Outdoor educational trips

I've worked in an outdoor education centre, and having seen how frazzled the teachers (primary) are after two nights with little sleep, plus days often spent wading through mud in the rain. Certainly not my idea of a jolly.

As for the children, some have never seen countryside before, don't recognise a sheep when they see one, and in some cases have never even walked on anything other than flat, paved/surfaced ground before. It is hugely educational for them.

Whether it would be a good idea right now is a different matter.

Part of me thinks that if a group is already a bubble in school, they are at little if any extra risk on many residential trips.
The other part of me thinks that it might increase risks to staff of both the school and the outdoor centre. Transport alone could be problematic.

I'm glad I don't have to make that call.

A jolly for whom? The kids? Certainly not the teachers!

Yes tanith, day trips to theatres, museums etc have a place in the curriculum, especially for older pupils. In my opinion the five night residential visits for younger children with the likes of PGL are not really essential. And safety has to come first.

My GD had lots of theatre trips last year for her Drama course but sadly that’s all stopped too not sure how exams can be taken when the curriculum isn’t being fulfilled. I don’t agree that trips are an excuse for a jolly, it’s a shame children are missing out on all the wonderful experiences but it’s just not safe which is such a shame.