To be furious by the school's attitude to this

[wotnochocs]

DS school have booked a trip during school day which is going to cost £21 per child.
It is not a trip he even particularly wants to go on, and I certainly don't want to pay for.I have explained to the school that DH is self employed and we are feeling the pinch.The teacher yesterday called out the names ofthe children who haven't paid yet and said if they didn't bring the money in tomorrow they would all be in detention.
I rang the school to complain about this and the HofD defended the teachers actions (!)and said that he would speak to the bursar to see if the school would contribute a third of the cost.I pointed out the fact that legally it was a voluntary contribution not a debt and I want my legal rights respected.i would make a small contribution and didn't expect the school to chase me or DS anymore.he was very put out and hung up.I was completely controlled and polite but firm in my position.
Feel very shakey and upset.Surely that is why the govt made such a law to protect people like us from this kind of crap

Ah OK lurcherlover - I examine the Eng Lit paper, & yes, I often wince at the way students have clearly not been taught how to set about the poetry essay.

We're a very successful school re: English GCSE, & I (& the last group I took) did think that PL was all a bit bleedin' obvious . We prefer something a bit more enrichment based for trips.

I concede your point that some schools may find PL invaluable, & we have no way of knowing if this would be the case for the OP. It certainly can't do any harm, & her ds certainly shouldn't be disadvantaged for want of the cost of the trip.