From training room to Omaha Beach
why immersive EVC experiences matter
From 4–7 July 2025, school travel company Equity welcomed a group of teachers and Educational Visits Coordinators (EVCs) to Normandy for a truly immersive professional experience; one that combined first-hand destination insight with meaningful EVC training delivered in partnership with EVOLVE Advice.
Designed as both a showcase and a training opportunity, the weekend allowed teachers to experience Normandy exactly as their students would — walking the beaches, exploring historic sites, sampling local culture and staying in carefully selected accommodation. But this was far more than a familiarisation visit; it was an opportunity to bring training to life in the very environment where it matters most.
An excursion to Juno Beach - where school groups come to learn about the Allied Invasion of Northern France.
Training in Context: Learning Where It Happens
Helena Cresswell, Trainer and Adviser at EVOLVE Advice, explains:
“EVOLVE Advice was delighted to provide EVC training as part of Equity’s Normandy Showcase visit.
“Educational Visits Coordinators (EVCs) are responsible for ensuring the safety, quality and educational value of school trips. This immersive training experience included classroom learning and ‘real life’ scenarios throughout the weekend, giving EVCs the opportunity to apply what they had learnt while immersed in a typical educational visit to Normandy.”
A brilliant way to bring training to life.
“Experiences like this help build confidence and decision making skills, as well as providing the opportunity to share good practice and the chance to talk to other EVCs. A brilliant way to bring training to life.”
That combination of theory and lived experience proved powerful. Rather than discussing scenarios hypothetically, participants were able to consider risk management, supervision, logistics and student experience in real time — at Pegasus Bridge, Omaha Beach, the Bayeux Tapestry and beyond.
Why First-Hand Experience Matters
For Jack Frost, Trips Coordinator at Katherine Warington School in Harpenden, the opportunity came at exactly the right moment. Just over a year into his role and preparing to overhaul his school’s trip processes, he was keen to connect with other EVCs and explore new approaches.
“I chose the immersive training to use the opportunity to network with other EVCs and trip leaders,” he explained. “I was hoping to hear multiple different ways of doing things, so I could find if there was a better way than what I currently use.”
What he found was both professional reassurance and fresh perspective.
A chance to connect with other EVCs. Michelle from Myton School and Jack from Katherine Warington School deep in a game of See it, Splat it!
“It was a fantastic weekend, where I met some amazing people that I would never have crossed paths with otherwise.
“Talking to staff with different levels of experience and different expectations was really helpful. I’ve taken learning on the expectations of trip leaders, and how best to communicate these so they are clearly understood, along with the reasons why.”
The immersive nature of the weekend also reinforced something many experienced trip leaders know: seeing a destination first-hand makes all the difference. From understanding the layout of accommodation at The People Caen, to experiencing travel times, meal arrangements and site logistics, participants left with practical insight that simply can’t be gained from brochures or websites.
And, of course, there were moments of genuine connection too. For Jack, one highlight stood out:
“Swimming in the sea at Omaha Beach was the biggest highlight.”
History Brought to Life
Alongside powerful visits to the British and American Cemeteries, the 360° Cinema in Arromanches and a traditional cider farm, the weekend demonstrated how Normandy delivers rich curriculum links across history, culture and language — while also offering students broader personal development experiences.
Feedback from attendees reflected the value of seeing it all in context. Every teacher rated the overall experience 5 out of 5, with one commenting:
“If this was a sample of what to expect on an Equity excursion, then it was top class for a school adventure.”
Partnership in Practice
Sharon Confue, Director of Sales & Marketing at Equity, summed up the partnership:
“Our Normandy showcase with EVOLVE Advice proved how Equity leads the way in delivering safe, inspiring student travel — in true partnership with EVCs and party leaders.”
For schools considering an overseas visit, opportunities like this provide more than inspiration. They offer confidence — in the destination, in the provider, and in your own processes as a visit leader.
Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, a key location for the Allied landings on D-Day, June 6, 1944
When asked if he would recommend visits like this, Jack concluded:
“Yes, absolutely. I am now an IOSH certified EVC and have taken lots of positive learning from the weekend. It was well worth the time.”
For teachers responsible for organising school trips, immersive experiences like the Normandy Showcase are not just beneficial — they are transformative.
For more EVC Training from EVOLVE Advice visit www.evolveadvice.co.uk