Cost-effective school trip solutions that don't compromise experience
At Select we know the great benefit that well thought out, quality residential trips abroad have in a variety of areas.
Amongst the benefits are: learner motivation; providing new, meaningful and memorable learning; facilitating a range of first-hand unique experiences; planning for specific learning goals; curriculum integration; developing new relationships in both peer and pupil teacher bonds, and motivation that lasts long after the trip which leads to exam and career success.
Therefore, the importance of being able to provide as many pupils the opportunity to access these experiences is something we always consider when planning our tour programme. Providing cost effective alternatives that still provide the wow factor and a high quality of first-hand experiences is always a factor in the development of our tours.
If you're a teacher who would love to offer your pupils a residential trip abroad, but have put it off because you know that parent purses are stretched, there are several ways of keeping the cost down that may open up the chances for you.
Start by looking at destinations for your subject area or age range that may not at first glance seem obvious. Compare the educational content, excursions and sites on offer. For example, Northern Ireland is a fantastic alternative to traditional geography school trip favourites Iceland and the Bay of Naples. When looking at Northern Ireland the richness of experience isn't compromised, but total tour costs are around half the price, from as little as £199 per pupil. This means your students get bags of geographical content for their pounds, as well as the experience of leaving the mainland and experiencing something new and exciting.
More Southern based schools closer to the Channel can benefit from a short but packed tour of the WWI Battlefields, full of memorable learning. A 2 day, 1 night tour to Ypres and Somme from as little as £115 per pupil!
A further example is a WWII Holocaust studies tours where Krakow and Berlin or Munich may be a little over budget, The Netherlands and Paris provide great alternatives. The Netherlands is from £269 for 4 days inclusive of some excursions.
A trip to Normandy for language, history, art, geography, culture or a mixture all these is from as little as £149 for 4 days and 3 nights staying at the beautiful, exclusive to Select, Château du Baffy.
Other things to look out for are offers and competitions that may give your students the opportunity of a lifetime. We've just launched a one off opportunity for Primary schools - 'Le Petit Voyage' at our beautiful Château du Baffy in Normandy at set dates for an amazing £99 per pupil, giving schools the chance to offer their students their first residential trip and experience abroad.
Further to this, watch this space for Select's exciting new competition being launched very soon! We can't say much yet but there is a great opportunity for one school on the horizon...
Another way to make great savings is to find a way to travel during term-time. If you can persuade your head teacher of the benefits and get permission, there are some great savings to be made.
Contact us on 01444 870100 to discuss options that may suit your needs - we'll be able to talk you through all the possibilities.
If you are unsure about the benefits of residential school trips, you can find out more about the Learning Away campaign for brilliant residentials here.
