Cultural trips
School trips
on a class trip
Planning a School Trip: How to Make Your Excursion Unforgettable!
A class trip is more than just an excursion – it's an investment in your students' development. From strengthening the sense of community to broadening horizons, a well-planned class trip offers countless benefits. Need help with planning and financing your next class trip? Contact us to learn more about our tailored solutions.
The topic, briefly and concisely
A well-planned class trip boosts team spirit and strengthens the class community. Through shared experiences, students learn to consider one another and work together.
The practical application of lesson material during a class trip improves understanding and consolidates knowledge. By linking theory and practice, learning outcomes can be increased by up to 10%.
Careful planning and preparation are essential for the success of a class trip. By considering the interests of the students, complying with legal requirements, and ensuring safety, the trip will become an unforgettable experience.
Discover how to organise a school trip that is not only fun but also educational. Learn more about funding options, safety measures, and exciting activities.
A school trip is more than just an excursion – it's a formative experience for students. It offers the chance to experience curriculum content in practice, strengthen the class community, and promote student independence. But how do you plan a school excursion that is both enjoyable and educational? At GoTuro, your expert for adventure, cultural, and leisure travel, we show you how to plan a school trip that will captivate your students.
What is a school excursion?
A school excursion is a school event that takes place outside regular classes. The aim is to open up new perspectives to students, promote cohesion, and deepen what has been learned. This can involve a day trip or a multi-day journey. School trips are an important part of school life and contribute to the holistic development of students. The practical delivery of lessons is the main focus.
The importance of school trips for student development
School trips have a high educational value. They boost students' confidence by allowing them to gather new experiences and overcome challenges. Additionally, they encourage teamwork, as students learn to be considerate of one another and work together to solve tasks. Last but not least, school trips offer a welcome break from the school routine, enabling students to get to know each other better in a different environment. According to pasch-net.de, students appreciate the chance to let off steam and explore new settings.
Overview of planning and organisation
Planning a school trip requires careful preparation. It is advisable to start planning early (approximately a year in advance) to secure accommodations and activities. It's also important to include the students in the planning process to consider their interests and wishes. Lastly, you should keep financial aspects in mind and seek ways to minimise costs for parents. We are happy to assist you in organising the perfect school trip that is both educational and affordable. Our tailored offerings provide the right solution for every requirement.
Organising School Trips Securely: How to Meet All Requirements
When planning a school trip, there are some legal and organisational fundamentals to consider. It is important to be informed about the school law regulations, adhere to approval processes, and clearly define responsibilities. The budget and funding options also play a significant role. At GoTuro, we help you keep track of everything and take all necessary steps to organise a legally compliant and successful school trip.
School law regulations in Schleswig-Holstein (and Germany in general)
In Schleswig-Holstein and Germany in general, certain legal frameworks apply to school trips. According to § 31 Abs. 2 SchulG, school trips are educational events, even if they occur during holidays. Additionally, there is a duty of supervision (§ 36 SchulG) and accident insurance for the pupils. It is essential to know and adhere to these regulations to avoid legal issues. Schleswig-Holstein emphasises legal clarity regarding the duty of supervision.
Approval processes and responsibilities
The final planning and approval of school trips is the responsibility of the school management. Teachers are responsible for supervision and implementation, while the school parent council co-determines the budget. It is crucial to understand these responsibilities and initiate the approval processes in a timely manner. We support you in submitting the necessary applications and obtaining approval for your school trip. The school management is responsible for the final planning and approval.
Budget and funding options
The costs of school trips must be affordable even for economically disadvantaged families. Therefore, it is important to gather information on grants and payment plans and, if necessary, organise fundraising activities. One option is to collaborate with FUNDMATE, who offer risk-free fundraising through the sale of sustainable products. We assist you in adhering to the budget and securing the funding for your school trip. The school conference decides on the budget in agreement with the school parent council.
Perfect Class Trip: How to Successfully Plan and Prepare in Detail
A successful school trip hinges on meticulous planning and preparation. This includes choosing the destination and activities, creating a comprehensive schedule, and communicating effectively with parents and students. We at GoTuro support you every step of the way, providing valuable tips and suggestions to ensure your school trip becomes an unforgettable experience.
Choosing the destination and activities
When selecting the destination and activities, you should consider the interests and needs of your students. Popular locations in Schleswig-Holstein include Husum (Wadden Sea, city rally, museums), farms, and forest hikes. Escape rooms, planetariums, and canoe tours are also excellent options. It's essential that the activities are educationally beneficial and align with the curriculum. We help you find the perfect destination and suitable activities for your school trip. School excursions serve as practical teaching methods.
