Page 82 - SEN114 September/October 2021

School trips
Visiting museum
and heritage sites
Hannah Cushion, Learning Project Officer at London Transport Museum gives valuable advice and guidance about selecting venues for your next school trip.
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When we think back on our school days, the moments that often stick in our minds are the occasions when we climbed aboard a coach or hopped on a train to visit somewhere new with our classmates.
There was always a buzz of excitement in the air as you were counted on and off vehicles and in and out of doors on your way to a new adventure. It is these trips to museums, heritage sites, art galleries, wildlife and nature parks which often become our most cherished memories.
School trips offer children an invaluable opportunity to:
• Increase their cultural capital
• Broaden their understanding of the world around them
• Experience learning outside of the classroom
• Ignite their curiosity and stimulate new interests
• Strengthen their relationship with classmates and teachers through shared experiences
For SEN learners or learners with disabilities, school trips are also an opportunity to create:
• Stimulating learning opportunities away from an academic environment
“Organising a trip for SEN learners require important considerations”
• Develop social and communication skills and improve confidence
• Practice life skills in a real-world setting
The rewards of school trips are undeniable and plentiful but organising a trip for SEN learners requires important considerations.
Changes in routine can sometimes be disruptive, you also need to find a venue that meets your access needs, and anxieties can sometimes run high for teachers and learners alike.
Opportunities to look out for
Most museums aim to design education programmes that are inclusive and accessible, offering a range of alternative learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
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