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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think school trip shouldn't be to a creationist zoo?

281 replies

SouperSal · 27/05/2016 08:21

DH and I have issues about animal welfare and creationism.

Class at DD's (non-faith state school) had a trip to a creationist zoo this week and now DDs teacher wants to go. We're not best pleased.

WIBU.

OP posts:
Andrewofgg · 27/05/2016 09:07

Schools should not be teaching ignorance or supporting organisations which do - however well they look after the animals. Object and keep objecting.

MrsJayy · 27/05/2016 09:08

If the welfare is iffy at best then they are going against there own beliefs of gods creatures which is hypocritical keep her off school if you dont want her to go and tell the school why

Original poster
SouperSal · 27/05/2016 09:09

I don't want to give money to this organisation. Their animal welfare appears to be poor, for whatever reason and I do not want to be supporting their creationist agenda by giving them money. There are at least 3 alternative places within the same travelling time with better welfare records and no agenda. I'd happily support a trip there.

OP posts:
elkobadelko · 27/05/2016 09:09

I would complain, I think that zoo is a completely inappropriate place for a school trip. It's not about it being religious, it's about their presentation of nonsense as facts, and mixing of education with religion. A secular school has no place supporting such an establishment.

TeradelFuego · 27/05/2016 09:12

Because as Alice Roberts said in her article:

'' I walked around, reading the posters, and feeling more and more incredulous: robust scientific facts were being distorted, bent out of all recognition, in order to fit with the religious story.''

Quite different from a trip to place of worship.

Having read her article now, I think the school are at fault here. They are doing the children a disservice taking them there, they have obviously not done their research.

BertrandRussell · 27/05/2016 09:12

"When It comes to the beliefs side, I don't get why you would be happy for them to go a mosque or other religious building but not here?"

Don't you?

Original poster
SouperSal · 27/05/2016 09:13

When It comes to the beliefs side, I don't get why you would be happy for them to go a mosque or other religious building but not here

If/when DD does a topic at school on Islam it will be taught as "this is what some people choose to believe, this is where they go to worship" etc. A trip to a mosque would be perfectly reasonable and I'd have no hesitation. (Applies for all religions.)

Their topic this term is animals. Lovely. Learning all about different animals and where they live and what they eat. Then you go to see the animals and get a hefty side dish of religion. It's just not in keeping with the theme. Religious education should be part of the curriculum, but not liberally sprinkled all over other topics!

OP posts:
Alfieisnoisy · 27/05/2016 09:13

Tbh having looked at their website and read what they have to say I would t have a problem with my child visiting. They say quite openly that they don't believe in an either/or scenario but a combination of both. They also encourage people to read for themselves.

Any posters on walls can be discussed with children...they won't just read them and immediately believe what is there for all time.

They have had some breeding successes which is great.

I would let my child attend but be ready to discuss anything afterwards. It doesn't look as though the creationist stuff is too "in yer face" as it were.

I would imagine it's been chosen as it offers th school a cheaper day out than many zoos.

AugustaFinkNottle · 27/05/2016 09:13

curren, can you really not see the difference between visiting a building which is openly religious for the purposes of education about other religions, and visiting something which heavily markets itself as an educational attraction but which is actively pushing a very specific religious agenda?

SalemSaberhagen · 27/05/2016 09:14

Seriously .Curren? Just think about it for 2 seconds.

peacefuleasyfeeling · 27/05/2016 09:14

I've been there, it's a nice day out although the creationist bit is a tad irksome (though I doubt children would be that bothered). Still, this thread is making me chuckle this morning, it's exactly the kind of thing I'd get irritated by, as a matter of principle Grin

MrsJayy · 27/05/2016 09:16

I think you should approach school and tell them is it for school trip this term?

Lweji · 27/05/2016 09:17

I'd be filling an official complaint with the school for having these visits.
It's religion masquerading as science and it's appalling that children are exposed to it by the school. Unless they visit in the context of religious "education".

MaidOfStars · 27/05/2016 09:19

I guess they need might argue that the ark was pretty cramped for space Wink

Original poster
SouperSal · 27/05/2016 09:20

Would be after half term, yes. I have a good relationship with the teacher and the headteacher too. I'll try suggesting alternatives first, for the reasons that the welfare is iffy and the science undermined.

OP posts:
Original poster
SouperSal · 27/05/2016 09:21
OP posts:
Blu · 27/05/2016 09:23

I would seriously question what this visit is doing in the school curriculum. Learning about animals has a string scientific context.

Going to a Mosque, church etc is an insight into different beliefs, it isn't pushing a prescriptive 'these are the facts about the origins of the species' . A visit to this zoo places nature, biology, animals etc in a religiously held belief which is scientifically discredited.

I expect the zoo is offering cheap deals to schools.

Educationally disgraceful.

I would be writing to the Head.

HouseOfBiscuits · 27/05/2016 09:25

YANBU. I wouldn't want to give money to a creationist group either.

I don't think trips to places of worship are the same, because if there was a school trip to a mosque, temple or church etc. I don't think you'd have to give money to them?

MrsJayy · 27/05/2016 09:26

I was thinking that they probably offer cheap deals to schools

SpringerS · 27/05/2016 09:27

YADNBU. I definitely wouldn't allow my son to go there. First and foremost because of the animal welfare issues. But also because there is a difference between teaching about different beliefs and pretending that such beliefs are in anyway an equal alternative to science.

SalemSaberhagen · 27/05/2016 09:27

Nor would they attempt to indoctrinate your children house.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 27/05/2016 09:27

I would imagine it's been chosen as it offers th school a cheaper day out than many zoos

Indeed. Is it cheaper because of poorer animal welfare, or because it is a vehicle to preach creationism, or both?

Cheby · 27/05/2016 09:28

FFS of course YANBU. A visit there is completely different to visiting a place of worship expressly for the purpose of learning about other religions.

I would want to know from the school what the purpose of the visit was. If it's education about animals etc then there are better more appropriate places. If it's education about religion then again there are better places.

MrsJayy · 27/05/2016 09:28

Normally the schools make a donation to a mosque etc as a gesture of good will so its the same as paying

starry0ne · 27/05/2016 09:28

I understand if there are concerns over welfare..Although OP it seems this isn't your reason you are using it to back up what you want to happen.

Have you never seen a curriculum plan.. lots of areas over lap..

I would have no issue with my child going any more than a zoo..He has no interest in animals and would rather stay at school though.