At Silverwood School, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our educational visits are a vital part of our curriculum, helping pupils develop the confidence, independence, and life skills they need to thrive.
These experiences are carefully planned to complement classroom learning and support each pupil’s personal development. Every visit is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring an inclusive and enriching experience for all.
Educational visits also foster relational inclusion, giving pupils opportunities to build positive relationships with peers, staff, and members of the wider community. Shared experiences outside the classroom help develop trust, empathy, and communication skills—essential foundations for emotional wellbeing and social development.
Educational visits are designed to reinforce and extend classroom learning in meaningful, real-world contexts. Whether pupils are practising numeracy in a shop, exploring geography through map reading, or engaging in social interaction during community outings, each experience is linked to curriculum goals. These visits help pupils apply their knowledge in practical settings, deepening understanding and making learning more relevant and memorable.
What Our Visits Include:
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Local shop visits to practise maths, life skills, and social interaction
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Navigation activities in towns and countryside to build independence and spatial awareness
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Public transport journeys to develop confidence and real-world travel skills
We maintain a rigorous safety framework to ensure all visits are safe, appropriate, and meaningful.
Residential trips offer pupils the opportunity to experience being away from home in a safe and supportive setting. These longer stays help pupils build independence, resilience, and social confidence while enjoying new environments and activities. For many, it’s a valuable step in preparing for future transitions, such as college, work placements, or supported living.
Through these opportunities, pupils gain practical skills, build self-esteem, and enjoy memorable experiences that help them apply their learning in everyday life.
At Silverwood School, Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that developing the skills, confidence, and independence our students need for adult life begins early and is woven throughout every stage of their education. PfA is not a single area of learning, but a whole-school approach — embedded across the curriculum, daily routines, and community experiences — ensuring that every student, regardless of age or ability, is supported to reach their full potential.
Educational visits form a vital part of this approach. They provide real-life contexts where students can apply and generalise the skills learned in school, supporting the four key PfA outcomes: Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion, and Good Health
Employment
We provide a wide range of opportunities for students to explore the world of work and develop employability skills. Visits and work experience placements in charity shops, garden centres, and local businesses help students understand different job roles, practise communication and teamwork, and build confidence in workplace settings. These experiences nurture independence, self-belief, and aspiration for future employment
Independent Living
Students develop practical life skills through hands-on experiences in real environments. Regular visits to and sessions within our school bungalow allow students to practise cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other daily living tasks in a safe, familiar setting. Trips to local shops and cafés further support money-handling, decision-making, and social interaction skills — essential for living as independently as possible.
Community Inclusion
We actively promote inclusion and participation within the community, helping students understand and engage with the world around them. Visits to community spaces, health centres, and local facilities build confidence, communication, and social awareness. These experiences encourage students to feel safe, valued, and connected within their local community.
Good Health
Maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing is central to PfA. Students take part in a wide variety of health and leisure activities such as cycling, paddleboarding, and swimming. Visits to leisure centres and cycling hubs support physical development, confidence, and enjoyment of active lifestyles, helping students to make positive choices about their own health and wellbeing.
Across all key stages, our educational visits are thoughtfully planned to provide meaningful, practical experiences that enrich learning and promote independence. By embedding Preparation for Adulthood throughout school life, we empower our students to develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives beyond Silverwood School.
