Religious Trips and Time off from school

aaroncaz

Do you really need 3 weeks? That does seem to be rather a long time to do Haj , isn't it 5 days? If you are adding time on for sightseeing etc, that seems unfair on parents who can't have the same time off in term time.

Gloomendoom

starM wrote: »

I would have thought all schools follow similar policies.

I suspect that our local school would have to Google Hajj before they adopted any policy with regard to it.

Mojisola

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I suspect that our local school would have to Google Hajj before they adopted any policy with regard to it.

If that's the case, suggest that one of next year's training days is spent on diversity issues!

I was a governor at a school whose children were almost 100% local and white. We felt it was really important that they were given experience of other cultures and a range of religions because they would be meeting a variety of people in their adult years and shouldn't be held back through ignorance of others' lives.

SW17

starM wrote: »

I couldn't find anything on our school website relating to religious holidays. It only mention 2 weeks in exceptional circumstances.

I have been searching around and found something on http://www.thevalley.bolton.sch.uk/index.php/key-info/19-holiday-leave

which states:-

Hajj – the school judges Hajj to be a once in a lifetime event. Parents may wish to consider the nature of Hajj and whether it is suitable for children of a primary age. A request for Hajj may result in permission being granted in excess of 10 days but never more than 20 days. Once approval has been granted documentary evidence, such as plane tickets and accommodation details will need to be presented to show that Hajj is being observed. This will be classed as extended leave within the keystage and once granted cannot be requested again.

I would have thought all schools follow similar policies.

The schools in your area may follow similar policies, but it's not guaranteed, you really need to try and check locally (or get a friend/relative to check with the education authority if you are worried about "giving the game away" to the school).

SW17

aaroncaz wrote: »

Do you really need 3 weeks? That does seem to be rather a long time to do Haj , isn't it 5 days? If you are adding time on for sightseeing etc, that seems unfair on parents who can't have the same time off in term time.

The core of Hajj is 5-6 days, but the trips are usually in the 2-3 week range. In news that may "disturb the force" on this site, you can't DIY Hajj, everyone has to go on organised package tours. Those tours may be as short as 10-11 days (those ones tend to be expensive, though few are cheap), but more likely the longer durations.

It's a once in a lifetime pilgrimage for most Muslims. With respect, I don't think the OP is looking for our opinion / advice on whether / when / how they should perform Hajj, just some practical advice about the school situation.

Heliflyguy

SW17 wrote: »

It's a once in a lifetime pilgrimage

So a bit like Glastonbury but longer.

silvercar

SW17 wrote: »

The core of Hajj is 5-6 days, but the trips are usually in the 2-3 week range. In news that may "disturb the force" on this site, you can't DIY Hajj, everyone has to go on organised package tours. Those tours may be as short as 10-11 days (those ones tend to be expensive, though few are cheap), but more likely the longer durations.

It's a once in a lifetime pilgrimage for most Muslims. With respect, I don't think the OP is looking for our opinion / advice on whether / when / how they should perform Hajj, just some practical advice about the school situation.

If it is really a once in a lifetime experience then I don't see the value of doing it when you are only young.

ThumbRemote

silvercar wrote: »

If it is really a once in a lifetime experience then I don't see the value of doing it when you are only young.

Are you a practicing Muslim?

Voyager2002

SW17 wrote: »

The core of Hajj is 5-6 days, but the trips are usually in the 2-3 week range. In news that may "disturb the force" on this site, you can't DIY Hajj, everyone has to go on organised package tours. Those tours may be as short as 10-11 days (those ones tend to be expensive, though few are cheap), but more likely the longer durations.

It's a once in a lifetime pilgrimage for most Muslims. With respect, I don't think the OP is looking for our opinion / advice on whether / when / how they should perform Hajj, just some practical advice about the school situation.

It would be so much simpler, as well as being more affordable, to do a pilgrimage to Canterbury. I am told that you get to hear some good stories on the way as well!

Have you considered converting to the Church of England? After all, we all worship the same God...

SW17

silvercar wrote: »

If it is really a once in a lifetime experience then I don't see the value of doing it when you are only young.

My understanding from the OP's posts is that the reason for going now is mainly driven by the age of their parents, who I'd guess want to do it while they still can manage the trip. As to why they want to take one of their children, up to them as far as I'm concerned.

Voyager2002 wrote: »

It would be so much simpler, as well as being more affordable, to do a pilgrimage to Canterbury. I am told that you get to hear some good stories on the way as well!

Have you considered converting to the Church of England? After all, we all worship the same God...

Yawn. So you know what my religion is? Please do share your psychic insight.