How to enhance your History learning objectives on a school trip

Visiting symbolic sites and museums is where history comes alive. While textbooks provide the essential framework, it's in the hallowed halls of ancient ruins, the solemn ground of battlefields, and the vibrant displays of world-class museums that history truly comes alive.

If you're a teacher considering taking a school history trip to elevate the historical understanding of your students, there are many fascinating destinations. Students will gain valuable knowledge and be exposed to amazing experiences that make for an unforgettable learning adventure. Here’s how you can enhance your history learning objectives on a history school trip.

The importance of studying history

Before even considering a destination, it's vital to remember why we study history in the first place. History is not just a collection of dates and facts; it is the study of people, societies, and civilisations over time. The common learning objectives of the subject extend far beyond memorising key events. They include:
Developing critical thinking: History teaches students to analyse evidence and evaluate different perspectives.

Develop empathy and global awareness: By studying the past, students gain a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, beliefs, and human experiences.
Understanding the present: History provides the context needed to comprehend modern issues, from political conflicts to social movements.
Improving research and communication skills: History requires students to research topics, gather information, and present their findings clearly and concisely.

How do history school trips enrich these goals?

While textbooks and classroom discussions are important, nothing can replace the power of a firsthand experience. Our history school trips are designed to move beyond the theoretical and provide a tangible connection to the past. By visiting the very places where history was made, students can achieve their learning objectives in a more impactful and memorable way.

Bring the textbook to life on a history school trip

The concept of "bringing the textbook to life" is at the very core of why educational travel is so effective. There’s a unique learning opportunity when witnessing history unfold where it happened. Seeing places of profound historical relevance, rather than just reading about them, helps bring abstract concepts and distant events into tangible reality for young students. The value of witnessing historical sites firsthand after studying them in the classroom cannot be overstated.

Here are some examples of how a history school trip could impact your students:

History school trips to Berlin

In Berlin, students can visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, which features an open-air exhibition and memorial grounds open daily from 8:00 to 22:00, all year round. This allows students to see firsthand the impact of the Cold War and how the wall divided a city and its people. Exploring Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate allows students to reflect on Germany’s unification and its complex past to the present day.

Students can also visit the Reichstag building, with its stunning glass dome overlooking Berlin. It offers a powerful opportunity to connect history to modern democracy, learning about the structure’s symbolism and its pivotal role in today’s government. These aren't just sights; they're living lessons that embed learning far deeper than any page can.

History school trips to Krakow

Students can learn about the poignant history of World War II, including visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the original concentration camp, where students can see barracks, administrative buildings, and the infamous "Arbeit macht frei" gate. This experience allows students to understand the scale and impact of the Holocaust.

Beyond this, Kraków’s Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) is south of Kraków's Old Town, in Kraków, Poland. This historic quarter was once a thriving centre of Jewish life. It offers insights into a rich cultural heritage. Students can also explore Kraków's beautiful medieval Old Town, connecting with Poland's long and complex history from the perspective of an ancient European capital.

History school trips to New York

Delve into diverse chapters of American history, from the emotional journey of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (open year-round, typically from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM) to understanding the nation's financial evolution in the bustling Financial District.

Explore the Tenement Museum, which offers guided tours of two historic tenement buildings. Students can explore apartments restored to reflect the lives of immigrant families who lived there in the 19th and 20th centuries, thereby grasping the living conditions of working-class immigrants. Alternatively, they can discover the impact of the Civil Rights movement through sites in Harlem, such as the Apollo Theatre or the Studio Museum.

A school history trip to New York can take a journey into the early days of the American Revolution at historical sites in Lower Manhattan, showcasing how the city has continually reinvented itself throughout its history.

On the WWI Battlefields

On a school trip to WW1 battlefields, students can walk the very ground where monumental events unfolded. Visiting significant sites like the Somme and the Ypres Salient provides insight into trench warfare, the impact of new military technologies, and the cost of global conflict.

Visiting the Thiepval Memorial or the Menin Gate (open daily 9:30-18:00 in summer and 9:30-17:00 in winter) offers powerful moments for remembrance and critical analysis of modern warfare, developing a deeper appreciation for peace and international relations, which is a crucial historical learning objective for students.

These firsthand experiences go beyond simple memorisation. They provide context, emotional resonance, and a tangible connection to the past, making history not just a subject, but a living, breathing story.

Help students develop a deeper understanding

Of course, textbooks are an excellent resource for learning, but is there anything better to help students develop a deeper understanding of their topic than immersing themselves in the location itself?

