Educational Visits and Experiences

Learning beyond the classroom

At St John Fisher, we believe that some of the most memorable learning happens beyond the classroom. Educational visits and shared experiences play an important part in bringing our curriculum to life, broadening children's horizons and helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

We plan opportunities throughout the year for children to explore new places, encounter different people, experience new environments and make connections with their learning. Whether visiting a museum, exploring the local community, spending time in nature or taking part in a shared faith experience, every opportunity is designed to enrich children's learning and create lasting memories.

Our approach reflects our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience, discover and achieve. It also supports our LIGHT values of Love, Integrity, Growth, Hope and Togetherness, encouraging children to approach new experiences with curiosity, confidence and respect.

Learning through first-hand experiences

Educational visits are carefully linked to the curriculum and the learning taking place in each year group. They provide opportunities for children to see, explore and experience things that cannot always be replicated in the classroom.

Our visits support children to:

• Develop curiosity and a love of learning.
• Deepen their understanding of curriculum topics through first-hand experiences.
• Explore their local community and the wider world.
• Develop independence, confidence and social skills.
• Appreciate different cultures, communities and perspectives.
• Build positive relationships and shared memories with their classmates.

We value the opportunities that our local area and the wider London community provide, making the most of the wealth of cultural, historical, scientific and natural resources available to us.

Our educational visits

Our programme of visits changes throughout the year, ensuring that children experience a broad range of opportunities as they progress through the school.

Autumn Term I - visits and experiences

During the first half of the autumn term, children took part in a range of educational and faith-based experiences.

• Year 2 – Tump 53: Children visited Tump 53 as part of their curriculum learning, providing an opportunity to explore and extend their understanding beyond the classroom.
• Year 5 and Year 6 - St Benet's Church: Pupils attended Mass, strengthening their connection with the parish and providing opportunities to participate in the wider life of our Catholic community.
• Faith Leaders - St George's Cathedral: Our Faith Leaders attended the beginning-of-year Mass at St George's Cathedral in Southwark, joining pupils from other Catholic schools across the Archdiocese.
• Whole-school Mass: The school community came together to celebrate Mass in school, sharing in prayer, worship and the celebration of our faith.
• Black History Celebration: Children explored the lives and contributions of significant Black historical figures through a whole-school celebration focused on identity, equality and inspiring change. Families joined us for the event, sharing in the celebration and contributing to the richness and diversity of our school community.

Our Black History Celebration was a particularly special occasion, bringing children, families and staff together. It provided an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community, recognise important contributions to society and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

Autumn Term II - visits and experiences

During the second half of the autumn term, each year group has a planned educational experience to complement its curriculum learning.

These visits offer children opportunities to encounter new environments, develop their knowledge and understanding and make meaningful connections with their classroom learning.

Faith, community and belonging

As a Catholic school, our educational experiences also include opportunities to deepen children's faith and strengthen their understanding of their place within the wider Church.

Through visits to our local churches, celebrations of Mass and opportunities to join other Catholic school communities, children develop a sense of belonging that extends beyond the school gates. They are encouraged to recognise their responsibility to others and to live out the Gospel through kindness, compassion, respect and service.

Our links with our local parishes and the wider Archdiocese of Southwark are an important part of our Catholic identity.

Creating memories and broadening horizons

We want every child to leave St John Fisher with a wealth of experiences that have helped shape their understanding of themselves, other people and the world around them.

Educational visits are an important part of this journey. They help children to become curious, confident and thoughtful learners who are willing to explore new opportunities, embrace challenges and appreciate the richness of the world God has created.

At St John Fisher, learning does not stop at the classroom door.

Love. Learn. Shine.