Top skills kids gain from school trips - like confidence and independence

17 October 2023 , 14:00

552     0

One in ten city kids have not been outside of their home county in the last 12 months (Image: SWNS)

Independence, confidence, and developing their own opinions, are among the top skills parents feel they gained – from taking school trips in their younger years, a study has found.

Problem-solving and decision making were other important character traits developed during educational trips, as well as knowledge, teamwork, and discovering their own preferences for different things.

In fact, nearly half of parents (44%) say outdoor learning can help to build self-confidence, while 26% learned resilience on these residentials, through overcoming challenges and setbacks.

And the survey of 715 parents, who live in a city and have children aged between five and 16, found that over half (53%) worry their own youngster's development will suffer if they rarely venture outside of their local area.

But sadly, with the cost-of-living crisis still looming, nearly three-quarters of urban parents (70%) are struggling to take their kids on trips or excursions further afield – with one in ten city kids having not been anywhere outside of their home county in the last 12 months.

Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’

Some of the top barriers to enjoying activities outside of their area include the cost of fuel (24%) or train travel (23%), while many parents say the activities themselves are too pricey – with even those like swimming (31%) currently falling outside of their price range.

But school trips help children develop key skills, like confidence, independence, and resilience (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Due to financial pressures, one in four (24%) have also curtailed trips abroad, while 19% have done the same for staycations. However, children and families want to do more – as 93% of parents say their children are eager to visit new places further away.

The OnePoll.com research was commissioned by PGL, to mark the launch of its “Breakthrough Fund”, which will provide thousands of free and heavily subsidised school residentials, giving children the opportunity to benefit from an outdoor adventure activity trip.

Angharad Rudkin, clinical psychologist and spokeswoman for the outdoor activity educator, said: “Children need to experience a range of situations and contexts in order to fulfil their developmental needs.

“Having a mix of new and familiar places and people optimises cognitive processes, and also contributes to self-confidence and identity.

“Being outside their familiar place gives children the opportunity to see, smell, feel, and hear all sorts of new things, and also to learn to manage by themselves – such as putting their duvet into a cover, or managing their fear of heights on an activity.

“Whether they are away with family or with school friends, children will learn different ways of thinking and behaving, and will be encouraged to do things they may not be expected to do in their usual environment.

“These experiences will have short-term and long-term benefits, and because of the novelty of the situation, will be remembered for many years to come.”

Anthony Jones, CEO at PGL, added: “The cost-of-living crisis is deepening the social divide between children whose families can afford wider experiences, and those who can’t. Sadly, fewer families are now able to offer their children these opportunities to expand their horizons.

“With many parents feeling the pinch, holidays and family outings have fallen to the bottom of the list in terms of what is financially possible – this makes trips organised by schools even more valuable.

Striking teacher forced to take a second job to pay bills ahead of mass walkout

“That’s why we’ve launched the Breakthrough Fund, offering a range of funding support to schools with parents who need it the most – to enable children, no matter what their family’s financial situation, a chance to benefit from a residential trip away from home.”

KEY SKILLS ADULTS DEVELOPED BECAUSE OF EXPERIENCES AWAY FROM SCHOOL:

1. Independence
2. Confidence
3. A desire to try new things
4. Knowledge
5. Their own opinions
6. Communication
7. Preferences for different things
8. Problem-solving
9. Decision-making
10. Inclusion of others
11. Teamwork
12. Acceptance
13. Time management
14. Organisation
15. Leadership

Andrew Young