Sixth form marks the end of the formal education stage linked to secondary schooling. It is two years during which students set out on the path that will shape their educational and professional future. It also typically means that many of them reach adulthood in their second year of sixth form. As such, these two years are fundamental to young people’s development as individuals. They are also a time when students face important decisions: sitting A-levels, going on to university, opting for vocational training… It is a period of hard work and effort, and for that reason it is all the more necessary that it be balanced with moments of leisure and enjoyment. Sixth form school trips are therefore more important than ever.
Sixth form school trips are, therefore, the essential complement that gives the academic year an added incentive. Whether in the first or second year of sixth form, school trips offer a moment of respite — a pause in the long journey of effort and study that this academic stage entails. The age of the participants also allows for trips with greater ambitions and possibilities than those of younger year groups. Sixth form trips often involve international destinations, both within Europe and beyond. Participants on these trips also approach the experience from a different perspective — one that involves a desire to discover and learn, an interest in culture and places of tourist interest, and a greater awareness of one’s place in the world and how to relate to it.
That said, the driving force behind every sixth form school trip remains fun. Fun is just as necessary at this academic stage as it is in primary or secondary school. A varied and dynamic itinerary is therefore essential. You can browse examples of our school trips on our website.
Why Is a Sixth Form School Trip Important?
A sixth form school trip is both fundamental and very important. Why? With so many commitments and assessments to get through, why is it relevant to invest time in travel? Precisely because of the academic pressure that students must carry throughout these months, a few days of fun and disconnection play an essential role. They serve as a way of rewarding students for their academic efforts and help to maintain engagement with their studies. Being able to give the mind a break for a few days — occupying it with things that are quite different from the familiar everyday environment — brings great benefits for maintaining concentration. Furthermore, these trips usually take place towards the end of the academic year, a moment when successes achieved throughout the year can be celebrated.
Moreover, given the different paths each student will take, sixth form school trips are a great way to do something as a group. Especially for the second year of sixth form, the leaving trip represents a celebration and a farewell — the finishing touch to years of shared time in the classroom, and the moment at which friendships settle and begin to develop in a new, independent way outside of school. Thus, both academically and personally, sixth form school trips are less an ending and more a starting point. A unique moment that will be remembered for the rest of their lives — a window onto fun and the discovery of the world around us.
How to Organise a Sixth Form School Trip
There are many options for organising a sixth form school trip. First of all, the size of the participating group must be confirmed. Sometimes it is the entire year group, whilst at other times it is only certain sets or classes within the year. A key factor in determining whether a group has more or fewer participants is the cost involved. The larger the group, the more likely the cost per person will be lower, as some accommodation providers require a minimum number of participants. However, some students may be unable to attend if the trip seems too costly. To avoid this and ensure the best price — as well as being able to delegate much of the organisation — there are agencies and organisations whose work is the delivery of school trips.
In addition to the size of the group, the next key decisions involve the choice of destination. This in turn affects the cost of the trip, but also the variety of experiences on offer. Being such a unique occasion, sixth form school trips often go to international destinations or places with great tourist appeal. Malta, Mallorca and the coasts of Catalonia and the Levant stand out as popular options. The next step will be to confirm the itinerary of activities at the destination. Coordinating all of this requires significant communication and consensus among all participants. This is why, very often, the most convenient approach is to work with an organising agency that can offer different trip packages to suit the group’s needs — a way of saving time and money while securing a professional, high-quality trip.
