Why we value educational visits

At Joseph Hood Primary School, we believe that learning should be inspiring, memorable and rooted in real experiences. Educational visits are a vital way of achieving this. They give children opportunities they may not otherwise have — from exploring a historic castle to experiencing the natural world first-hand or stepping inside a place of worship.

We value these experiences because they bring classroom learning to life, open children’s eyes to new perspectives and help them develop respect for different cultures and beliefs. School trips also create lasting memories, build confidence and strengthen the sense of community within each class.

Our approach to visits

To ensure every visit is enriching, safe and purposeful, we have a dedicated Educational Visits Coordinator who supports staff in planning and delivering high-quality experiences. Trips are carefully chosen to link with class topics and reflect our commitment to cultural understanding and inclusion. Recent examples include Windsor Castle, the seaside, the London Eye, Butser Ancient Farm and London Zoo, as well as visits to places of worship that reflect the diversity of our community.

Residential visits are another important part of our offer. Pupils in Years 3 and 4 enjoy a residential at Sayers Croft, where they develop teamwork, independence and resilience. In Year 6, children take part in a longer residential at PGL centres in Weymouth or the Isle of Wight — an unforgettable experience that helps prepare them for the transition to secondary school.

While parents are invited to contribute towards the cost of visits, our policy is clear: no child will ever be excluded from a trip because of financial circumstances.