How to resurrect a great tradition in the 21st century: The Studio Story (7)

Children participating in Global Learning tours follow in the footsteps of the European elite, whose Grand Tour was an educational rite of passage. Through this journey of discovery of art, culture, and the roots of civilisation in a situational and experiential context, children nourish their minds, expand their imaginations, and open up to a future of vastly increased possibilities. 

The study tours span parts of the world and cultures as diverse as Ancient Greece (‘The Ancient World’), Hawaii and Alaska (‘Fire and Ice’), Great Britain (‘The Story of England’), with new locations and learning opportunities being added every year. Immersion in some of the world’s most fascinating countries and cultures via situational study, grounded in a structure of intellectually-deep experiential and integrated learning, brings knowledge to life for children in remarkable and deeply memorable ways. In their exposure to cultural legacy in tandem with substantial teaching hours with subject experts, students return home not only with a deeply embedded awareness and experience of fascinating civilisations, but also with the achievement of significant advancements in the academic arts of essay writing, oral presenting and debating.

The depth and impact offered by Global Learning study tours brings knowledge to life through the rich texturing of the timelines of world history, reaching and enhancing every area of students’ intellectual study and development. In a significant departure from the ordinary experience of visiting historic sites, children learn through a process of integrating deep and cross-disciplinary knowledge of each area they visit. By the time children examine an artefact in a museum or visit a historic site, they already have a deep understanding of its significance – not only, for example, the history of an ancient castle, but the literature associated with it and its significance in theatre or film.

Such a situational immersion provides a physical experience and transformational experience in their learning and assimilation. Through the literature they learn, the art and architecture they see, the drama they do, and the history they study, knowledge and learning becomes embedded in the fibre of their beings. Combining the role of action researchers with the task of writing a report of their learnings, they build a lasting repertoire of knowledge and interest for multiple usage, which they can draw upon and relate to throughout life, whether writing an essay, applying to a prestigious school or university, or simply discussing history, politics, culture or philosophy with colleagues, friends and family.

Grand Tour in novels and films

—— To be continued ——

These stories are told from Studio perspective. Every family has its own story with Studio. We’d like to hear and publish yours too. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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