CERN is surrounded by enriching cultural attractions both in and around Geneva. A school trip to Geneva is only made more inspiring with a visit to CERN. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to ensure a successful and memorable trip to CERN and Geneva, from travel and accommodation to essential packing tips and safety considerations.
About CERN
CERN, also known as the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is one of the largest scientific research centres in the world, and also one of the most respected. It was founded in 1954, and is located just outside of Geneva, Switzerland. The primary focus of CERN’s research is on particle physics—the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces governing their interactions.
CERN is also home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The LHC is the largest and most powerful particle accelerator in the world, and has been instrumental in groundbreaking discoveries like the Higgs boson.
Why organise a school trip to CERN?
A school trip to CERN offers your students a unique educational opportunity to witness cutting-edge scientific research in action. This real-life exposure can inspire in students a passion for physics and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. Visiting CERN allows students to:
- Gain first-hand insight into advanced scientific research
- Engage with scientists and learn about career paths in research
- Experience interactive exhibits and demonstrations
- Develop a deeper understanding of complex scientific concepts in an engaging environment
Planning your school trip to CERN
To make the most out of your CERN school trip, it’s important to plan carefully and well in advance. Guided tours and exhibition visits to CERN are free, all you have to do is book with them directly, and we can help with the rest.
Travel
Getting to Geneva will be your first port of call when setting off on your school trip to CERN. It is typical for school trips to travel to Geneva by plane, with a flight time of between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. You can catch a flight from most major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol airports.
From Geneva International Airport, you can opt to catch a train to your destination. While coach hire is possible, public transport in Geneva and the surrounding area is excellent. Groups travelling with WST are eligible to apply for transport cards for their time there. For more details about the transport card, how to apply for it, and how to use it, watch this helpful video from Geneva Tourism.
Accommodation
Geneva offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and requirements. Budget hotels such as Ibis Budget Geneva offer clean, simple rooms at reasonable prices, while mid-range hotels like NH Geneva City provide more amenities and a good balance between comfort and cost. Geneva Hostel, a youth hostel in a great central location, offers dormitory accommodation with breakfast included, and common areas for group activities.
Key things to consider when looking at school trip accommodation include public transport links, proximity to key sites (such as CERN), safety measures, group facilities, and budget constraints.
Packing essentials
Ensuring both yourself and your students pack appropriately for your school trip to CERN and the surrounding area will help make the trip more comfortable and stress-free. It’s important to take into account what time of year you are visiting, and what kind of activities you will be taking part in. Some packing essentials include:
Comfortable clothing
Not to forget pyjamas, underwear, and comfortable shoes if you’ll be taking part in walking tours. Please note: Closed, flat shoes must be worn when partaking in CERN tours, and walking around the facility.
Weather-appropriate gear
This could include a rain jacket and wellies in the rainy season, or a sunhat in the summer.
Toiletries
For overnight stays, remember to pack toothbrushes, shower essentials, and extras such as sunscreen and hand sanitiser.
Identification and documents
Passports, travel itineraries, and any necessary permissions or medical information.
Learning materials
To allow students to make the most out of their learning experience, ensure they bring notebooks, pens, and any pre-assigned educational materials.
Safety considerations
Throughout your school trip to CERN, safety is paramount. Alongside your usual risk assessment, there are a few things you need to take into account to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your students. These include:
- Maintaining appropriate adult-to-student ratios throughout the duration of your school trip
- Ensuring you have a trained first-aider in your group at all times
- Being aware of any medical conditions your students may require support with, and checking that they have any necessary medications
- Verify medical insurance coverage for travel abroad
Additionally, read up on CERN’s safety guidelines in advance and make sure your students are aware of any rules and regulations. Familiarise yourself with any hazards, restrictions, and conditions of entry before you head off on your school trip to CERN.
Things to see and do
Geneva is full of enriching and exciting activities aside from what you might get stuck into at CERN. Even if the purpose is a science school trip to Geneva, there are plenty of other learning experiences to take advantage of.
Making the most out of your CERN school trip
You’ll likely only spend one day of your school trip at CERN, so maximise the experience with some of these activities:
- Take a tour of the CERN facility, and partake in lab workshops
- Learn about the Large Hadron Collider and the experiments it is involved in
- Visit the Microcosm Exhibition, an interactive exhibit that explains CERN’s research and technology
- Explore the Globe of Science and Innovation, a unique building that hosts exhibitions and events focused on science and technology
- Arrange for a Q&A session or talk with a CERN scientist to learn about their work and experiences
Remember
In order to go on a school trip to CERN you will need to book with them directly. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
While we handle everything else about your trip to Geneva to visit CERN, teachers themselves have to make group bookings on the CERN website.
Click the following link to open the CERN website and book your CERN visit.
Availability for guided tours is limited and the booking calendar is opened up 9 months ahead on a daily rolling basis. To make sure you get your ideal tour date, mark on your calendar when it will become available or select a date with current availability. Once booked, we can handle the rest.
Exploring Geneva
In addition to visiting CERN, here are some other things you can see and do in Geneva to enrich your students’ learning experience:
- Go on a sustainability walking tour and learn about Geneva’s aim to be “100% renewable by 2025”
- Set sail on a cruise across Lake Geneva, enjoying both scenic views and historical sites
- Learn about the city’s rich heritage with a tour of Geneva’s Old Town, one of Switzerland’s most significant historical areas
These hands-on educational and cultural attractions, and many more, will make for a school trip your students will never forget. Inspire learning through experiences.
Find out more about school trips to Geneva
Booking a school trip to Geneva couldn’t be easier than with our help. Simply get in touch for a quote, or to request more information. We tailor trips to you based on your goals, requirements, and budget. All you will need to do is book your day at CERN.
If you’re still not sure Geneva is the place for your science school trip, you can take a look at what makes a science trip to Geneva with WST the perfect learning experience for your students.
