We are all acutely aware of the importance of student wellbeing at school and beyond.
Especially during the teenage years, when students are discovering and developing their identity and sense of belonging in the world, those who feel safe, supported and emotionally balanced at school are more likely to succeed both academically and in their own personal development and relationships with others. With mental health at the forefront of many of our thoughts and conversations, we know how important a supportive and nurturing school environment can be. However, we also know that school isn’t confined to the buildings and campuses students attend every day.
School trips and extra-curricular experiences can be pivotal in supporting students in their development, and here’s why:
Relationships
Going on a school trip encourages students (and teachers) to interact and communicate with each other in different ways. Especially in mixed year group trips, students might have the opportunity to develop friendships with peers that they might not otherwise interact with on a daily basis. They might get to know teachers that don’t regularly teach them, and be inspired by their care and leadership. School trips offer opportunities for different kinds of social interactions, such as navigating travelling through an airport or a new city and problem-solving in new and unfamiliar contexts.
Finding identity
Growing up as a teenager is all about developing a sense of identity and character. Classrooms aren’t always the optimum environments for certain students to thrive. Exploring a new and inspiring environment on a school trip could be the perfect catalyst for students to discover their true passions and interests. For example, the architectural beauty of Paris could inspire a future career in design and architecture, or a rafting experience in the Pyrenees could foster a love of adventure and a future mountain explorer.
Developing self-confidence
Everything we’ve talked about so far, whether that’s new relationships or new passions, can only boost a student’s self-confidence. Experience of travel can leave them feeling that we’ve achieved something that we never thought they could, whether that’s having a conversation with a native speaker of the language they’re learning or mastering a new skill, or even just having the confidence to sign up for the trip, get out there and see the world beyond the comfort of their normal environments.
As teachers, you are supporting students in all of this by planning and enabling these trips to happen. And as a trusted and experienced tour operator, we are here to make sure that you are supported every step of the way in realising the very best opportunities for your students. Our dedicated team at Activ4 are here to help you, so get in touch today to start exploring your next adventure.
