At Harrods International Academy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, we believe that meaningful learning extends well beyond classroom walls. Real-world experiences help children connect knowledge with understanding, develop confidence, and build essential life skills. This January, our students enjoyed one of the most exciting school field trips of the academic year. A day filled with adventure, physical development, and hands-on learning!
To ensure age-appropriate experiences, the trip was thoughtfully organised into two learning journeys:
Early Years and Lower Primary students visited Doozii Playground
Upper Primary and Secondary students visited FLY Phnom Penh Trampoline & Activity Park
Both venues offered valuable learning opportunities linked to curriculum goals from the IEYC/IPC (international primary curriculum) and Cambridge programmes, reinforcing Harrods International Academy’s holistic approach to education as a leading Cambridge school in Cambodia.
Early Years and Lower Primary: Learning Through Play at Doozii Playground
For our youngest learners, play is not just fun but also an essential part of development. The visit to Doozii Playground provided a safe and age-appropriate indoor play environment that supported key learning goals in physical, social, and emotional growth.
Building Confidence Through Physical Play
The soft-play adventure zone was a highlight for children, who explored tunnels, balancing bridges, padded climbing frames and ball pits. These activities encourage:
- Balance and coordination as they climbed, jumped and crawled
- Gross motor development through active movement
- Spatial awareness and decision-making as they navigated obstacle paths
These skills are essential foundations for physical development and help prepare children for daily classroom activities.
Role Play and Social Development
In the lively mini-town role-play corners, students enjoyed imaginative play with friends. Whether they were “shopping”, performing on a small stage or enjoying a pretend train journey, these activities encourage:
- Communication and vocabulary building
- Co-operation and turn-taking
- Confidence in social interaction
Role play promotes emotional understanding and real-world problem-solving skills, which are important elements for the IEYC curriculum.
Creative and Fine Motor Exploration
At interactive creative stations, children engaged in magic sand play, craft challenges, art activities and simple STEM games. These purposeful tasks develop:
- Fine motor control through drawing, moulding and building
- Focus and concentration
- Creativity and curiosity
These hands-on opportunities allowed students to explore ideas, build persistence and express themselves through design and play.
Encouraging Resilience with Safe Risk-Taking
The introductory climbing area gave children the chance to challenge themselves safely under supervision. Some tried low climbing walls, while others were excited to glide down the mini zipline. These experiences develop:
- Courage and resilience
- Body strength and coordination
- Emotional growth through facing challenges
Upper Primary and Secondary: Athletic Fun at FLY Phnom Penh
Meanwhile, our older students embraced high-energy learning at FLY Phnom Penh, one of the city’s most exciting indoor trampoline and activity parks. The trip supported Cambridge lower secondary Physical Education outcomes, focusing on fitness, teamwork, and personal growth.
Fitness and Athletic Skills
In the open trampoline zones, students bounced, flipped and challenged themselves to control aerial movements. These activities strengthened:
- Physical stamina and endurance
- Coordination and balance
- Agility and timing
The slam dunk basketball lanes added a fun twist to fitness as students combined jumping power with shooting skills.
Teamwork and Communication
The dodgeball courts brought out teamwork, fast thinking and positive sportsmanship. Students worked in groups, developing:
- Tactical thinking
- Quick reactions
- Co-operative leadership
High-energy games like these encourage students to support one another and celebrate effort alongside achievement.
Overcoming Challenges with Confidence
Students also enjoyed the foam pit jumps, wall runs and Velcro wall, practising safe landings and body control. On the ninja obstacle course and Spaceball arena, they pushed themselves both physically and mentally. These challenges helped build:
- Strength and flexibility
- Determination and perseverance
- Self-confidence
The Benefits of Field Trips in Education
Educational visits such as this remind us why school field trips are such a powerful part of learning. When children are able to explore new environments, they develop a deeper connection to what they have been learning in class. Field trips turn theory into action and help students apply knowledge in meaningful, memorable ways. Whether they are experimenting, solving challenges, or interacting with others, children learn best when they are actively engaged.
Beyond academic connections, the benefits of field trips play an important role in social development. Learning outside the classroom encourages teamwork, communication and positive relationships. Students collaborate, share ideas and help one another, strengthening friendships and building social confidence. These shared experiences create a sense of belonging and community that continues long after the trip has ended.
There are also clear emotional benefits. Harrods International Academy school trips help students grow in independence and self-belief as they try new activities and step outside their comfort zones. Successfully completing a challenge, be it climbing for the first time or working together to solve a problem, boosts confidence and resilience. These are essential life skills that contribute to a child’s overall well-being.
Physical health and well-being are also supported through school trips that include movement and activity. Active learning days, such as those involving sports, problem-solving games or outdoor exploration, promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage children to stay active. In a world where screen time is increasing, opportunities for physical engagement are especially valuable.
Finally, one of the greatest benefits of field trips is how they inspire curiosity. Experiencing something new sparks questions and encourages students to explore ideas more deeply. These moments of discovery motivate students to learn more, think critically and engage more fully back in the classroom. At Harrods International Academy, we believe that curiosity is the foundation of lifelong learning, and school trips are a wonderful way to inspire it.
Safety and Student Wellbeing
Safety is always our priority. Before the trip, our staff carried out detailed risk assessments and ensured all venues met our safety standards. During the day:
- Students were grouped according to age and ability
- Activities were supervised at all times
- Safety equipment was used where necessary
- First aid support and communication protocols were in place
Parents can be assured that we balance fun with responsibility and care.
A Day of Confidence, Friendship and Joy
This field trip was more than just a day out of the classroom for most of the students. It was a shared experience full of discovery, achievement and laughter. For younger children, it meant trying something new and taking brave little steps. For older students, it was about challenge, teamwork and resilience. Most importantly, it strengthened personal connections across our school community.
One teacher reflected, “We saw students step out of their comfort zones and surprise themselves. They supported one another, laughed together and truly demonstrated our school values.”
The 2025 Harrods International Academy field trip was a celebration of learning beyond the classroom. From imaginative play to physical challenge, every student had the opportunity to grow, explore and shine. Field trips like these are a valuable reminder that education is not just about lessons, but about experiences that inspire and shape young minds.