Creating a comprehensive schedule
A detailed schedule is crucial for a successful school trip. It should include educational aspects (curriculum links) as well as trips, sightseeing, games, and leisure activities. Ensure the schedule is diverse and provides students with enough free time. We assist you in creating a tailored program that suits the needs of your students. The planning should integrate educational aspects that align with curriculum requirements.
Communication with parents and students
Open and transparent communication with parents and students is crucial for the success of a school trip. Inform parents at a parent's information evening about the destination, program, costs, and rules. Provide them with a detailed parent letter containing all important details (costs, dates, rules, packing list) and obtain consent. Also, involve students in the planning to consider their wishes and suggestions. We provide you with templates and checklists to facilitate communication. A parent's information evening is important to inform about all details.
Safety First: How to Ensure Smooth School Trips
The safety of the pupils is the top priority on a school trip. It is important to establish clear behavioural rules, manage conflicts and issues, and define specific rules for bus journeys and accommodations. We at GoTuro support you in creating a safe and pleasant environment for your pupils.
Creation of Behavioural Rules
Behavioural rules are essential to ensure the safety of pupils, to promote respectful interactions and to comply with the house rules of the accommodation. The rules should be clearly and understandably formulated and communicated to the pupils before the trip. It is advisable to involve the pupils in creating the rules to increase their acceptance. We provide templates for behavioural rules that you can adapt to your needs. The teaching staff should discuss the rules with the pupils during the school trip.
Handling Conflicts and Issues
Even with good preparation, conflicts and issues can arise on a school trip. It is important to establish clear consequences for misconduct and to designate contacts for pupils and parents. Additionally, you should create emergency plans (e.g., in case of illness or accident) and carry a first aid kit. We support you in creating emergency plans and provide tips on how to de-escalate conflicts. In cases of serious misconduct, the headteacher may decide on immediate exclusion.
Specific Rules for Bus Journeys and Accommodations
For bus journeys and accommodations, specific rules apply, which you should communicate to the pupils before the trip. On the bus, safety instructions must be observed (e.g., seatbelt requirement), while quiet times must be respected in the accommodation. Additionally, you should establish rules regarding alcohol, smoking, drugs, and electronic devices. We provide checklists to help you consider all important points. The driver's safety instructions must be followed.
Learning through play: How to make school trips fun and valuable
A school trip should not only be educational but also entertaining. Games and activities are a great way to provide students with fun while simultaneously promoting team spirit and creativity. At GoTuro, we present you with a variety of game ideas and educationally valuable activities that will enrich your school trip.
Games for Different Age Groups and Situations
There is a variety of games suitable for school trips. For bus journeys, for instance, A-Z games or guessing number plates are ideal. Team-building games foster cohesion, while evening entertainment ensures a good mood. Make sure the games are age-appropriate and enjoyable for the students. We present a selection of game ideas that you can tailor to your needs. Games for a bus ride lift the spirits.
Educationally Valuable Activities
In addition to games, there are also a host of educationally valuable activities you can integrate into your school trip. City rallies, museum visits, and nature explorations are great ways to impart knowledge to students and spark their curiosity. Ensure the activities align with the curriculum and provide value to the students. We support you in selecting the appropriate activities and provide you with materials. The school trip serves as a practical teaching method.
Creative Projects (e.g. Film Projects)
Creative projects like film projects are an excellent way to motivate the students and foster their talents. The students can, for example, develop a story, conduct filming with mobile phones, and then showcase the films. Such projects enhance creativity, teamwork, and the self-confidence of the students. We provide you with tips on how to implement a film project on your school trip. The students can undertake film projects (including story development, filming with mobile phones, and subsequent showcasing).
Affordable and good: How to find the perfect accommodation for your school trip
The choice of accommodation is a crucial factor for the success of a school trip. Youth hostels are a popular option as they offer affordable prices, full board, and good facilities for groups. However, there are also alternative accommodations such as holiday apartments or hotels. At GoTuro, we assist you in finding the perfect accommodation for your school trip that suits your needs and budget.
Youth hostels as a popular option
Youth hostels are an ideal choice for school trips. They provide affordable prices, full board, and good facilities for groups. Additionally, they are often centrally located and offer a variety of leisure activities. When choosing a youth hostel, pay attention to the facilities, location, and availability. We provide you with a list of recommended youth hostels in Schleswig-Holstein. School trips often take place in youth hostels.
Alternative accommodations (e.g., holiday apartments, hotels)
Besides youth hostels, there are also alternative accommodations such as holiday apartments or hotels. These often offer more comfort and privacy but are generally more expensive. When selecting accommodation, consider the location, facilities, and prices. We assist you in finding a suitable alternative that meets your needs. The Nordsee-Jugendheim Delphin is a barrier-free option.
