At SMITH, we recognise that visitors, educational visits and learning beyond the classroom are powerful tools for enriching education, inspiring our pupils and supporting their personal development. We provide a broad range of experiences, from local community visits and curriculum enrichment to residential opportunities in Upper Key Stage 2.
Our approach is rooted in our SMITH values:
Safe, Motivational, Inclusive, Team and Happy.
We want every pupil to feel secure and supported, inspired to learn, included in opportunities, able to work positively with others and happy in their educational journey.
Intent
We want pupils to develop a strong sense of belonging and connection to their local community. Local visits enable children to experience the history, culture, people, environment and places that surround them, while making meaningful links between their learning and the real world. We also use local visits to develop cultural capital and broaden pupils’ experiences. Visits to local places of worship provide opportunities for pupils to learn about different faiths and beliefs, supporting respect, tolerance and understanding and helping children to develop the British Values.
Curriculum enrichment is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and provide experiences that cannot always be recreated in school. We want pupils to develop curiosity, discover new interests, broaden their aspirations and understand how their learning connects to the wider world. We aim to ensure that every pupil has access to rich and varied experiences, including opportunities they may not otherwise encounter outside school.
Our KS2 residential visits provide pupils with opportunities to develop independence, resilience, confidence and life skills away from the familiar school environment. We want pupils to challenge themselves, try new experiences, develop positive relationships and recognise their own capabilities. Residentials also provide valuable opportunities to put our SMITH values and British Values into practice through responsibility, cooperation, respect, individual liberty and shared experiences.
Implementation
Local visits are carefully selected to support the curriculum and may include parks, green spaces, museums, community facilities, local landmarks and places of worship. Teachers identify clear links to learning and prepare pupils for the experience through discussion, vocabulary and relevant classroom activities. Visits are risk-assessed and planned to ensure that all pupils can participate safely and meaningfully. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore their surroundings, listen to different perspectives and apply their learning in authentic contexts.
Each year group plans enrichment opportunities that complement and enhance the SMITH curriculum. These may include educational day trips, cultural experiences, visitors, workshops, performances and opportunities to explore different environments and areas of expertise. Trips are carefully chosen to deepen knowledge, develop vocabulary and provide opportunities for pupils to see learning in action. They are planned with clear curriculum outcomes and are supported by preparation before the visit and follow-up activities afterwards. Through these experiences, pupils develop the confidence to explore new places, ask questions, make connections and work collaboratively. All visits are planned with pupil safety, accessibility and inclusion at their centre.
Residential visits are carefully planned to provide a balance of challenge, enjoyment and support. Pupils take part in activities designed to develop problem-solving, teamwork, resilience and independence, with experienced staff providing appropriate guidance and support throughout. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves, make positive choices, support others and persevere when faced with challenges. Staff maintain a strong focus on safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion so that every pupil can participate and feel successful.
Impact
Through educational visits and experiences beyond the classroom, pupils develop confidence, independence, resilience, cultural awareness and a sense of achievement. They learn to respect different people, cultures and beliefs, work effectively with others and take increasing responsibility for themselves.
These experiences enrich pupils’ knowledge and vocabulary while providing opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful contexts. They also contribute to cultural capital, personal development and a deeper understanding of the wider world.
Most importantly, our pupils are given opportunities to be Safe, Motivational, Inclusive, Team and Happy learners who are curious about the world, confident to try new experiences and able to make positive contribution to their communities and beyond.
Our policy reflects the guidance provided by Liverpool City Council
Education Visit and School Trips Policy-2026-2027
We current have three educational visit co-ordinators:
Mrs Sheffield – Day Trips
Mr Bannon – Residential Visits
Miss Ellison – Admin