The beauty of the overnight school trip offers so much for students. Escaping the classroom and embarking on an adventure with classmates brings many benefits, so that’s exactly what we’re going to explore in this blog.
With a range of benefits to gain, these trips are fantastic for providing students with new experiences, opportunities to foster new friendships, all whilst learning so many fun things and new skills! But how? Well, let’s get into it and share some of the biggest benefits of going on an overnight school trip.
Opportunities to step out of their comfort zone
Outdoor school trips allow students to experience new activities that push them out of their comfort zone. We’re sure teachers sometimes deploy this tactic in the classroom to test pupils, as it helps bring the best out of them and unlock their full potential! Well, here at PGL, we adopt a similar mantra!
Our range of exciting outdoor challenges are a great way for students to let loose and have some fun outside the confines of the traditional classroom environment. Bonding experiences with fellow classmates can really help them feel more comfortable both inside and outside of the classroom. Upon attending an outdoor school trip, you may notice an increased level of participation during class discussions.
Interacting with classmates in a different setting
As you know, cliques and friendship groups can be commonplace in schools. Embarking on an outdoor school trip allows students to interact with different classmates in exciting new surroundings. What’s great about this is it gives pupils an environment they’re comfortable in to form new friendships and help increase their social confidence. So, if pupils can exercise their social skills without feeling pressured by the classroom, it only adds to their leadership qualities both academically and personally.
Pupils can exercise their social skills without the pressures of the classroom. These experiences can also develop leadership skills, which can be beneficial in both their academic and personal lives.
Helping students become more independent
Some students may be a tad apprehensive about staying away from home, but others will simply relish the freedom! It’s a wonderful experience for students, and although there may be some challenges to overcome such as being away from home for the first time or overcoming an obstacle during an exciting challenge. There’s nothing they can’t overcome and it all benefits them in building their self-belief.
The development and enhancement of a variety of skill sets also benefits you as a teacher too! As your students become more independent, this will only serve to benefit their education when you return to the classroom. It’s a win-win for all!
The small steps towards independence make a huge difference - like choosing meals, deciding what clothes to wear and even what activities to do. Although parents might do some or all of these things for their children, they’ll be super impressed when their child returns home and starts to be independent in their decision making.
Outdoor school trips can be physically challenging
Outdoor school trips also give students the opportunity to be physically challenged, which has a range of benefits for confidence. Exercise releases endorphins that have mood-boosting effects, making students feel happier and increasingly confident after being active. Physical activity can also improve concentration and focus so that students can better engage with academic tasks when they return to the classroom.
They're fun!
Last but not least, school trips like these are ridiculously fun! We all want children to learn things when on a school trip, but we also want them to enjoy themselves and have the best time. Even if they only pick up a few things on your PGL adventure, as long as they're having fun, it's a win!
By providing opportunities for them to step out of their comfort zone, bond with their classmates, learn about the world around them and challenge themselves physically, you can equip them with valuable skills and tools they need to succeed.
Boost your students’ skills with an overnight school trip to PGL
As you have now discovered by reading this blog, there are many benefits of outdoor school trips that can assist in building your students' confidence. This can benefit you and your students back in the classroom, and is a superb opportunity to combine adventure with education here at PGL!
Our residential school trips offer pupils a fun-filled adventure with fantastic group activities and constant entertainment. And they are perfect for developing teamwork skills and building new friendships while, most importantly, having a blast!
If you’re unsure about what or where you want to book and are looking for some school trip ideas, then contact us and discover what our outdoor adventure centres have to offer!
At PGL, we have locations ready for you and your class to explore across the nation! Get in touch to discuss your next school trip. If you're looking for ways to help your students build confidence, then outdoor school trips are definitely worth considering!