoother experience. 5. Plan for rooming challenges There will nearly always be last-minute rooming issues. Early on, gather information as to which students are (and aren’t) comfortable sharing with each other, but don’t announce room allocations until arrival – and be prepared to make some quick changes once on-site. 6. Encourage Student Responsibility Set clear behaviour expectations and ensure the students know your itinerary. Creating an interactive booklet with key trip details (student groups, schedules, activities) can keep them engaged and accountable. On one trip, I arranged for five sixth- formers to support us – but remember assistants may need guidance themselves. Let student voice shape the trip, and make them feel valued. When we had three birthdays on one trip, we surprised the students with cake, cards and a disco night. 7. Enjoy It! For all the stress, don’t forget to enjoy the trip . Watching students immerse themselves in new experiences is a privilege; for some, it may well be their first trip away fromhome. Summer trips are one of the most rewarding things you can do as a teacher. Your students will likely remember it for years to come – and so will you. “Make contingencyplans, establishyour emergency contacts and set upa staff WhatsAppgroup” 51 teachwire.net/secondary S C H O O L T R I P S