School bringing kids to matches during school time? Is this the norm?

[Sonicgirl56]

I had an email from the school today to say the school is in a cup final & they want as many kids from y4 up to support the team at the final. Coach transport arranged at a small extra fee. This is OK but this is the third time this year the kids have been brought to support the team. They are all missing a full day (so three days out of school due to supporting the matches). It is optional, ds really wants to go so I have given permission but is this the norm?

I've never heard of children not on the team going to support. DS played a lot of sport throughout primary and secondary and regularly missed the last part of a Wednesday/Friday afternoon for one match or another. But they never took supporters.

I'd see what other parents in the year are doing. I wouldn't be pleased but if he's one of only a few not going, they won't be giving them any lesson. It will be go sit and do some work in the library or something.

I asked ds & he said quite a few aren't going as the match bus won't be back in time for the school buses. I gather not much more will be done as the email stated teachers will be staying behind for remaining staff..

Seems to be a big deal in the dc's school if the team make any big finals...

I remember this happening back in my day and we had some fabulous afternoons out supporting the rugby team. We actually couldn't care less if they won or not but it was a fun afternoon and I have some great memories.

@SparkyBlue ds can't wait but it's the third time this year. Three fill days of learning gone cheering on cup finals!

My DC's school have matches every Wednesday in school hours plus there are various one day tournaments but only the teams go, and those kids have to catch up the work. I wouldn't be impressed with DC missing school to just go and watch a school football match. Sporty kids already think they rule the school- no need to encourage them

The first time it was a real novelty & I thought this is great for school spirit etc.. The second time was to cheer on the girls team & I was pleased that they were getting the same support & encouragement as the boys teams.. Now the trip next week is another full day out. Even if he stays behind (which he really doesn't want to!) no learning will be done as only a few teachers staying back to supervise the kids who weren't given permission...

Would the school be happy for you to decide to take a week's holiday during term time or is their education to important for that?

I personally wouldn't mind but I can not stand the hypocrisy from schools.

One of my dc played a huge amount of sport in Years 5 and 6, and it was very unusual for even the team to miss any school.
How can it be taking all day ?

It was nice when they were in a big County final, and the school encouraged their peers to come and cheer them on, but, again, it was after school (I think the Team got to leave 30mins early, and spectators left at the end of school).

Yes at my school we could go and watch the team play in finals of tournaments etc - it was great! Very good for school/class/team morale. It was optional but most kids went.

'I had an email from the school today to say the school is in a cup final & they want as many kids from y4 up to support the team at the final. Coach transport arranged at a small extra fee. This is OK but this is the third time this year the kids have been brought to support the team. They are all missing a full day (so three days out of school due to supporting the matches). It is optional, ds really wants to go so I have given permission but is this the norm?'

It's May, school is almost done! Let them have some fun. Maybe you could give your DC some extra maths ...