The Future of School Trips: Trends to Watch (VR, AI, Sustainable Travel)

School trips have been a cornerstone of UK education for decades, offering pupils a unique way of learning that takes them outside the walls of the traditional classroom setting. As modern technology advances and awareness of our environmental impact grows, new opportunities are emerging and the future of school trips is evolving rapidly. We take a look at some of the exciting trends shaping how schools plan and experience education through school trips and workshops.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR, to use their shortened names, are allowing pupils to explore parts of the world, modern and ancient, without ever needing to leave the classroom. These immersive technologies that often use headsets can simulate historical sites, museums, or natural wonders in vivid detail. You aren't taking your class to the rainforests of the Amazon, but you are getting a lot closer than most people get, and their knowledge and understanding of the topic is significantly enhanced as a result. This technology can give pupils the chance to interact with 3D objects or environments and provide accessible experiences, often for pupils who may not be able to travel.

While Virtual Reality cannot fully replace physical school trips, it offers a powerful supplement that creates possibilities that may not otherwise exist.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Trip Planning

Trip planning apps and platforms allow organisers to share itineraries, risk assessments, and contact details with staff and parents instantly. Online consent forms streamline permission gathering and reduce paperwork, while communication tools like WhatsApp groups or school portals keep parents updated with real-time info. You can even take advantage of virtual pre-visits using Google Street View or 360-degree photos and videos familiarise pupils with the destination - this may be especially helpful if you have SEN students - helping reduce anxiety about the unknown.

AI is increasingly used to streamline the organisation of school trips. Here are a few common use cases:

• Automated itinerary creation based on educational goals and pupil needs


• Predictive analytics to manage budgets and optimise travel routes


• AI chatbots to answer common questions from parents and staff

Sustainable and Ethical Travel

With growing concern about climate change, sustainable school travel is no longer optional but essential. Whether your school trip is taking you overseas or an hour down the road from your classroom, schools are:

• Choosing low carbon transport options like trains or coaches


• Partnering with eco-friendly accommodation and providers


• Incorporating environmental education into trip programmes


• Encouraging responsible behaviour to minimise ecological footprints

Hybrid and Virtual Trips

The recent COVID 19 pandemic had an immediate impact on school trips, slowing the willingness of schools to leave the classroom in groups, and accelerating the adoption of virtual and hybrid trips. Even as schools were happy to resume travel, these virtual trips remain popular for a number of reasons:

• They offer access to distant or restricted locations, often at a fraction of the cost


• They allowed schools with limited budgets or time to benefit from immersive learning


• Sometimes they are combined with physical visits with virtual follow-ups or previews

Personalised Learning Experiences

When on the trip, technology can deepen engagement by making the trip more personal to each child. There may be educational apps relevant to the trip’s theme that will encourage interactive learning. A good example would be a nature identification app on a countryside visit, or historical AR (augmented reality) experience at a heritage site. Digital scavenger hunts or quizzes create fun, competitive learning opportunities, while tablets or smartphones can be used to let pupils document the trip via photos, videos, or audio notes to create a portfolio of their experience. Another interesting piece of technology is the GPS tracker, which can help staff monitor group locations during large or complex outings for safety. A good example of this would be an orienteering day, or a Duke of Edinburgh award.

Future school trips will likely offer more tailored experiences by using data to match activities with pupils' interests and learning styles. One class of 35 Year 5s will not be the same as another class, either in the same school or on the other side of the country, so personalisation is key.

Another way in which personalised learning is useful, is for groups that have pupils with SEND. New technology can be used to enhance accessibility for these pupils, allowing them to take part in a way more relevant to their needs, allowing them to get more from the experience.

While none of these technological advances can replace the experience of a traditional school trip, they certainly have their place. Either through complimenting your classroom topic, or making educational experiences accessible to school groups where they wouldn't otherwise be.