We understand time is precious for busy teachers trying to juggle hectic schedules, so we have transformed our website with that in mind. Find out how it can help you plan school trips.
We know teachers need to find school trip ideas, contacts and advice simply, and quickly; so we’ve listened to your comments and given our website a major overhaul to help.
And this is just the start, there’ll be plenty more benefits and features to come in the coming months and much of this will be based on your feedback, so make sure you let us know what you think and ways in which we can improve your experience.
Here are just several things we’ve taken on board from teachers when designing the new website:
“Teachers don’t have time to wade through lots of content.”
Now, you don’t have to. We’ve done all the hard work for you and transformed the website so that everything is set out very simply. Whether you’re in need of inspiration or looking for particular advice on a certain topic, it’s now easier to do so.
The website looks great on all devices, so if you’re catching up in the staff room or in between lessons on your smart phone or tablet, you’ll be able to see everything clearly.
“I need to be able to find school trips that link to specific subjects & Key Stages.”
The new website is intended to be your one-stop shop for finding school trip help. The sections available across the navigation bar allow you to find content by Subjects and Key Stages. For example, if you’re looking for English trips for Key Stage 3, you can find the most relevant content including ideas on where you can go.
The search function is also very quick and easy. For example, search for ‘History’ and then filter it further by selecting to see only History ideas for Key Stage 2.
“When planning a school trip, I want recommendations from other teachers.”
You’ll find a whole host of Case Studies on the new website; other schools and teachers speaking about their experience of a trip to a particular attraction or destination in the UK and overseas. Hear first-hand from a teacher about where they went, what they did, and what they got out of the experience. Plus, we include useful contacts should you be interested in going with your own school group.
To find them, just go to www.schooltravelorganiser.com/features and if you scroll down the page you’ll see the Case Studies section.
“I want to find quality itineraries for trips I can replicate.”
We know that, as much as you would like to plan every little detail of all the school trips you organise, it’s simply not possible. Which is why we’ve expanded the Itinerary Ideas section on the new website. It means you can scroll through articles and find one that catches your interest. Then get a breakdown of timings and activities for a particular place and/or workshop.
“I’m just looking for ideas about residentials but want it all in one place.”
Let’s face it, the internet is good and bad in equal measures – there’s so much information which can be overwhelming when you just want to find something specific. That’s why we’ve created a Type of Trip section. Teachers can select from a variety of trip types including residentials, school trips abroad, museums & galleries, gardens & parks, and theatre, to name just a few. Again, it’s about getting to the content you’re interested in most, fast.
“Because of my busy schedule I don’t have time to keep up to date with relevant news.”
When you register, for free, to the new website you can be assured you’ll be the first to hear about the latest school trip news, offers and ideas. You’ll have the option to sign up to receive the ‘School’s Out’ newsletter direct to your inbox, as well as School Travel Awards updates and information from school trip providers. As a registered website user, you will get your own Account Centre where you can control what emails you receive, save articles to read later, and get the most from your experience.
“As well as ideas for trips, I’m after practical advice about how to go about planning outings.”
We pride ourselves on being your number one publication for learning outside the classroom. But, as well as giving you plenty of inspiration about where to go, we recognise that practical advice is also helpful – especially with how much effort goes into taking your class beyond the school gates.
The new STO website includes advice on different subjects, whether it’s the latest column from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, or a comment from a school trip provider. Plus, there will be plenty more to come, keeping you informed and up to date.
Passing the ‘Teacher Test’ - some of your comments on the new website so far:
Emmanuel Botwe, headteacher, Tytherington School: “I really like the website. It is quite easy to navigate and the pictures stand out. I like the way in which it is divided into quite sensible sections e.g. trips by key stage, by subject, etc.”
Paul Curnow, Prep 3C, head of Forest School, Spring Grove School: ”Wow! It’s certainly an assault on the senses. It’s a fantastic resource; comprehensive, easy to navigate and pleasant on the eye. I think the overall look and design of the website is great – it’s clear and not too busy with lots of photos.
”Us teachers are busy people and don’t always have time to wade through a heap of (interesting and well written!) features. It’s an excellent resource and I would certainly use it when starting to plan a trip.”
Jon Clarke, shadow headteacher, Walsall Academy: “I have had a look at your new website and it is much easier to navigate. I think being able to give teachers a kind of online toolkit to help organise school visits is great.”
What do you think?
We’d love to get your feedback on the new website. Tell us what you think by sending an email to the team at editorial@schooltravelorganiser.com
The new-look School Travel Awards section
Voting, entries and nominations are now open for the 2019/20 School Travel Awards with the new website making it much easier for you to get involved. Make sure you check out the two individual Awards, ‘My Best School Trip’ and School Trip Champion, which both come with a prize of £1,500 towards a future school trip.
Go to www.schooltravelorganiser.com/awards to take part.
