For this week's View from the Top, we've handed over to Rick Clarke, the head of . Below, Mr Clarke explores the benefits of school trips, from challenging outdoor adventures to culture-drenched tours of the ancient world...
School trips have always been close to my heart. I was born and raised in South Africa, where the schools I attended placed a high value on broadening students’ experiences. We went on numerous school trips, each leaving lasting memories. Looking back, I find that the experiences I gained outside the classroom shaped me profoundly. They strengthened friendships, deepened my understanding of the world, and provided formative experiences that textbooks alone could not.
At St James, we are committed to offering similar experiences to our students, providing them with opportunities that complement their academic education. I understand that the landscape has changed—school trips can be costly, and I fully recognize the financial commitment parents make when choosing an independent school education. Additionally, there are environmental considerations today, especially for trips involving travel abroad. But I believe the benefits of these trips are immense, and we strive to approach them responsibly and sustainably.
Our program at St James provides meaningful, progressive experiences for students from Year 7 to Year 10. We begin locally with our Year 7s, who visit places like Derbyshire or Devon for a week-long outward-bound adventure. This trip offers students a taste of independence and fosters a sense of unity as they embark on their first journey together.
As students move up, their trips grow in challenge and depth. In Year 8, we take them to Greece, aligning with our philosophical approach to education. This experience introduces them to the roots of Western civilization and democracy, allowing them to connect with historical and philosophical ideas in a tangible way. They explore the ancient sites and engage with the thoughts of great thinkers, enriching their understanding of the world.
Year 9 presents perhaps the most challenging experience: a 10-day journey along the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. This trip demands a lot from both students and staff, but the rewards are profound. Walking the Camino, they discover new strengths within themselves and build lasting bonds with one another. The pilgrimage also has a spiritual dimension, as they follow a route taken by pilgrims for centuries, ultimately arriving in Santiago de Compostela.
Finally, in Year 10, we take students to Florence, Italy—the heart of the Renaissance. Here, they experience world-renowned art, philosophy, and history, delving into the cultural foundations that have shaped so much of Western society. The experience is designed to give them a deep appreciation for the values and ideas that continue to influence us today.
For us at St James, these trips are more than just travel experiences. We see them as rites of passage that encourage our students to grow, mature, and develop resilience. Each journey is a step towards adulthood, helping to shape young men of character, empathy, and insight.
I believe that all schools should strive to offer these opportunities, whether locally or internationally, if they can. These experiences help young people to build lasting friendships, discover new perspectives, and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. At St James, we’re proud to support our students on this journey of discovery and growth.