Considering allergies and dietary habits
When booking accommodation, you should take into account the allergies and dietary habits of the students. Ask the parents for the relevant information and pass it on to the accommodation. Ensure that the accommodation is capable of catering to the students' needs (e.g., gluten-free or vegetarian meals). We support you in communicating with the accommodation and ensure that all students are well cared for. The accommodation must be informed about the number of participants and dietary needs.
Well Prepared: Ensuring Safety and Health on School Trips
The health and safety of students are of utmost importance on a school trip. Proper preparation is essential, including compiling a first aid kit, understanding emergency measures, and securing insurance. At GoTuro, we assist you in taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of your students.
First Aid Kit and Emergency Measures
A first aid kit is essential for any school trip. It should contain bandages, pain medication, disinfectants, and other important items. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and know how to respond in an emergency. We provide you with a checklist for the first aid kit and offer tips for emergency measures. A first aid box should be prepared.
Dealing with Illnesses and Injuries
If a student becomes ill or injured during the school trip, it is important to inform the parents, ensure medical care is accessible, and document the incident. Keep the parents' contact details ready and find out about the nearest doctors and hospitals. We assist you in organizing medical care and provide templates for documentation. For multi-day school trips, it is advisable for students to carry proof of insurance from their health insurer.
Insurance (Cancellation, Luggage, Legal Protection)
It is advisable to make parents aware of the option of taking out insurance (cancellation, luggage, legal protection). These policies can cover financial damages in the event of illness, accident, or lost luggage. We inform you about the various insurance options and offer tips on which insurance is sensible. Parents should be informed of the option to take out insurance.
After one journey, the next begins: How to ensure sustainable learning success
The school trip is over, but the work is not yet done. Post-trip evaluation is important to reflect on the experiences, secure learning success and thank helpers and supporters. At GoTuro, we offer tips on how you can organise the follow-up to get the most out of the school trip.
Reflection on experiences in class
In class, you should discuss the highlights and challenges of the school trip and evaluate the educational goals. Ask the students about their experiences and insights, and discuss what they have learned. Reflecting on the experiences helps students to process and consolidate what they have learned. We provide you with materials for reflection.
Creating photo albums or journals
Creating photo albums or journals is a great way to capture memories of the school trip. Students can select photos, write texts, and design the album or journal. The presentation of the results can take place in class or at a parents' evening. We offer suggestions for designing photo albums and journals. Post-trip activities such as creating photo albums or journals can enhance learning and memories.
Thanking helpers and supporters
Don't forget to thank all your helpers and supporters. Write thank you letters to parents, sponsors, and the accommodation to show your appreciation. A thank you is a nice gesture and strengthens relationships. We provide templates for thank you letters.
Plan your unforgettable school trip with GoTuro now!
More useful links
On the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK), you will find guidelines on education policy, including information about travel activities in the school context.
The Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) provides information and advice on health promotion while travelling, which can be useful when planning school trips.
Wikipedia offers an article on school trips that highlights the socio-emotional and educational aspects.
FAQ
What makes a school trip educationally valuable?
A school trip is educationally valuable when it brings the curriculum to life in a practical way, strengthens class unity, and promotes students' independence. Activities should align with the curriculum and provide added value.
What legal aspects should be considered during planning?
It is important to be informed about the educational legal regulations, to adhere to approval processes, and to clearly define responsibilities. Supervision duty and accident insurance coverage are particularly important.
How can the costs of a school trip be kept low?
To keep costs low, you should start planning early, explore grants and payment plans, and, if necessary, organise fundraising activities. Youth hostels often provide a cost-effective accommodation option.
What role does communication with parents and students play?
Open and transparent communication is crucial. Inform parents about all details at a parent information evening and obtain consent forms. Also, involve students in the planning process.
How can students' safety be ensured?
Safety is the top priority. Set clear behavioural rules, stipulate consequences for misconduct, and develop emergency plans. Ensure compliance with safety instructions during bus journeys.
What activities are suitable for a school trip?
Suitable activities include city rallies, museum visits, nature explorations, escape rooms, and creative projects like film projects. Activities should be age-appropriate and enjoyable for the students.
How do I find suitable accommodation for a school trip?
Youth hostels are a popular choice as they offer affordable prices, full board, and good facilities. Alternatively, holiday apartments or hotels can also be considered. Take into account students' allergies and dietary preferences.
What should be done after the school trip?
Follow-up is important for reflecting on the experiences, securing the learning success, and thanking helpers and supporters. Discuss the highlights and challenges in class and create photo albums or diaries.
