Top School Trips -Issue 7

‘ Hello... W ow’ moments get talked about a lot in education – the idea that memorable experiences can be incredibly useful when it comes to embedding learning in children’s brains. As long as it’s attached to meaningful content and isn’t planned ‘for the sake of it’, so the theory goes, learning that fires emotions can capture and focus pupils’ attention, boosting their desire to engage, and subsequently enhance their recall. The memorable moment itself could be anything that stands out from the everyday routines of the classroom – a visitor coming in, the chance to use new technology, or simply some engaging thematic group work can all work well. But when it comes to ‘wows’, it’s hard to think of anything more effective than heading out and about to learn beyond the confines of school entirely. The novelty of these opportunities goes a long way on its own – they naturally stick in pupils’ minds – but the impact can be amplified by choosing the right trip for your group and learning objectives. It’s not hard to bring to mind a host of possibilities. Head to this issue’s news pages, for starters, and you’ll be reminded of the arrival in the UK later this year of the Bayeux Tapestry: any pupil who has the opportunity to see this unique, seventy-metre-long historical record in person before it heads back across the Channel will be hard-pressed to forget the experience, particularly if they’re in the midst of studying the Norman Conquest. But whatever the subject, there’s a visit that can similarly spark children’s interest – and we have no shortage of options for you to consider right here. From STEM-focused workshops that nurture curious minds and adventure-filled residentials to thrilling theme parks and a host of animal attractions, Top School Trips is here to wow you with the options – we hope you find the perfect place to take your class. The Top School Trips team HANNAH DAY Teacher with a specialism in art and design DUNCAN KEMP General manager for school residential provider JCA RUTH ASTLEY Freelance educational writer and former assistant head and SLE ANDY LICKLEY Academy Programme Leader at the Science Museum Group ZANAWOOD Director and co-founder of Grow to School MARK PICKERING Trained teacher and education manager at We The Curious The Experts PUBLISHERS: Joe Carter Sam Reubin Richard Stebbing CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Jacob Stow GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGERS: Samantha Law samantha.law@artichokehq.com 01206 505499 Hayley Rackham hayley.rackham@artichokehq.com 01206 505928 ADVERTISING MANAGER: Demi Maynard demi.maynard@artichokehq.com 01206 505962 ACCOUNT MANAGER: Kim Richards kim.richards@artichokehq.com 01206 505420 ART EDITORS: Richard Allen & Sarah Barajas ACCOUNTS: artichokemedialtd@integral2.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: subscriptions@artichokeHQ.com PUBLISHED BY: Artichoke Media Ltd. The views in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and the details given are believed to be accurate at the time of going to press. However, no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of responding to information or advice given or inferred. Copyright Artichoke Media Ltd. www.teachwire.net/school-trips | 3