History school trips allow students to grasp their topic even more as they connect the dots between historical events, political structures and daily life. They’ll see the causes and consequences play out in real-world settings, solidifying their understanding of complex concepts like economic shifts, social movements, and geopolitical changes.

The nature of a school trip, with all the sights, sounds, and even the atmosphere of a historical site, contributes to memory retention and comprehension. Students aren't just reading about a marketplace in ancient Rome, such as the Forum of Trajan; they're standing where it once was, imagining the sights, sounds, and smells. They aren't just learning about trench warfare; they're seeing the contours of the land, the preserved trenches and feeling the dampness.

These trips are perfect for helping your students see the bigger picture and meet your history lesson objectives.

Ignite passions for history

Nothing fuels learning like genuine enthusiasm! Engage your students by igniting their passions and sparking their interest in particular topics. A school history trip is a fantastic way to help students meet their learning objectives because it encourages self-driven learning through curiosity. If they’re engaged and eager to find out more about the Crusades after visiting a medieval castle, or the intricacies of the Cold War after a trip to Berlin, they’ll look for answers, ask questions, and develop their understanding of the topic further long after the trip ends.

Expert local guides and on-tour subject specialists can play a crucial role here, bringing deeper insights that no textbook can provide. Their passion is often contagious, inspiring students to delve deeper into specific periods, figures, or themes that captured their imagination. This spark can take a subject from a requirement into something fascinating, potentially changing future academic goals or even career choices.

Encourage critical thinking

This is a crucial area to target if your learning objectives for history are critical-thinking related. If your curriculum includes identifying, analysing, or evaluating historical sources and events, a school history trip provides a great environment for developing these skills. History is an investigative subject that encourages the development of these critical thinking skills in many ways.

On a school history trip, students can:

Analyse primary sources: Seeing original documents, monuments, and artefacts in their historical context allows for a more in-depth analysis than seeing a photo in a book.
Evaluate different perspectives: By visiting sites that were significant to different sides of a conflict or social movement, students can assess contrasting narratives and understand bias. For example, comparing perspectives at the Somme with German memorials.
Understand cause and effect: Seeing the consequences first-hand of past decisions (e.g., the divisions created by the Berlin Wall, the preservation of Pompeii) helps students connect actions to outcomes in a tangible way.
Connect past to present: Get students to think critically about how historical events have impacted today's world, building a deeper understanding of modern issues through a historical lens. For example, a visit to a WWII site can spark a discussion on the lasting impact of war on global politics.

In short, our history trips provide the perfect alternative to the classroom, acting as a powerful tool to transform abstract historical concepts into a living, breathing narrative that students will remember for a lifetime.

Developing essential life skills through history learning objectives

While the academic benefits are clear, school history trips offer so much more. They are powerful tools for personal growth and the development of crucial life skills that extend far beyond the classroom:

Independence and responsibility: Students learn to manage their belongings, time, and personal choices in a new environment.
Teamwork and collaboration: Group activities, navigation, and shared experiences help nurture a sense of camaraderie and cooperation.
Cultural awareness and empathy: Immersing in different cultures and being around diverse historical views broadens perspectives and builds empathy.
Problem-solving: Navigating new cities, public transport, or unexpected situations encourages adaptability and critical thinking on the fly.
Resilience: Overcoming minor challenges or adjusting to new routines builds confidence and resilience.
Communication skills: Interacting with local guides, peers, and adults in a new setting enhances communication abilities.

These invaluable soft skills are not just beneficial for academic success but are essential for preparing students for future education or careers.

Ready to book your next history school trip?

We understand that planning a school trip can seem like a lot of work. That's why we're here to make it easy for you. At NST, we make planning your school trip simple by offering:

Comprehensive support: We offer support throughout your whole journey. From booking your school tour to supporting you while on your trip, we are here for you every step of the way.
Simple prices: Our quotes are clear and easy to understand, so you'll always know exactly what you're paying for—no surprises!
Easy-to-use online tools: We have innovative tools online that let you manage all your trip details in one place.

We handle all the little details so you can focus on the fun part: giving your students an amazing learning adventure.

We put together fantastic itineraries that are not just engaging but also carefully planned so your students can make the absolute most of every historical moment.

Ready to bring history to life for your students in an unparalleled way? Request a quote today or get in touch with our specialist team to learn more about our history school trips and discover how we can help you achieve, and even exceed, your history learning objectives