RU
I have heard the title of this piece a million times when I was at school back in the noughties. My teachers, parents and family stated very clearly that without seeing more of the world I would not become ‘myself’. Years have passed and now I realise that this statement is one of the most important ones I took on board and will pass on to my own children.
When we travel, we do not simply observe sights and treat ourselves to delicious local food, we also grow acquainted with people of different cultures, languages and ways of life. It enables us to understand and appreciate diversity. What is normal to me might not be necessarily normal to someone else. Travelling and exploring also helps us to build independence. We have to problem solve and cope with new scenarios. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to strengthen the bond between friends and family whilst travelling and gaining these new experiences together.
At ISSPb, we have a great international community with students from over 14 different countries and I have a wonderful opportunity to see how children develop all these skills I have mentioned by going out on class trips and residentials throughout the year.
One of my favourite trips is the upper school humanities trip that takes place in October each year. This trip provides a massive educational benefit to our students in learning about the real life practicalities of geography and history. Every child is given a pack with differentiated tasks, for sketching, essay writing, answering various questions about the excursions and tours we had in whichever town we decided to focus on. Several days before, children are given a pre-study pack detailing the places we are about to visit to build up their excitement and add to their understanding.
I have been to several trips with our students so far and I can tell you just how much our students appreciate these tours, not only because they are able to stay overnight away from their parents and spend time with their friends, but they grow confidence and are able to demonstrate the skills, alongside their personality and problem solving abilities outside school. This year we are heading to Pskov and I’m very excited indeed.
Daria Galanova, Reception and Year 1 Teacher, Head of EYFS
