Changing Minds: The Lasting Impact of School Outdoor/Experiential EducationTrips
February 19, 2006 - Press Release
As the Governments consultation into out-of-classroom education draws to a close, the National Trust is today releasing the results of a pioneering study confirming school trips can change the lives of children.
Changing Minds: The Lasting Impact of School Trips is the result of the first ever study of its kind, conducted over one year for the National Trust by Dr Alan Peacock of Exeter University, a leading expert in environmental education and education outside the classroom.
"We looked at whether school childrens learning about their local environment would influence the way they treat it. We found that not only was this the case, but high quality out of classroom learning also influenced how children behave and the lifestyle choices they make. It shows the potential for schools trips not just to change childrens lives, but the lives of whole communities," Dr Peacock said.
The study looked at the National Trusts Guardianship Scheme, which began 15 years ago and now involves over 100 schools. The scheme concentrates on building a relationship between students and a local Trust-owned site over a number of visits. This has made it possible to trace students who went on school trips five years ago or more. Dr Peacock was able to interview current and former students, teachers and National Trust wardens from eight Guardianship schemes across the country (Cornwall, Cumbria, Devon, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey, Wessex). His findings revealed:
- School trips are vital for children to connect with nature. Every child interviewed had developed a stronger concern for the environment following nature-based school trips.
- School trips influence lives. Teachers reported that students had had their future career choices influenced by the trips. One in ten students said school trips had been a key factor in their choice of future studies and career.
- Community spirit is developed from school trips. Children learn to value their own backyard, the future of the countryside and the wildlife it supports. This passion is shared with Headteachers who report parents being more likely to take part in school meetings and trips.
- School trips help bond families. Families were more likely to visit nature reserves, countryside and National Trust estates if their child was taking part in a nature-based series of school trips, with over 70 per cent having continued involvement with the National Trust.
- School trips improve childrens learning. The agreed view amongst students was that Guardianship work was fun, exciting, enjoyable, better than working in the classroom. It helped the development of social skills such as tolerance, caring, group awareness and self-discipline. New skills ranging from understanding and management of the natural environment to gardening, cooking and using digital cameras and microscopes were acquired.
Dr Peacock commented:
"The importance of school trips should not be underestimated. But it is also the quality of the experience that is vital for lasting impact. To work best, school trips should not be seen as a one off or special day out, but as providing an extension of their classroom learning into the real world.
"To make learning stick children need to interact with the environment from an early age and regularly over a period of time. This fosters feelings of pride and ownership that stay with children for life. We have spoken to students who are now introducing their own parents to local National Trust sites and passing on information they gathered on fondly remembered school trips. It's remarkable to think that school trips can bring together families and inspire learning between generations."
The Changing Minds study will have a strong resonance with Government as it prepares to publish its manifesto on learning outside the classroom. Expected in the spring of 2006, the manifesto is a response to dropping numbers of school trips due to teachers fears of child safety and personal liability for student injury.
Denise Foster, Acting Head of Learning at the National Trust commented:
"Our school lives lay the foundation for how we choose to live our lives as adults. This report confirms our view that school trips are an essential element of every childs education. It reinforces our commitment to the Schools Guardianship Scheme and the exciting opportunities offered by our wider schools programmes.
"The governments Education Outside the Classroom consultation marks an important moment for us as potential major sector partners. We are uniquely placed to support out of classroom learning and hope it becomes an entitlement for all children."
The National Trust is calling on Government to deliver a manifesto on learning outside the classroom that:
- Establish out of classroom learning as a compulsory part of the National Curriculum;
- Confirm that the performance of schools in delivering quality out of classroom learning experiences will be monitored by OFSTED and the QCA;
- Provide new support (including finance) directly to schools to enable them to determine how best to deliver quality learning opportunities; and
- Facilitate enhanced partnerships between schools and the wide range of out of classroom learning providers through investment in on-line resources (such as Engaging Places), dedicated out of classroom learning coordinators and a new challenge fund for infrastructure investment.
A full copy of the report Changing Minds can be downloaded on http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-schools-guardianships-changing_minds.pdf, requested by email on learning@nationaltrust.org.uk, or by calling 0870 242 6620.
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