The principal of Lees Brook Academy has fulfilled her promise to ensure every pupil at the Chaddesden school receives a free school trip.
Since taking the leadership role at Lees Brook Academy last year, Clare Watson has put ‘cultural capital’ at the front of her plans.
“Education is not just what we learn in a classroom. It is about our experiences, our understanding of the world,” she said.
“We see how that knowledge and experience can also impact on how we learn.
“We know that many exam papers assume a level of life experience and knowledge. For example, there may be an English text set at the seaside that expects general knowledge about what the beach feels like and what sounds you may hear. But we know there are pupils who have never been to the seaside so they would be at a disadvantage.”
Clare also noticed the impact of Covid on students. During the lockdowns, pupils could not enjoy trips out and many families are now experiencing financial pressures which mean these outings are not always possible.
That is why she is determined to ensure every pupil in the school is able to access a school trip, at no cost.
This year, she ensured Year 7 students went to the Peak District and Caverns, Year 8 to the zoo, Year 9 to the seaside and Year 10 to London – all at no cost to families.
In a message to the principal, one parent of a Year 9 pupil said just how much these mean to their child.
“I think the trips that Lees Brook offer are incredible. My child has already been to the zoo and this year is going to Scarborough, all with no additional cost for me. In addition to this, Lees Brook offers a number of wider opportunities that my child is involved in including Duke of Edinburgh and visits to different businesses.”
Clare said she would continue to offer these trips and had set money aside in future budgets to ensure this was a priority.
“It was so fantastic to see hear how students enjoyed the trips and just how much they got out of them and I’m committed to ensuring we continue to give our pupils these experiences.
“Throughout the year, we look for opportunities to broaden students’ knowledge and confidence outside the classroom, such as with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards or musical performances.
“The school trips are another fun way to do this as well as being a wonderful way to round off the school year.”
