The EVC Magazine Summer 2024 - Magazine - Page 31
The future of educational visits
Schools need a culture
that values and supports
experiential learning. This
includes administrative
support, enthusiastic staff and
a commitment to overcoming
logistical challenges.
We need adequate funding,
clear policies and access to
professional development
opportunities to ensure staff are
well-prepared to organise and
lead visits.
What support do schools
need with this?
E: I see it more as a
collaboration. Tour operators
can offer logistical support and
expertise in planning complex
trips. Providers, like those
offering outdoor education
programmes, must deliver
tailored experiences that align
with our educational objectives.
Our Educational Visits Advisers
and organisations such as the
Outdoor Education Advisers’
Panel (OEAP), play a crucial
role in providing guidance,
resources and training to ensure
that visits are safe, educational,
and impactful.
Do we need to reimagine
the way we run visits?
E: Absolutely, we should
reimagine them to better
align with current educational
goals and societal needs. This
includes incorporating virtual
pre-visit orientations, post-visit
projects and cross-curricular
themes. This will enhance the
educational value of these visits
and make them more relevant
to students’ future lives.
WHERE DO YOU SEE THE
GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES
FOR EDUCATIONAL VISITS
IN THE FUTURE?
I’m excited about the use of technology
to create blended learning experiences,
making them more accessible and
impactful.
I think there are also opportunities in
forming partnerships with local businesses
and community organisations. I’d like
to see a more active participation f rom
business and industry – they can offer
mentorships, internships and real-world
learning opportunities that help enhance
the relevance of curriculum subjects and
provide insights into future career paths.
I’d like to see more mainstream adoption of
sustainable practices, use of digital tools and
partnerships. This would help EVCs and visit leaders
plan and deliver high quality visits, and overall,
would ensure that all students have access to
meaningful and impactful experiences.
We'd love to know what you think the future
of educational visits looks like - the positives
and the negatives. email us with your views
at marketing@evolveadvice.co.uk
THE EVC MAGAZINE 3 SUMMER 2024
31
