Learning Beyond the Classroom: Enriching School Trips
At Cricklade Manor Prep we believe education is a journey that extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. While traditional teaching methods are essential, they are often complemented by experiential learning opportunities that take students beyond textbooks and into the real world. School trips, whether they involve visits to museums, historical sites, science centres, or natural wonders, play a crucial role in enriching learning experiences for students. These excursions provide unique opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, fostering deeper understanding, critical thinking, and personal growth.
With this year’s senior production chosen: “Dream On” – a take on William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, years 5 & 6 embarked on a cross-curricular trip that combined the realms of visual art and literature. The trip took them to two iconic landmarks in London: the Tate Modern Art Museum and The Globe Theatre, where they had the privilege of watching William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This immersive adventure will not only deepen their understanding of art and literature but also demonstrate the intrinsic links between different forms of creative expression.
The morning started with a trip to The Tate Modern, where the children took a self-led tour of the museum spotting pieces of artwork and sculptures that caught their eye. Later, they were treated to an exhibition where they viewed the work of Hilma Klint and Piet Mondrian which not only linked to their studies in Art but found many similarities to their upcoming senior production “Dream On”.
Exposing the children to the vibrant and revolutionary works of artists like Hilma Klint and Piet Mondrian in a gallery setting has great benefits for the children’s artistic and cognitive development. The intricate and mystical abstractions of Klint’s pieces ignite a sense of wonder and imagination in young minds, encouraging them to think beyond conventional boundaries and explore the depths of their creativity. Whereas, Piet Mondrian’s geometric compositions can introduce children to the world of balance, symmetry, and spatial relationships, understanding the harmony between art and mathematics. Both showing how artistic expression can convey complex ideas and emotions.
The afternoon saw great excitement as the group made their way to the Globe Theatre to watch “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Witnessing the magical world of fairies, mischievous antics, and tangled love stories unfold on stage, the children were not only entertained but also exposed to the beauty of Shakespearean language and storytelling. This exposure enhanced their understanding of the play’s intricate plot and characters, allowing them to grasp the nuances and motivations that underpin the narrative.
The children were blown away by the music and costumes. Witnessing professional actors bring the characters to life inspired the children helping them to learn about character development, expression, and stage presence. Experiencing the play ‘live’, fostered a sense of joy and anticipation, encouraging the children to approach their own upcoming school performance, Dream On, with real excitement.
The school trip left a profoundly positive impact on the children as it provided them with a hands-on learning experience outside the classroom. These experiences have not only enriched their education but also create cherished memories that will stay with them for years to come. We can’t wait to see their performance of “Dream On”.
My daughter had a fantastic time, she’s come back very enthused about art and Shakespeare and even more excited about the upcoming production. We are so grateful to you all for organising and running such an amazing trip. Thank you!
– Year 5 Parent
