Exciting adventures outside the classroom
Tanzania with Lingfield College
Trips are an integral part of the learning journey at Lingfield College and there is no doubt for some students they are the highlight of their time here. One of our most rewarding expeditions takes Sixth Form students to volunteer at a Maasai school in Tanzania with Projects Abroad.
This life-changing trip offers an insight into the lives of people living in Tanzania, learning about their culture, traditions and way of life. Last year a group of Year 12 students volunteered for two weeks on a Care & Community programme assisting staff in a Maasai School to provide care and educational support for local children.
The group helped to organise activities for children, ranging from teaching basic English, Maths and Life Skills, sports, environmental care, hygiene training and improving infrastructure at the school. They helped to build a new playground and garden and learnt lots of new skills along the way. When they weren’t volunteering, they went on safari to the Tarangire National Park, hiked to the stunning Materuni waterfalls, and learnt about the local culture through singing and dancing workshops.
Students describe this trip as transformative in altering their world view, and an experience they will never forget. To find out more about our trip programme visit lingfieldcollege.co.uk/private-independent-senior-school-surrey/co-curricular/trips-expeditions
Sestriere, Italy with Somerhill
At the start of the Easter holidays, 70 Somerhill pupils embarked on an exciting skiing adventure in Sestriere, Italy. They were accompanied by eight dedicated members of Somerhill’s staff, who helped ensure the trip ran smoothly and safely.
Throughout the week-long trip, every child made noticeable progress, regardless of their initial skiing ability. They worked on their technique and grew confidence each day, with some mastering their first turns while others tackled more challenging slopes. The experience was filled with laughter and camaraderie, as pupils supported one another and celebrated each other’s achievements.
By the end of the week, not only had everyone improved their skills on the slopes, but they had also created lasting memories together high up on the mountain. The new accomplishments, shared experiences, and beautiful alpine setting made the trip a truly unforgettable part of their school year.
Find out more about Somerhill at somerhill.org
All Over with Saint Ronan’s
School trips are a valued part of life at Saint Ronan’s. Every year group, except Nursery, does a day trip once a term. Children in the Pre-Prep visit Port Lympne, Drusillas, Bexhill Museum, Maidstone Museum, Great Dixter, Kent Life, Bodiam and Herstmonceux. Plus, from Reception to Year 3, each year group does a day’s Wild Beach School. This real-world connection and the opportunity to see, touch and experience, makes learning more meaningful, sparking curiosity and conversation.
Children in the Prep School visit the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral, Maidstone Mosque, Battle Abbey and the BFI. There are geography field trips, music trips, maths challenges and general knowledge competitions. Class 3 goes to London in the summer to see Matilda, supporting classroom work on Roald Dahl. Trips are selected not only to support the curriculum but to provide lasting memories and a good day out.
The residential trips (Devon in Year 8, France in Years 6 & 7, the Ski Trip and the Classics Trip) offer substantial benefits. Spending time away from home helps confidence and independence – children learn to organise themselves, work as a team, try new activities and overcome challenges. These experiences are invaluable in helping them develop resilience and prepare for future transitions. See more from
Saint Ronan’s at saintronans.co.uk
The Importance of School Trips
According to recent research by Dr Martha Newson, Behavioural Scientist at the University of Greenwich…
77%of children say a school trip is their best school day ever
81% of parents say school trips are vital to their child’s wellbeing
Pupils who do attend report significant gains beyond academic engagement, including increased curiosity (75%), excitement (71%), memory-making (70%) and interest (66%) on school trip days
In a poll of over 100 educators, 93% said trips should offer new experiences, 91% prioritise learning new facts and 89%value developing skills beyond the classroom
This research was done to mark the fourth year of Hyundai’s Great British School Trip programme, which was designed to help children access school trips (particularly for those from disadvantaged communities where rising costs can put them out of reach). The initiative has supported over 200,000 pupils across the UK, creating opportunities to learn outside the classroom, build confidence, spark creativity and broaden awareness of future career paths. Through bursary funding, national partnerships and education-led activations, it benefits young people, teachers and schools by making enriching, real-world learning experiences accessible. Find out more at
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