At St Mark’s CE Primary School, we believe that learning should be lived, experienced and explored. Being based in London gives our pupils access to some of the richest cultural opportunities in the world — and we make full use of it.
Throughout the year, our pupils visit London’s museums, galleries, theatres, historic landmarks and places of worship. From the British Museum and the Natural History Museum to art exhibitions, heritage sites and performances, our curriculum is enriched through meaningful first-hand experiences. We also work with organisations such as Arsenal in the Community to provide high-quality sporting, leadership and aspiration-building opportunities.
The Department for Education and Ofsted emphasise the importance of developing pupils’ cultural capital — the essential knowledge and experiences children need to succeed in life. Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework highlights the role schools play in ensuring pupils gain the knowledge and cultural capital they need to be successful in their future education and employment.
Educational visits at St Mark’s:
Deepen and enhance curriculum learning
Develop subject knowledge and vocabulary
Build confidence, independence and resilience
Broaden understanding of different cultures and communities
Raise aspirations and inspire ambition
These experiences help our pupils connect classroom learning to the wider world and understand their place within it.
Inclusion and Access
We are committed to ensuring that all pupils participate fully in educational visits. In line with the Equality Act 2010 and our inclusive ethos, we carefully plan every trip to ensure accessibility and meaningful participation.
We do this by:
Carrying out thorough risk assessments
Selecting appropriate and accessible venues
Making reasonable adjustments for pupils with additional needs
Providing additional adult support where required
Our aim is that educational visits are enriching, inclusive and reflective of our school vision.
Working in Partnership with Parents
Parent volunteers play an important role in supporting educational visits. They assist with supervision, encourage positive behaviour and help ensure that trips run safely and smoothly. All volunteers work under the direction of school staff and follow safeguarding procedures.
We are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our families, which enables us to provide such a wide range of high-quality learning experiences.