Day trips

Heading away from a young person's familiar environment can provide new perspectives and lead to fresh discoveries.

An experience shared amongst fellow learners can provide a focal point for planning, exploring and sharing experiences. A sense of adventure, of ownership, and of something different and engaging are all reasons to venture further afield for the day. It might be that young people discover something amazing, and realise it’s not as far away as they first thought.

Getting started

Daylong learning experiences can often take place within walking distance of an establishment and so it isn't always necessary to use vehicle transport. The fact that children and young people have the time to explore different ways of learning more fully and to appreciate the places and spaces that they visit can be more important than the distance they travel to get there.

Creative planning can result in progressive journeys away from the establishment, journeys at different times of year, journeys with a particular curricular focus or journeys planned by children and young people.

Learning opportunities

There are many opportunities available and there are also many organisations which can help to deliver experiences by providing resources or helping to lead activities. Scotland has an extremely diverse natural, cultural and built heritage with many special places that can add a fresh outlook on learning, encourage further engagement with all curriculum areas and promote engagement with healthy living. 

Next steps

Visiting our Useful Organisations pages will give a view of the range of organisations which can help. A variety of sites across Scotland are also highlighted on our interactive map and there is further information available to help you make use of these places to provide educational experiences.

The guidance document Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning gives clear advice on the importance of using partnerships and sharing knowledge. There are a number of well established creative organisations and groups which are only too happy to help.

Health and safety

Health and safety issues are often, and understandably, a concern for those thinking of arranging days away from the school. The managing safety section gives an overview of issues to consider, and our health and safety guides and activity-specific guidance give more details about the management of safety and risk.