The School Trip Debate: The Late Show with Lucy & Nathan
Jun 11, 2024
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Clinical psychologist Naomi Fisher and teacher Nathan Burns join Lucy and Nathan to debate the controversies of school trips, discussing exclusion, inclusion, professionalism, healthy debates, ethics, teacher obligations, challenges, and benefits of educational outings.
School trips offer enrichment for all students, not just rewards.
Properly trained staff are crucial for managing student behavior on trips.
Teachers face stress organizing residential trips outside controlled environments.
Quality relationships between students and supervisors are essential for trip success.
Deep dives
Value of School Trips for Student Enrichment
School trips provide a valuable opportunity for students to experience a change of environment, access new places, and engage in activities that support their well-being and mental health. These trips can enhance learning and provide real-world experiences that bring learning to life. While some may view these trips as rewards, their true value lies in offering enrichment to all students, especially those who may not usually have such opportunities.
Teacher's Dilemma: Balancing Teacher Safety on School Trips
Teachers face challenging decisions when it comes to student behavior on school trips. While well-behaved students can benefit greatly from these experiences, teachers must also consider the safety implications of including disruptive students. Staffing for trips is crucial, as having the right staff who have effective relationships with challenging students can make a significant difference in the success of the trip.
Concerns About Teacher Safety and Support on Residential Trips
Organizing residential trips can be extremely stressful for teachers, as these trips require them to navigate uncontrolled environments outside the school setting. Teachers face added pressures and concerns about student behavior and safety, particularly if disruptive behaviors are present. The need for adequate support and preparation is essential for ensuring teacher safety and the overall success of these trips.
Importance of Optimal Student-Supervisor Relationships on Trips
The success of school trips hinges on the quality of relationships between students and supervisors. Having supervisors who understand and can effectively manage challenging behaviors is crucial for ensuring the safety and engagement of all students. Optimal relationships can turn a potentially disruptive trip into a positive and enriching experience for students.
Considerations for Student Safety on School Trips
Ensuring student safety on school trips is crucial, especially when dealing with high-risk situations like students with a history of violent behavior or flight risks. Teachers face dilemmas such as deciding whether to allow students who have demonstrated concerning behaviors, like drug-taking or physical aggression, to participate in trips. The focus is on safeguarding both the teacher's well-being and that of the students, highlighting the importance of assessing risks when determining trip participation.
Challenges with Using School Trips as Rewards
The debate surrounds the practice of using school trips as rewards, with concerns raised about the potential impact on student self-esteem and relationships with school. Instances where students are not allowed on trips based on behavior points or attendance raise questions about the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing student behavior or school engagement. The podcast touches on the need to differentiate between punitive measures and necessary safety considerations when restricting trip participation.
Supporting Teachers' Decision-Making on Trips
The discussion emphasizes the importance of teachers having the autonomy to voice concerns about trip participants when necessary, especially considering situations where teachers may not feel equipped to manage specific students on trips. The conversation underscores the need for collaboration between senior leaders and staff to address teacher reservations, striving to create a supportive environment where teachers can seek additional support or alternative arrangements if safety concerns arise.
Lucy Neuburger and Nathan Gynn talk to clinical psychologist Naomi Fisher and teacher Nathan Burns about the Twitter/X storm currently blowing around school trips.
Do you exclude ...?
Do you include ...?
Listen in as passions rage and debate rumbles.
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