Primary school pupils enjoying a visit to RSPB Bempton Cliffs by Maria PrchlikThere’s a real buzz in the air as our fabulous learning teams at 14 sites in England are gearing up to open their doors again to groups of excited pupils. Education areas are being tidied, bug pots are being cleaned and learning resources dusted off. This can mean only one thing - our school trips start again this autumn term! Jenny Hackland, RSPB Education Manager in England is here to tell us more….
A school trip to one of our reserves is something really special and nature abounds in every season. During the autumn, pupils experience rich colours from bright berries to changing leaves, spotting fabulous fungi and seeing migration in action as birds arrive in time for winter. Spring offers the hustle and bustle of the nesting season and a chorus of birdsong, with flowers and trees bursting back into life and marvellous minibeasts waiting to be discovered. In summer pupils can explore wonderful underwater wildlife, watch the flutter of butterflies overhead, listen to buzzing bees and delight in a rainbow of wildflowers.
As Lucy Fleming, our Learning Officer at RSPB Sandwell Valley in the West Midlands, says, “We’re so excited to welcome back school trips now that it is safe to do so. We’ve really missed inspiring young minds face-to-face and can’t wait to help students discover the incredible hands-on learning that nature has to offer.”
Secondary school pupils doing fieldwork at RSPB Rainham Marshes by David McHugh (rspb-images.com)
When we reflect on our childhoods, compared to that of children now, it is clear that sadly less time is spent outside in nature, and studies have shown this too. The RSPB’s ambition is to help more children across the country benefit from spending time outdoors, discovering the natural world around them. Research shows that children who have a healthy connection to nature are more likely to benefit from higher achievement at school, better mental and physical health, emotional wellbeing, and develop stronger social skills. Who doesn’t want to benefit in that way?
Emma Knight, an RSPB Education Manager in England, thinks back to her first visit to see a school trip at an RSPB site. “I remember the hustle and bustle of excited children as they exited the bus and entered the nature reserve. For some it was their first experience of such a wild place, and it was clear on their faces. The wonder and curiosity that they have is catching and it’s impossible not to get involved too. I cannot wait to go back.”
As well as fun and excitement, our sites offer a range of nature-based sessions across key stages, led by our education specialists who are experts in their field - building confidence in pupils, inspiring curiosity and bringing classroom learning to life, all whilst meeting learning objectives. The sessions offer a great opportunity to inspire pupils to talk about science and geography, to work scientifically, and to use technical vocabulary in context.
“This has been an incredible child-led experience. You have ticked so many curriculum objectives in a very hands-on way.” Ms G, a year 3 teacher after a school trip to RSPB Leighton Moss in Lancashire.
School trips are an essential part of education and can have great learning benefits for pupils. If you think back to your school days, what do you remember? Friendships, adventures, and the excitement of learning through a school trip. Studies have found pupils retain information better when learning outside, and they help to develop their social and personal skills – growing confidence in working together with classmates and teachers. They can also help benefit pupils with additional needs - new visual and sensory experiences can deepen their understanding of topics and help them to engage with people and activities outside the classroom.
Here’s what some pupils thought about their school trip to RSPB Rye Meads in Hertfordshire... “I like the fresh air, for some reason it helps me focus”; “Here you can actually explore all the things and see them, like with your own eyes, instead of reading them in a book.”
Learning Officer, Yanika Hennig leading a session at RSPB Rye Meads by Ben Andrews (rspb-images.com)
Chris Ford, our Learning Officer from Minsmere in Suffolk talks us through what a school trip to an RSPB nature reserve is like…
As a learning team we will greet you with a friendly face and welcome you to our amazing reserve, before embarking on an adventure of learning and discovery together. We know how important it is to ensure that your pupils get as much as possible out of their visit, so we will constantly assess where their knowledge is at and adjust the day to maximise their learning and enjoyment.
Hands-on activities for primary classes might include pond dipping, minibeast hunting and bird spotting – bringing to life concepts such as food chains, life cycles and adaptation – with discussion, questioning and games that encourage children to reflect on and review their learning. For secondary and A-level classes, sessions might focus on fieldwork, ecological sampling and ecosystems with students having the opportunity to use specialist equipment that will enable them to gain first-hand experience and develop their skills in a practical setting. Whole day and half day programmes are available to fit around your school’s needs.
But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what Miss H, a year 2 teacher visiting RSPB Minsmere said, “It was an absolutely brilliant learning experience. The pupils came back with much improved understanding of habitats and how birds and pond minibeasts live in those habitats.”
Pond dipping at RSPB Old Moor by Craig Hartley
All of our sites have the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality badge, which means our programmes have been assessed for quality of learning as well as for safety. In the words of Mrs A, a year 2 teacher after a visit to Fairburn Ings in Yorkshire: “(It was) an excellent, well organised day which has enhanced the teaching of the science curriculum.”
Our teams have been working hard over the summer to make sure visits are as safe as possible, and all our visits comply with the appropriate RSPB and Government Coronavirus regulations and guidance for everyone’s health and safety.
Back in the classroom, pupils can build on learning gained through our resources for teachers, including Schools’ Wild Challenge (see links below), an awards scheme packed full of curriculum-linked activity ideas that are all about supporting school-based learning. Our range of resources offer activities that support teachers to take learning outdoors and inspire students to discover and delight in nature when back in the classroom and school grounds, enabling pupils to continue to apply curriculum knowledge and skills, as well as to develop their resilience and sense of urgency through outdoor learning.
For further details on our school trips and to book, check out our school trips information.
For our free resources for teachers, including taking part in Schools Wild Challenge where you are, and the opportunity to sign up to our termly education e-newsletter, visit our website.
Follow us on Twitter @RSPB_Learning.
We offer guided school trips at 14 sites in England: