Newsletter Edition 3 2018 Easter

Page-19
The Board of Governors of The John Fisher School.
Emerson Samuels
Tony Hazeldine CBE
Simon Drury
John Hessian
Dr Philip Howard
Elaine Jones
Anita McGowan MBE
Canon James Pannett
Jas Weir
James Graham
Philip McCullagh
Mr. J. Dawkins
Chair and Foundation Governor
Deputy Chair and Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor
Local Authority Governor
Parent Governor
Staff Governor
Staff Governor
How travel broadens the mind at The John Fisher School
One of the most abiding memories of schooldays can be a school trip. Many John Fisher parents,
staff and governors can still remember a school trip that might have taken place decades
ago. Governors play a key role in the choice and destination of our school trips. Parent governor
James Graham packs his bags.
For myself, one of the abiding school memories of 1976 was a school trip to the Peak District
that sticks in the memory. The first trip away from home, seeing school friends and teachers in a
new light and the chance to explore a new part of the country all meant that my week outside of
Matlock can stir memories forty years later.
It would be understandable if John Fisher’s parents and students did not for a moment think
about how these trips come about. The dates and the price are likely to be more important.
The John Fisher School uses a company called Evolve, a specialist school travel company, to
help plan such trips. This year trips planned include Berlin, Austria, USA, Nice and Barcelona.
A school trip begins long before the student packs his bags. A teacher will consider a potential
trip in light of the curriculum, timetable and educational value. A trip can be based on a theme,
say history, business studies or sport. It has to fit in term time or on a holiday, be worthwhile
and not too disruptive to the student’s work. The teacher will present the idea of the trip to the
school’s senior leadership team. In turn, they present the trip to the Board of Governors, normally
at the full governors’ meeting.
It is then down to the governors as to approve or decline the planned trip.
We will always consider the trip in the best light. We have to consider many things, including the
costs, including the hidden costs. If teachers are accompanying the trip, then it is likely there
must be cover provided. These will either have to be brought in or classes rearranged to cover
the absent staff.
This is why there is a growing trend in the UK for school trips to take place over weekends to
avoid extra cover being provided.
If the governors give the go-ahead, then the school contracts Evolve to plan and organise the
trip. They will undertake risk assessments, check hosts and arrange all matters to keep your son
safe when he is away.
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