Teach17

Disneyland Paris might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a school trip with a strong academic focus, but Study Experiences has developed a programme that mixes subject learning with time in the parks. For schools looking ahead to 2027, here are 17 things worth knowing.

1. It is much more than a day at a theme park. The trips combine Disneyland Paris with organised educational seminars linked to subjects pupils are already studying.
2. There is a good spread of subjects available. Schools can choose from areas including Science & STEM, Maths, Computer Science, Business Studies, Design & Technology, Media Studies and Health & Social Care.
3. Science teachers could have a field day. Rollercoasters naturally open up conversations about forces, acceleration, energy, speed and motion without having to invent a classroom scenario.
4. The Science & STEM programme is not just about Physics. Biology and Chemistry can also be brought into the experience, making it particularly useful for science departments planning a wider STEM trip.
5. Maths suddenly has a very obvious purpose. Speed, distance, time, capacity, graphs, money and measurement all make much more sense when pupils can see what they are being used for.
6. Computer Science looks at what is happening behind the scenes. Theme parks rely heavily on coding, digital systems, networking, interfaces and control technology, giving pupils plenty to investigate.
7. Design & Technology pupils can explore how an idea becomes a real attraction. The ‘Designing Disney’ seminar looks at the journey from an initial concept through to design and construction.
8. Business Studies has one enormous case study on its doorstep. Branding, customer experience, pricing, marketing and target audiences can all be explored through one of the best-known entertainment businesses in the world.
9. Media Studies fits naturally into the setting. From film and storytelling to advertising, branding and social media, there is plenty for pupils to analyse.
10. Health & Social Care has its own programme too. This can include ideas around meeting individual needs, inclusion, communication and caring for visitors with different requirements.
11. The learning does not necessarily stop when the seminar finishes. Pupils can continue working on activities and challenges while moving around the parks.
12. The park becomes part of the lesson. Instead of learning about an imaginary theme park from a worksheet, pupils are standing inside one and can see the systems, decisions and design choices for themselves.
13. There is still time to enjoy Disneyland Paris. The trip is not designed to turn every minute into a lesson. Educational activities sit alongside time for pupils to experience the parks.
14. Schools can choose between three- and four-day packages. This gives departments some flexibility depending on budget, timetable and how much time they want pupils to spend away.
15. 2027 packages are being advertised from £379 per person. Selected trips are available in January, February and November, with early booking encouraged because places are limited.
16. Accommodation can keep pupils close to the parks. Disney-themed accommodation is available, with some packages also offering Disney Extra Magic Time.
17. The biggest gain may not appear on an exam paper. Travelling together, navigating a new environment, working in groups and spending several days away from school can help develop confidence, independence, communication and stronger relationships between pupils.

For teachers looking for something different from the traditional subject trip, the Disneyland Paris seminars offer an interesting combination of curriculum learning, experiences outside the classroom and plenty of Disney along the way.

Find out more about Study Experiences and its educational trips (studyexperiences.co.uk)