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Original poster

Mumsnet poll needed. If you had a year 7 child...

57 replies

seeker · 15/03/2013 18:10

would you take him out of school for a week in June to go to a Tall Ships Festival in Rouen with his dad? Staying on a tall ship that's part of the festival- helping to manage the ship, show visitors round- and seeing Madness live......you would, wouldn't you? Even if you are massively against holidays in school time?

OP posts:
morethanpotatoprints · 16/03/2013 14:44

Like a shot, can we come too please. Far more educational than school
Go for it!

adeucalione · 16/03/2013 14:41

Without any hesitation at all, and our school would probably approve it too.

wheresthebeach · 16/03/2013 12:35

Yep!

Takver · 16/03/2013 11:14

I would be surprised if the school wouldn't ok it. DD is in Sea Cadets, several of the older cadets (in yr 7 / 8) went for a week on a training ship in term time, & it was definitely fine with the schools, I remember talking to a couple of the parents about it.

teacherandguideleader · 16/03/2013 08:01

That's not a holiday, it is an educational experience. Through managing the ship he will learn about how the ship operates, and will also develop team work skills. Showing visitors around will help develop communication skills (presumably some may not speak English so he will have 'barriers of communication' to take into consideration). This will also enable him to develop leadership skills. Does he do French at school? He will also get the opportunity to practice his French skills, and learn a lot of history and maybe geography.

:)

Original poster
seeker · 15/03/2013 20:07

Erebus- I would be happy to. If I had ever "vilified as feckless" anyone in even remotely similar circumstances.

OP posts:
Blu · 15/03/2013 19:47

YES!

Tall ships, how exciting.

timidviper · 15/03/2013 19:41

Yes. Some friends of ours took DS to Egypt with them and their DS and, as the boys were at different schools with different half terms we had to ask for time off. We just told the school the plans of where they would visit and that they would also have some sports coaching while there (just making clear it was not a beach holiday). Got a nice letter from the head saying he was very envious!

FlatsInDagenham · 15/03/2013 19:35

Yes - he'll learn far more than he would in that same week at school.

JourneyThroughLife · 15/03/2013 19:33

Yes, I'd take him out without question, if the school weren't keen I wouldn't be asking, I'd be telling them he was going.....

DameFanny · 15/03/2013 19:27

Hell yes. Room for a year 4 and his mother?

Talkinpeace · 15/03/2013 19:23

Get him to take pictures, write a diary and get everybody in the class a small pressie and
LIKE A SHOT

I took mine to Germany for a week when they were in Primary (DH working there)
We brought back our pictures of Hamelin and the teacher had a ready made topic for the week!!

I also took mine out of school for a family funeral overseas and again they took back enough info to make a topic of it so school cared not a jot.

Disney on the other hand Biscuit

poppydoppy · 15/03/2013 19:05

I sure would. These are memories that will last a lifetime. I hope he has a great time.

insancerre · 15/03/2013 19:02

yes
of course

Erebus · 15/03/2013 19:00

Yes, but you'd need to make public apology to everyone you'd vilified as feckless, irresponsible parents when they took DC out of school on holiday. And recognising that your OP was written in a biased, how could anyone deny their child this wonderful, educational experience? way.

And do try to reign in the hypocrisy in future! Many of us, yes, me included, should ponder that!

Sorry, being a bit 'heavy' on a Friday night but it is something to bear in mind. Hope DS has a wonderful and educational experience Grin

Thisisaeuphemism · 15/03/2013 18:55

Can he invite another yr 7 who he doesn't know and that year 7s mother? Sounds brilliant.

ThreeBeeOneGee · 15/03/2013 18:55

Sounds very cool.

Original poster
seeker · 15/03/2013 18:53

Ooh- I'm getting excited for him now- he's going to have such a fab time......!!!!!

OP posts:
lljkk · 15/03/2013 18:48

YES.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 15/03/2013 18:38

No Wink
But I might take him out to spend a week
Practicing his foreign language skills
Learning about social, economic and maritime history
Studying the Hundred Years War and the story of Joan of Arc
Polishing his public speaking and presentation skills

BrianButterfield · 15/03/2013 18:30

I'm a teacher and I'd be OK with that - much better than the crap most kids get taken out for. As long as you train him not to say "but I was awaaaaay for that" for the next three weeks as it's very annoying.

sandyballs · 15/03/2013 18:26

Definitely as long as he isn't struggling at school or behind.

Niceweather · 15/03/2013 18:24

Yes, say that it's a "once in a lifetime opportunity". This is a circumstance that they should approve.

fieldfare · 15/03/2013 18:15

Absolutely!

BooksandaCuppa · 15/03/2013 18:14

This, I feel certain, would be approved at my school.