The iconic Kiwi school trip is at risk of disappearing from New Zealand curriculums altogether. But with anxiety, paperwork and legal liabilities weighing down on teachers and schools, is it a surprise? Most of us will remember a school trip – that sense of excitement and anticipation of days spent outside the classroom, away from school and home, making new friends, appreciating teachers and parents in a new light. Indeed, what is known as “education outside the classroom” (EOTC) provides some of the most important and memorable school experiences.
Along with field trips, theatre performances, noho marae and international exchanges, “school camp” can add so much depth to educational experiences. In 2020, a national study showed more than 96% of schools saw EOTC as an important part of school life. They valued the way it enhances learning and engagement, enriches the curriculum, develops relationships between students and staff, and works for different types of learners.
But school trips also demand a lot of teachers, on top of what we already expect of them. As well as the duty of care to their students, there are the legal requirements governing school trips to consider..
