should I send my DD on expensive school trip?

Mojisola

banson wrote: »

Anyway the PTA were apparently right behind the trip (I think some of the funds go to them) and its a new head teacher at the school, Im sure he didnt want to rock the boat and incurr the wrath of the PTA and the trip is now going ahead.

As a governor of many years, I would hope this is not the case. The PTA is there to raise funds for the school, not to make money out of the pupils!

Our PTA organised events so that the cost of trips could be subsidised to make life easier for parents.

jellyhead

banson wrote: »

1) is it normal for schools to send kids on residentials in yr5 AND yr6
2) did you feel it would affect her if she DIDNT go

Yes, it is normal. Here they go on the trip either at the end of year 4 or during year 5, and then they go again in year 6. Ours is not a posh school, it's on a midlands council estate.

My (very babyish and young for his age!) was still 8 when he went on his trip and he had no problems. It was me who was upset and anxious.

As for how it would affect her I think that depends on whether it is usual for everyone to go. Sometimes there are school trips and only half of the kids go, or whatever - but if yours would be the ONLY child not to go then I think that would probably have more of an effect, but every child is different.

*Robin*

OP, have you checked whether the school has a social fund which awards discretionary grants to help pay for these trips, for those who are on a low income?

Even if they don't, £60 a day for everything that will be provided does not sound too ridiculous, and there's plenty of time to save up. In your shoes I'd stand up to your hubby this time - because your DD wants to go with her new friends, and will surely benefit from being included. More importantly, she will certainly feel more excluded if she doesn't go. Also, as Becles says happened to her boys; your DD may end up 'wasting' the school-time while her class is on the trip anyway.

jellyhead

Mojisola wrote: »

As a governor of many years, I would hope this is not the case. The PTA is there to raise funds for the school, not to make money out of the pupils!

Our PTA organised events so that the cost of trips could be subsidised to make life easier for parents.

Yes, it's more likely that the PTA is subsidising the cost or paying for the coach. They won't be making a profit on the trip. Our school trip letters always say that the PTA is paying some towards the cost.

banson

I can afford the trip as I have been saving a tenner a month and already paid the deposit...I asked OH to stump up half but of course he is refusing!!!!

I wouldnt dream of approaching the school for assistance!
I'd rather go without lunch for a month!

Sorry for my "chip on the shoulder" mood....I know driving a mercedes and appearing to have lots of money might not mean you are well off...it might be all done on credit cards!

Oldernotwiser

pigpen wrote: »

Why is that expensive???

My daughter has gone on residentials with school in year 4 and 5 and is going again in September when she will be in year 6.. this one is £185.. heavily subsidised by council and charity and school grants.. it should have been £360 without the grants. She is also going on one with church in August which is also heavily subsidised and has 2/3rds paid so it £35 per child, I have 2 going.. 1 in yr 3 and the one in yr 5 currently.

I think you are being bit of skinflint, I saved her child benefit and paid it with that.. but she has gone without loads of new clothes this summer!.. but if you can't afford it don't send her.. simple as! checking back to your post.. You will have had a year to pay for this anyway.. that makes it a few £'s a week.. I honestly don't understand what your gripe is.

Mine is also going 3 nights..

3 nights, 4 days worth of meals, CRB checked, first aid trained staff plus the costs of the accomodation AND transport AND insurance... how much would you expect it to be?!

I don't think it's expensive either.

ETA. I think your main problem is your husband and the way he seems to be so unsupportive of your daughter's education. Is there a reason for this?

Fly_Baby

banson wrote: »

Anyway the PTA were apparently right behind the trip (I think some of the funds go to them) and its a new head teacher at the school, Im sure he didnt want to rock the boat and incurr the wrath of the PTA and the trip is now going ahead.

I was a Treasurer at my son's school PTA for 1,5 years and would be very suprised if that was the case! PTA's job is to raise funds FOR the school, not to take the money OFF it. And what would PTA need money for?

At our school, PTA could suggest and would often part-fund activities and it might well be happening at your daughter's school too.

banson

The money is coming from my daughters account as I have been sticking a tenner a month in there to cover the cost of the trip...better there than in a coffee jar where it could be dipped into surely? Do you think I would take money from my own DD to pay for her school trips????? goodness me, i must really come across as a cow.

Oldernotwiser

banson wrote: »

The money is coming from my daughters account as I have been sticking a tenner a month in there to cover the cost of the trip...better there than in a coffee jar where it could be dipped into surely? Do you think I would take money from my own DD to pay for her school trips????? goodness me, i must really come across as a cow.

Sorry, I had second thoughts about writing that, which was why I edited my post.

anna-marie

Hi,
I can really sympathise with you about the constant requests for money and other donations. I've got 3 kids in school and I have to send in cakes, raffle prizes, buy raffle tickets, sponsor the kids, donate old clothes/phones, money for day trips, "voluntary" contributions etc etc daily. It's usually the PTA trying to raise money for something or other...so annoying. I always send something in though coz I don't want the kids feeling left out, even if it is sometimes (as last week) just a smartprice bottle of shower gel that cost 8p!!

My kids love going on the various school trips and I think they get a lot out of them so I would definitely send your daughter (if she wants to). Yes, they've been on residentials in year 5. They even took a group of year 4, 5 and 6 to Germany for a week. That was mega expensive for me because I had 2 kids going! The outward bound trip they have is for years 5 and 6 and it costs £240 for 4 nights so I think yours sounds cheap.

Sounds like it's your OH giving you the reservations about it. It will be a memorable experience for your daughter and she should go if you can afford it. Maybe you need to work on convincing your OH it's a good opportunity for her...