Philip Bradley
philipb@isb.ac.th
Parents should be aware that some students organise trips independently of the school and that these trips are NOT supported by ISB.
For many years ISB has promoted school trips, off campus visits and activities; we know they are some of the most memorable and authentic learning experiences that we can provide for our students. These trips are popular with the students and can be truly inspirational. Some examples include GCW courses, IASAS, community service and trips associated with specific subjects like IB Geography.
As important as the learning is on any trip, nothing is more important than student safety. ISB has made a big commitment to ensure that all of our trips are as safe as they can possibly be. To this end:
- We employ a safety manager who reviews all trips,
- We use our collective knowledge and experience to inform our decisions,
- We ensure an appropriate level of trained supervision on every trip,
- We train our staff in first aid and emergency responses,
- We conduct detailed risk assessments well ahead of trips,
- We comply with Ministry of Education guidelines,
- We have student accident insurance,
- We gather detail trip planning logistics for all overnight trips,
- We ensure we have reliable local information related to emergency services and security,
- We notify/liaise with Thai authorities and appropriate embassies,
- We limit the number of trips we run to ensure safety over quantity,
- If we are not confident that a trip meets all of our expectations it will NOT proceed
A group of ISB students travelling together does not constitute an ISB trip, even if the activity is worthwhile or educational in nature. An ISB trip will always be chaperoned by an ISB staff member. If you are in any doubt that a trip is an official ISB trip – contact the school and check. Previously, some parents have mistakenly given “permission” for their children to travel on trips believing they were ISB trips. We instruct ISB teachers not to support or attend any trips or activities that are not official ISB trips.
Since student safety is our priority we advise against students undertaking their own trips which we feel are unlikely to be as safe as an “official ISB” trip.
Sincerely
HS Admin