At St Columba’s College, our trips programme is more than just a calendar of exciting destinations — it’s a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. We sat down with our Educational Visits Coordinator’s (Ms Meigh and Mr Tatham) to explore how these experiences shape our students and enrich their learning journey.
How long have you been coordinating trips at St Columba’s?
Ms Meigh: Since January 2016 — nearly a decade of planning, exploring, and growing!
Mr Tatham: I became the Educational Visits Coordinator in 2017 when I joined the leadership team and it’s been a privilege to help shape such a dynamic part of school life.
Where do trip ideas come from?
Ms Meigh: It’s a collaborative process. Teachers are passionate about bringing their subjects to life, whether that’s visiting historical landmarks as part of their history studies, exploring geographical wonders, or immersing students in modern languages or to broaden their experience in sports tours or charity work in Europe, Africa or the US. They come to us with ideas and we help make them happen, ensuring trips fit smoothly into the wider school calendar.
What’s the core purpose of trips at SCC?
Mr Tatham: Trips are central to our commitment to holistic education. We believe learning should extend beyond the classroom — that’s why we’ve built our Enrichment Day programme into the school calendar. Four times a year, the timetable is paused so students can dive into workshops and excursions tailored to their age and interests.
- Forms 1 & 2 explore different cultures and faiths through visits to a Hindu temple and Jewish museum, as well as trips to Warwick Castle, Roman sites, the Harry Potter Studios and Kew Gardens
- Form 3 engages with Holocaust education through powerful workshops, as well as Science explorations in the London area, and drama workshops.
- Form 4 begins Duke of Edinburgh training with our expert staff, as well as a Stock Market Challenge
- Sixth Form students visit the Houses of Parliament and benefit from visiting speakers who prepare them for life beyond SCC.
How do trips reflect the College’s mission and values?
Mr Tatham: Academic excellence and personal development go hand-in-hand at SCC. Our trips deepen subject knowledge and broaden horizons:
- Department-led trips offer immersive learning — from Latin in Pompeii to Geography in the Azores.
- Sports tours to Milan, Malta, and New York give students a glimpse into elite athletic environments.
- Service trips to Zambia and Rhode Island allow students to live out the values of our Brothers of the Sacred Heart ethos, making a real impact in communities abroad. It is great that we are part of a global offering.
Why is learning beyond the classroom so important?
Ms Meigh: With over 120 trips in the Senior School each year, we’re serious about experiential learning. These trips foster friendships across year groups, build resilience and offer new perspectives. For some students, they’re a chance to shine in a different setting — a sanctuary where confidence grows and relationships flourish.
What’s new for this year?
Ms Meigh: Building on the success of South Korea and Iceland last year we’re thrilled to be launching 11 new trips — each one designed to inspire, challenge and connect our students:
- Gaelic Football Tour to Dublin
- Project Respond: Service Trip to Zambia
- Mission Trip to New York
- Art Exploration in Amsterdam
- Latin Journey to Pompeii
- Geography Adventure in the Azores
- History & Politics Tour to Washington DC and Richmond, Virginia
- Ski Trip to Austria
- French Immersion in Sète
- European Football Tour
- Costa Rica
And don’t forget — we’re also heading to the NASA Space Centre in Houston next October!
Final thoughts?
Mr Tatham: It’s a joy to work alongside Priscilla and our dedicated staff, who give so much of their time to ensure trips are unforgettable. These experiences are woven into the fabric of our community. When alumni return, it’s often the trips they reminisce about — the laughter, the friendships, the moments that shaped them.
