The results are in…we can reveal the most-read stories from the School Travel Organiser website in 2017. Counting down from ten they are…
10. Turner Contemporary launches Art competition for schools
In January we reported on the news that the Turner Contemporary gallery in Kent is hosting an Art competition for schools – and the winner saw their submission housed in the gallery for the enjoyment of the general public. This year, the competition celebrated its tenth anniversary and the theme is Making a Change, exploring how art has the power to change attitude, people and places.
9. New tour operator offers teachers easy trip planning
September brought the story of a new tour operator, Glo-Ed, launching, offering schools itineraries around the world. Created by senior management members from the educational travel industry, the Oxford-based company welcomed schools to and from six different countries over the summer, from conservation trips in Africa and Geography tours in Nepal and Iceland.
Pictured: Glo-Ed’s trips include Iceland
8. School bookings being taken for YHA The Sill
The story about YHA opening a new 86-bed youth hostel at Hadrian’s Wall in the summer received a lot of interest – with bookings being taken for the 2017/18 academic year. Based close to the Sycamore Gap and the Roman site at Vindolanda, The Sill offers an ideal base from which to explore the area – especially for Key Stage 2 classes studying the Roman Empire.
7. Campaign will highlight the benefits of school residentials
There has been some fantastic work in 2017 to highlight the importance of Residential school trips and in July we reported on the new #WinterResidentials campaign launched by the Learning Away consortium. The campaign was a bid to raise awareness about the benefits of taking such a trip during the winter months.
Pictured: Winter Residential trip
6. School Travel Awards 2017/18: Drinks Reception and Lunch
It’s no surprise that four School Travel Awards stories made the top 10 – the ceremony was held on Thursday 9th November at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, with hundreds of teachers and school trip providers having a fantastic day. The picture gallery was viewed by many of you – and there’s still time to see if you were spotted!
5. Win a school trip for your school to Chateau du Baffy in Normandy, France
In March, Select School Travel launched a competition offering a school the chance to win a school trip to Normandy in France, in association with School Travel Organiser magazine and the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. The prize was a stay at Château du Baffy for 30 pupils and 4 adults, including board, transport and excursions. Congratulations to the winners - Sir Frederic Osborn School in Welwyn Garden City.
4. ‘My Best School Trip’ finalist revealed
The story revealing the finalists for the 2017 ‘My Best School Trip’ Awards certainly caught your interest. Following a successful judging day held in London, five finalists were selected for this year’s award, with the winner – Upland Primary School in Bexleyheath – announced at the School Travel Awards on 9th November. Well done to all who took part, some very strong entries.
3. Alternative PE lessons
With PE well and truly on the agenda for 2017, it’s not surprising that the third most read article was about alternative PE lessons for teachers. We selected the best trips to help students find an activity that is right for them and to inspire them to become more active, from indoor climbing centres to water sports and adventures.
2. School travel winners honoured at annual awards
The class of 2017/18 made it to the second most read story of the year – our winners of the School Travel Awards, pictured with celebrity TV presenter Fiona Bruce. The UK’s biggest event for school travel and learning outside the classroom provided a celebration of the very best in the sector and we had some fantastic winners.
1.School Trip Champion Award
It’s quite fitting that in first place is the story about our School Trip Champion 2017 – Jacqui Hargreaves from Vandyke Upper School in Leighton Buzzard. Described as “dedicated” and “passionate”, Jacqui was crowned the winner at the ceremony in November after a public vote over the summer. Over the past 35 years, Jacqui has organised over 150 residential trips overseas – all in her own time. Congratulations Jacqui!
Pictured: Jacqui Hargreaves, the School Trip Champion 2017, being presented her award
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