Of the six half terms in an academic year, it is the first one that can feel the longest, for pupils and teachers alike. So, it is definitely worth having something to look forward to.

In the last week before we break up each October, all 375 of Westminster’s Lower School pupils head out on expedition. Some stay in London, to skateboard in Vauxhall or discover the capital’s secrets; others head further afield in the UK, to discover the Lochs of Scotland or learn to cook in Cumbria; whilst some pack their passport and head to foreign climes, to take in the culture of the French Riviera or practice their language skills in any number of countries.

The idea that not everything can be learned inside a classroom sits at the heart of the Westminster curriculum, and is why we invest this week of the term to allow pupils an invaluable experience in the world beyond the classroom window. And there are so many reasons to do this.

From an academic point of view, this is an ideal slot in which to place a language trip, providing a rich experience of immersion into the culture of their second (or third or fourth) language subject, visiting Berlin, Cadiz or Tbilisi.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, as the academic advantages are manifold to pupils from Years 9-11 when they step out of the timetabled academic curriculum and into the big wide world. Whether they explore a new activity or deepen an existing passion, what they experience will not be tested on a GCSE specification. Having said this, we find that these experiences do seriously enhance our pupils’ educational experience, and so, naturally, their attainment.

A critical feature of the Lower School Expedition programme is that the trips are not ‘off the shelf’, rather, an opportunity for staff to share their passions and expertise and curate a bespoke trip for Westminster School pupils. If pupils cycle in Yorkshire with a chemistry teacher, climb in Catalonia with a housemaster or realise that a maths teacher is a committed foodie, as passionate about roots as square roots, there is a tangible benefit to pupil/staff relationships which arises from taking a trip together.

As educators, we are aware of the need to help pupils develop independence, resilience and teamwork, and trips away from school are ideal ways to deepen the work that takes place on campus. We have found that a bit of time foraging in the North Pennines to cook dinner together, hiking, canoeing and canyoning around Loch Lomond, or surfing in Polzeath are great ways to move out of a comfort zone, and to learn how to succeed (and to fail) in a safe and fun environment.

As we move closer towards full co-education at Westminster School, we will be doubling down on our commitment to this fantastic expedition programme, aware that girls as well as boys will have their curiosity ignited as they combine cultural immersion with physical exercise on a trip to Venice for running and rowing, or when they build stronger relationships with their classmates via surfing, kayaking, climbing, coasteering and coastal walking in spectacular Pembrokeshire scenery. We look forward to opening up these fantastic experiences to girls in 2028.

For us, expedition time means deepened learning, enhanced relationships and crucial personal development for our young people. It is also just a great deal of fun.