Report confirms benefits of Learning outside the classroom

Latest report confirms benefits of school trips

Learning outside the classroom is a phrase often used by providers of outdoor activities for schools and groups. It's a great idea, but does it work in practice? At PGL, we've held the long-standing belief that bringing children outdoors into a new environment and encouraging them to try something new, helps to inspire, challenge and motivate them to succeed. On an outdoor residential they are able to develop valuable skills that will help them throughout their school years and beyond.

A recent survey commissioned by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation provides research that supports this, and concludes that residential trips are of benefit not just to children but to teachers as well. The 'Learning Away' programme was a seven year research project which involved 60 schools (primary, secondary and special) participating in Learning Away residentials.

The residentials were evaluated using student, parent and staff surveys both pre- and post-residential. You can read the full summary of their findings here.

Key findings:

Relationships
Over 70% of pupils at primary and secondary felt they knew their teacher better and got on better with their peers as a result of the residential experience.

Learning & Achievement
Data showed that secondary students who attended learning away residentials improved their academic performance and achieved higher than their predicted grades in GCSE and Highers.

Resilience, Self-confidence and Wellbeing
The majority of students were proud of what they had achieved and felt they had gone on to try new things which they would not have done before the residential. A majority of parents also reported that their children were more willing to try new things and had more confidence after the residential.

Primary to Secondary Transition
Over two thirds of Key Stage 2 pupils felt that because of the residential, they found it easier to make friends and just over half were excited about changing class or school; views which were maintained in long-term follow-up surveys.

Teaching Skills
Teachers identified that residentials provided them with opportunities to develop new ways of teaching which benefited them back in the classroom. They also developed an improved awareness of students and their needs.

What now?
It is hoped that this report will be used by teachers, group leaders, parents, school governors and others to maximise the learning opportunities for young people by using learning away residentials to a greater extent and generate awareness of the benefits.

by PGL Travel.

Find out more about PGL's learning away courses on our web pages for primary and secondary schools.