To Be P***** Off at yet another expensive school trip

[meah]

Hi, my ds has is now starting yr 9 & dd yr 8, in yr 7 a school trip was offered but cost was in the £300s (i forget exactly how much) being so expensive i couldn't afford it and it left both kids gutted when well over half of the kids in their yr got to go. ive just recieved another school trip email (not sure which yr not that it matters) offering a ski holiday trip, abroad for 6 nights for £680. which would be fantastic if i where loaded!! Why cant schools offer school trips that are affordable to all like they're supposed to instead of making those whos parents cant afford it feel left out!!!

[claraschu]

Kids don't care that much if you don't care that much, at least mine don't.

[noblegiraffe]

The vast majority of kids at school do not go on the ski trip.

Any guilt parents feel at not sending their kids is really in their mind. Kids don't get ponies, iphones, trips to Alton Towers all the time because they're too expensive. What is the problem with saying no here?

[JackJacksmummy]

Dd came home with a letter for a trip to morocco - £750 for 5 days.

She's not going, Not only does it mean I'll also have to do it for her brothers on a few years but also it's money I'd prefer to spend on a family holiday!

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Any guilt parents feel at not sending their kids is really in their mind. Kids don't get ponies, iphones, trips to Alton Towers all the time because they're too expensive. What is the problem with saying no here?

I agree noblebut I will save you a seat on the stinkers bench

[Portofino]

Are these trips in the school holidays or term time? If in the holidays, well - they are a nice option. If term time - everyone goes or no-one goes.

Belgian primary schools do 2 "compulsory" trips - one in year 3 to the seaside for a week and one in year 6 skiing for 10 days/2 weeks. Dds school informs you in year 1 of the likely cost and offers a saving account. All the children go though - and there is fund raising at the school to help families who might struggle with the cost.

[Laquitar]

So what is the purpose of those 'opportunities'? That the children will develop a passion for ski? Or are they going to become skiers in 5 days?
As another poster said they could do horseriding in Britain for much less money and as for 'culture' there is plenty here imo.

[shewhowines]

Mine have been on the trips in primary that virtually all go on. (if struggling then help is available) but no way are they going on secondary ones even though we could technically afford it. That cost is a family break for all of us to enjoy. If half of the children are not going, then it is not hard to say no and it is not hard for the DC's to understand why.

[Nanny0gg]

I don't think that school trips should be prohibitively expensive for some/most children.
Yes some children come from wealthier backgrounds and get more than their peers. Out of school that's fine - that's life.
But in school? No. If there is supposedly any educational basis in the trip then all should be able to go. And if it's not educational then should it be based in school at all?

[Floggingmolly]

How does her attitude stink, ClippedPhoenix?
It's just life. It sucks when you can't afford a new Merc every year; but whinging that it's unfair for those who can to avail of the opportunity is both childish and ridiculous.

[OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos]

The purpose is to build independence, to allow children to experience another country, different cultures and see other customs, to enable them to see something that will help broaden their understanding of what they are learning in school, to help them to build social skills by having to share accommodation with their peers and manage their own belongings, to try out a new sport or activity that isn't available in their home country, and because they might just enjoy it!

[ClippedPhoenix]

Judging by the posts that bench isn't very full though at the moment which is heartwarming, it really is.

[OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos]

Why NannyOgg?

Why should only the children with limited family income get consideration from the school? Why shouldn't the school offer enriching opportunities to all of the children they are there to serve?

[ClippedPhoenix]

Have any of you thought how the other children who can't go feel? I just think it's all ridulously unfair and very unnecessary.

[ClippedPhoenix]

ridiculously of course.

[OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos]

They feel a bit disappointed Phoenix. The same as the vast majority of children will feel at some point about one thing or another. It's not the end of the world.

A child that has never been disappointed to not be able to have or do something they want is probably very spoilt.

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Oh Clipped stop being so bloody sensitive. Ok - here's some more stink for you!!

Me and DH moved in together when we were about 20 - we had bugger all money, we both worked full time and then took on a part time job each to make ends meet. DH set up his own building company and was supported by me until he was well established. We only have one child whom we are bringing up to realise that he cant have everything he wants, I dont care if joe bloggs down the road has it, does it or whatever, I only care about him! I dont find saying no to him a problem...... I work full time still and save all I can so that DS can have the odd luxury or two.....I have a property I rent out, DH and I own a holiday home (mortgaged, anyone can do it, it aint that hard) and like I said we work our bloody trollocks off so that if he wants to go on a school trip and I think it's a good one to go on then he can.

We are not unusual, we have had no help, we have no family to give handouts so it can be done.

I cannot bear people who moan and whinge about what they can't afford and think it is unfair that anyone else can afford it- we are in charge of our own destiny so sort it, change it or whatever, just dont moan about it.

There - now I agree, that does stink.......and I suspect there is less room on the stinkers bench than you realise.

[Laquitar]

Yes, but they can teach independence, social skills, managing their belongings etc with few days camping in UK.

And as for different cultures well, china town in Soho, Queensway for arabic culture, Brixton, East london for Asian, Palmers Green for Turkish/Greek...Cheaper

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Plus - I bet a lot of disappointed/deprived kids out there go on to be very driven successful adults.

[ClippedPhoenix]

It's just unnecessary for schools to do this. Peer pressure is hard at the best of times for kids.

This creates a divide of the have's and have nots which doesn't "need" to happen

[MySweetPrince]

DD is going to Poland in 2 weeks time as part of RE course. The cost for 5 days is £580. That includes all entry prices to Auswitch, Cathedrals, Museums etc. That amount may seem a lot but the school allows parents to pay by instalments over 10 months so I am surprised that your school doesn't offer that option as £600 would stretch a lot of parents to pay all in one go. Can you not ask about paying by instalments if you really feel your child is missing out?