Couldn't afford a school trip and I feel guilty

mrcow

Becles wrote: »

It amused me that parents wanting to take their children on holiday have to beg for permission and then get a leaflet from the LEA about the damage they are doing to their children by taking time off school - blah blah blah.

However, it's ok for school to take some children away for a week long holiday in term time, and the ones left behind have a week off lessons.

Double standards and all that!

Except that it's not double standards in the fact that no "lessons" are being missed. No "catching up" has to be done.

For many kids (at least for those who don't belong to Cubs or Brownies) this is the only opportunity they will have for such a trip away without parents. Do you not think that it's beneficial to the children involved? Certainly I went on a very similar trip for four days way, way back in 1982 so it's no new thing being offered (and my primary school was as rough as any back then).

Fang_3

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Those who can afford it can do it out of school time, then poorer kids don't feel discriminated against and all are happy.

Edited to add, school is for learning NOT holidays.

Can you afford it?

Actually, often they can't. Often families can't afford for them all to do something, but can afford for their child to do it.

School is for all round learning, not just sitting in a classroom.

It's criminal that the majority of children will lose out because a few can't afford it.

ALIBOBSY

I don't understand this. At our school the children on free school meals get a much subsidised price on the trips. So say the £250 week away for just £45. It also says on the letter if you are not on benefits but struggling to pay to contact them and they will try to help.

Mind you its a church school and has an active link to the church and an active PTFA who are always fundraising so perhaps the money comes from there somehow.

My son was due a trip in year 5 (3 days)and then they do a week in year 6. I would have struggled to cover both if he wanted, but he decided he didn't want to be away from us in yr5. As it happened his best mate couldn't go either and they had a great week in school (and got to finish at lunch on friday). He then decided he did want to do the yr6 trip and enjoyed it, but agree these trip are very expensive.

ali x

Fang_3

ALIBOBSY wrote: »

I don't understand this. At our school the children on free school meals get a much subsidised price on the trips. So say the £250 week away for just £45.

Which is another thing that is entirely wrong. People on benefits should not be able to do things that many working families cannot.

athensgeorgia

Spoke to DD yesterday and she had a fun day from all accounts they played rounders and watched the football for 30 minutes which she said was boring lol, and today she did Dance, P.E and Art. And tomorrow she needs to take some food to contribute to a picnic tomorrow.

I don't feel so bad at least shes having fun.

juno

When I was in year 6, we all went on a school trip to Whitby. It was for half a week, but over 2 weeks so roughly a quarter of the year went at a time. Anyway, for some reason I went during the second week when most of my class went during the first week.

So in effect I was left behind at school during a school trip

But I had a lovely time! I still remember it now. I actually remember more about the week at school than the trip.

Stephb1986_2

If it's any help when I was a kid my mum was a single parent with two kids with a part time job she couldn't really afford for us to go on school trips my dad is a low life and wouldn't put his hand in his pocket to clothe my backside or feed my belly but he put his hand in his pocket for ale. My brother went on school trips because his dad was always buying him, I knew my mum felt bad about me not being able to go on school trips but she made them times we had together fun.

My mum did her best for me at the end of the day is what I'm trying to say I don't hold it against her or anything times were tough and thats just life.

I hope your not feeling too bad about it.

Steph xx

suited-aces

OP, it's not that long since I was in your daughter's position, (well, 10-15 years, but it's all relative!) and I can assure you that it's not as bad as you think. Being back at school in that situation is quite a fun novelty, and the few trips that I did get on were always a bit of a let down and an anti climax.

samandona

Fang wrote: »

Which is another thing that is entirely wrong. People on benefits should not be able to do things that many working families cannot.

Yet another post I totally agree with. I understand the logic behind it, but it really does nothing to teach children than life must be paid for and does not come free.

Wine_of_the_World

athensgeorgia wrote: »

I honestly think our school is just money money money though DD2 came home with a letter yesterday for a day in school on a Saturday doing a Grabbitas thing at a cost of £38. The letters not worded very carefully but seems to suggest its for gifted children who have been picked. I'd find the money for that if it is the case. I want to encourage my very abled child. I just need to investigate Grabbitas. Unless anyone can inform me.

I've just had a quick read throught this - perhaps you have come across totally wrong but it seems you can afford to send your daughter on a trip - but only if it's only for gifted children -overwise you wont bother??