This week has been rich in learning experiences that extend outside school. Year 8 set off, wellie boots in hand, to enjoy their Geography field trip on Dartmoor; Year 3 ‘Pavaned’ their way to Ufton Court, resplendent in Tudor costume; and Year 4 stomped off, wellies at the ready, to Butser Ancient Farm. But what do the children get out of these trips and is it all just fun?

Mrs Watts, Deputy Head (Academic), reminds us that this is far from being the case: "School trips have always been a significant part of life here at Farleigh. We can all remember the excitement of going away on a school visit but, along with excitement, school trips also bring a subject to life, with interactive learning including visual and sensory experiences, which enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding of subjects and topics.

"At the same time, trips allow pupils to develop skills of collaboration through collaborative work, group discussions and group tasks, enhancing their performance and achievement in these activities. They also learn skills of leadership, cooperation and teamwork. They make shared memories by spending far longer together with their peers and teachers than they would do on an average school day. Consequently, pupil/teacher relationships can really grow."

Mrs Watts' appreciation for the invaluable role these outings play in changing a child’s relationship with their learning, their friends and teachers is shared by Miss Kerby, Head of Year 3 and the Lower School, who adds: "Our younger pupils have been equally busy on their educational trips. Beautiful weather blessed both the trip to Buster Ancient Farm and Ufton Court. The immersive experience brings to life periods of history that otherwise feel a long time ago for our children!

"They really benefit from a multi-sensory approach to learning. The tangible involvement of handling real-life artefacts - Year 4 mixing up clunch, creating beautiful Celtic ring jewellery and making finger pots out of clay - all help immerse the children in Celtic culture.

"The Year 3 children were lucky enough to experience being a Tudor for the day, though modern packed lunches provided the food, luckily! The wonderful Tudor house made the perfect backdrop for Tudor dancing, playing Tudor games and exploring the changing religions throughout the Tudor times.

"These real-life moments help to solidify knowledge and understanding, and allow the children to glean extra fun facts that they may not be exposed to in the classroom."

It is said that a change is as good as a rest and we think the children are all super-charged by their break from the norm, back into their lessons full of enthusiasm and freshness after an exciting and valuable time learning in other ways. Hooray for the school trip!