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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that expensive school trips should be banned

654 replies

Nicola10 · 06/06/2013 20:03

Year 8 pupils have, today, left for a school trip to France. Very exciting for them, yes, considering that they will be going to a theme park, as well as educational stuff. But, for the rest of the kids, whose parents could not afford it, including my twins, they have to do normal lessons.

The cost for each child is £400 each!

OP posts:
Ilovemyself · 07/06/2013 11:22

I I do agree about Proms though. Especially from primary school children. Those that send their kids in limos are stupid.

Just teach your kids that those that flash their cash are simply vulgar

Elquota · 07/06/2013 11:23

Or should schools ban proms, fete's, day trips etc because only those who can afford it can go.

No, they should subsidise those who couldn't otherwise go, or think of something else, just as with the expensive trips.

LuisSuarezTeeth · 07/06/2013 11:35

Nilbyname fundraising is good if it benefits the whole school. Some are suggesting you do it if your child can't afford the trip. That's not good.

BaconKetchup · 07/06/2013 11:37

The constant bandying about of the word 'rich' is absolutely pathetic. All parents who can save up £700 for a school trip once or twice in their child's school time are 'rich' now?

Christ.

Midlifecrisisarefun · 07/06/2013 11:39

I have read this thread with interest, Now going back in the mists of time 1960s DH wanted to go on a school trip, he was 'in care', his brother was fostered and the foster family paid for him to go, DH in the children's home didn't go. He STILL resents that and still wants to visit the European country his brother went to. Its the only 'foreign land' he wants to visit! Grin
Our DC are grown up now but they did go on trips. My DC went to different schools both state and independent, on bursaries/scholarships I might add, and there were trips offered at all. Most they couldn't go on because we didn't have the money. We fell into the no mans land of being on NMW or benefits but DCs were at these schools.
DD went to France with the school but was also taken on holiday with friends families and knows she was very, very, fortunate.
DS2 saved up over a 2 yr period by working during the holidays in a local pub, clearing glasses, plates etc. to pay to go trekking in India himself.
DS1 wasn't really interested in the school trips. The music teacher wanted him to go to New York on a choir/music trip DS1 didn't do music but was in the school choir, he refused, the teacher rang me asking me to persuade him Hmm. DS1 went back to him and said ok I will go, the teacher said he would send the letter to us and we could pay in instalments...DS1 said..'ermm ...No, you want me to go...you pay!!' He didn't go!! Grin

DD who is now grown up is trying to arrange a surprise holiday for her father for early next year so that he can finally go. His health is poor with mobility issues.

BaconKetchup · 07/06/2013 11:43

midlifecrisis good point about the working to pay for your own school trips. People at my school worked and fundraised too to pay for their own trips to places like India.

Hullygully · 07/06/2013 11:46

certainly rich compared to the majority, bacon

have you not been out much lately?

BaconKetchup · 07/06/2013 11:50

You think parents who can save up £700 once in about 13 years, possibly with the child also working and saving, are rich.

Clearly you're the one who hasn't been out much...

Hullygully · 07/06/2013 11:54

did you miss "compared"?

irregularegular · 07/06/2013 11:57

I think there should be a clear distinction between term time trips and out of term trips. Term time trips should be closely linked to the course and very carefully chosen for maximum value for money. There also should be very few of them. Those trips should be required and anyone who can't afford them should be subsidised by the school/PTA. Trips that are basically recreational and optional should be taken in the holidays. I think it is inappropriate to offer particularly expensive trips, but since nobody is being left behind in school I'm not that bothered either.

BaconKetchup · 07/06/2013 11:57

Ok.. so rich in relative terms?

Still weird to just divide people into 'rich' and 'poor' like that. Just a bit bizzare.

bumbleymummy · 07/06/2013 11:58

I don't think school trips should be banned simply because some can't afford them. It's just the way of the world, some people can afford things and others can't. I don't think it's acceptable to have compulsory school trips/revision guides etc though. I think rvery

bumbleymummy · 07/06/2013 11:58

Oops! I think everyone is entitled to essentials.

Scholes34 · 07/06/2013 11:59

sillyname - the matter regarding leavers' sweatshirts is easily remedied and should be drawn to the attention of the Head/governors. Our PTA provides t-shirts to all Year 6 leavers, regardless of whether or not they're going on the residential trip. Surely an arrangement can be made so everyone can have a leavers' top.

Hullygully · 07/06/2013 11:59

that is very generous of you bumbleymummy

Hullygully · 07/06/2013 12:01

"rich" and "poor" are shorthand. But useful nonetheless. Those that can afford trips are rich compared to those that can't.

State schools should be inclusive and meritocratic. They are no place for the wealthier to enjoy special privileges.

Ilovemyself · 07/06/2013 12:04

Luisueresteeth. So fund raising should benefit the whole school and not those that could do with the help because their parents are not as wealthy. That's just stupid.

Help those that need it and those that don't pay their way!

BaconKetchup · 07/06/2013 12:05

Is it not meritocratic if someone like midlife's son saves up for 2 years to go on one by working hard?

Ilovemyself · 07/06/2013 12:09

Oh hullygully. How simplistic. In your world then you are going to ban any school trip as some can't afford it.

For those that scrimp and save, find raise or simply beg off relatives this may be the only chance the children get of a holiday or trip abroad.

It is sad that some can't afford it but we can't all have what we want. I want a Ferrari, but it won't happen

BaconKetchup · 07/06/2013 12:12

I agree Ilove

Technotropic · 07/06/2013 12:13

Hully

You are talking about a very small percentage of trips. Most trips are fully inclusive and the schools get funding for those who are in receipt of benefits or are underprivileged. These people are catered for, for all trips up to a few hundred ££'s in our area.

Those that can easily afford to go pay up so what is the problem in 90% of cases?

In fact the problem often lies with those that can afford to pay but who choose not to or, if payment is optional, still do not pay - thus making it worse for everyone.

Despite what people think, schools are not inclusive by their very nature.

Midlifecrisisarefun · 07/06/2013 12:13

I would like to say that the teacher who organised it spoke to me afterwards and said how much he had enjoyed having DS2 on the trip, he knew DS had paid for the whole trip himself, as he had immersed himself in the experience, his enthusiasm, trying new foods, his respect for locals/guides etc...whereas some of his peers had an entitled attitude, constantly complained and behaved in some cases like spoilt little boys!

He worked hard for the money and made the most of the experience.

BaconKetchup · 07/06/2013 12:15

That's really nice midlife Smile

everlong · 07/06/2013 12:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MadeOfStarDust · 07/06/2013 12:19

Midlifecrisisarefun - that brought a tear to my eye - you are entitled (in the BEST way) to be a very proud mum!

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