We are one of the leading educational institutions in Turkey with approximately 1800 students from different age groups and nearly 550 teachers and colleagues. We are one of the leading educational institutions in Turkey with approximately 1800 students from different age groups and nearly 550 teachers and colleagues.At Açı Schools, field trips are one of the key opportunities that enrich students’ learning experiences and contribute to their academic development. These experiences allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge, discover different cultures, and explore natural and historical treasures. Additionally, field trips provide students with the chance to develop their social skills, engage in teamwork, and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
The plans for city and out-of-town trips during an academic year are carefully created during the working period held in August, taking into account academic program objectives. During this process, the content and routes of the trips are carefully chosen to serve the students’ learning goals.
The dates of the trips are shared with students and parents in accordance with the school’s academic calendar. These dates are selected to align with students’ class schedules, and advance notice is given to avoid any disruptions. Since field trips are an integral part of the academic life, the participation of all students is expected, and this participation plays a significant role in their educational development.
In our preschool education program, one of the opportunities that allow students to actively engage in their own learning is field trips. These trips not only contribute to children’s academic and social development but also make their learning processes more meaningful and enjoyable.
All extracurricular trips are carefully planned according to the following fundamental principles:
Throughout the year, in addition to trips planned in connection with classroom themes, trips may also be organized for events such as exhibitions and fairs, whose dates are yet to be finalized. These types of trips help students increase their cultural awareness and explore art and different cultures.
During the 2024-25 academic year, the average number of extracurricular trips for each age group is as follows:
3 Years Old: 16 Trips (9 Thematic Connections and 7 Nature Days/Forest Trips)
4 Years Old: 20 Trips (13 Thematic Connections and 7 Nature Days/Forest Trips)
5 Years Old: 15 Trips (8 Thematic Connections and 7 Nature Days/Forest Trips)
At Açı Primary School, field trips and talks are essential educational tools planned to support students’ learning processes and introduce them to different experiences. These activities are designed to enhance students’ research, listening, critical thinking, and analytical skills. At our school, field trips and talks are more than just fun activities; they are significant opportunities for students to reinforce their classroom learning and actively participate in the learning process.
In Life Sciences/Social Studies lessons, field trips and talks related to each theme are organized as much as possible, along with some themes in other subjects (music, art, physical education, science, English).
Field trips, especially for students in grades 1-3, are planned as short local trips within the city. These trips provide students with opportunities to explore their environment and apply what they have learned in the real world. In grade 4, in addition to the city trips, a longer, overnight trip outside the city is included. Below are some examples of trips we have realized by grade, along with the total number of trips conducted throughout the year:
Grade 1: 16 trips
Grade 2: 12 trips
Grade 3: 14 trips
Grade 4: 15 trips
Total: 57 trips
At our school, which adopts a hands-on, experiential learning approach, field trips and talks provide students with opportunities for out-of-class learning, encouraging active participation throughout the process. Discussions held before and during the trips, along with post-trip activities (such as drawing, creating models, and group projects), help reinforce the knowledge gained.
At Açı Schools, starting from 4th grade, overnight trips are organized, and with the addition of domestic and international trips at the middle school level, these trips have become more comprehensive. These trips are meticulously planned and implemented to support students’ academic knowledge, social skills, and social awareness development. The programs provide holistic learning experiences that allow students to understand the history, culture, and art of our country and the world from an interdisciplinary perspective.
A social responsibility component is also added to the trips, aiming to help students develop social sensitivity and actively contribute to their communities. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the selection of trip destinations and the planning processes, enriching their learning experiences and developing their responsibility and decision-making skills. Trip preparations are planned in a way that is appropriate for the students’ age levels; all activities and task assignments before, during, and after the trips are carefully determined.
This approach supports students’ collaboration and experiential learning processes while helping them acquire essential life skills. This comprehensive approach allows students to develop their individual and collective sense of responsibility, deepening their historical, cultural, and artistic awareness and providing them with a holistic learning experience grounded in social responsibility.
Middle School City Trips
City trips organized at the middle school level are reassessed and updated each year in accordance with the requirements of the academic program. These trips aim to help students gain a deeper understanding of the city they live in, comprehend its social and cultural values, and gain meaningful learning experiences directly connected to the academic program.
Examples of these trips include the Mathematics House, university laboratories, space centers, forest trips for physical education classes, and visits to exhibitions and museums. These trips are designed not only to provide knowledge but also to enhance students’ critical thinking, cultural and artistic awareness, and ability to make interdisciplinary connections.
Out-of-town Excursion Program
Out-of-town trips are primarily designed based on the Social Studies Curriculum, using an interdisciplinary approach. These trips aim to deepen and enrich students’ learning experiences by offering firsthand exposure to topics such as history, culture, art, and local life. Each year, trips are organized to various provinces of our country, based on the characteristics of the age group and learning goals. These trips are as follows:
These trips support students in deepening not only their academic knowledge but also their cultural and historical awareness.
International Trips
Voluntary international trips offer the opportunity to get closer to the world history, culture, and art. These trips help students gain a global perspective and get the chance to experience the culture of the country they visit by working with their peers on subjects such as language, culture, art, and science. Below are the current international trips we organize:
Açı High School continues to organize various trips both locally and internationally to support the students achieve the learning goals outlined in its curriculum. These trips, directly related to the content of the courses, allow students to materialize the theoretical knowledge they have acquired and introduce them to cultural and historical values.
Trips within Istanbul
Istanbul-based trips are planned to help students connect the knowledge and skills in the curriculum with real-life experiences. Examples of such trips include Orhan Kemal Museum trip, Galata Mevlevihanesi trip, Tevfik Fikret’s tomb visit, Atatürk Arboretum trip, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia trip, Observatory visit, Maritime Museum visit, watching art performances.
Trips Outside Istanbul: Trips outside Istanbul are organized according to the academic goals of different grade levels, enabling students to gain insight into local and national history, culture, and geography. These trips are designed for various age groups and are tailored to the educational needs of the students. Some examples include:
These trips provide students with in-depth knowledge of Turkey’s various regions, offering opportunities to enrich classroom learning with hands-on experiences.
International Trips
Açı High School’s international trips help students develop a global perspective and gain knowledge about international cultures. These trips not only deepen their understanding of the subjects they study but also allow them to explore different cultures and broaden their worldview. Below are some examples of international trips:
Additionally, voluntary trips are organized, including: