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Original poster

Once in a lifetime trip - 3 weeks off school

935 replies

XMissPlacedX · 14/12/2023 20:27

My daughter has always wanted to go to Disney world Florida, but due to funds I've not been able to afford it. She is 14.

Her aunty who is quite well off and has a daughter the same age (my dd's cousin ) goes to Disney world Florida every 2 years and has offered to take my dd next year for 3 weeks.

The problem is it's the first 3 weeks of the school term ( September 2024). I've asked her if there was anyway of going in the summer holidays and she said it would double their cost and it would be cheaper for them to pay the school fine .

What do I do ? Do I say yes or no ? I would love for my dd to go but am not sure how much the fine would be and what impact missing that amount of school would cause.

I'm really torn

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 16/12/2023 20:57

But they still achieved an Oxbridge degree, which most people don't.

Proudmum17 · 16/12/2023 21:01

Perhaps because they don't go to Disney instead of three weeks of school?? It was MAD at one point we walked in metal grating destined for the ISS. This stuff does things for kids minds.

Please believe we didn't think they'd achieve oxbridge. But we did think they needed to be open minded.

FoxClocks · 16/12/2023 21:15

Are GCSEs really that content heavy these days? Maybe that explains the massive leap in mental health issues amongst our teens. When I was doing my GCSEs I switched schools between the two years and had to change some of my subjects but I still did quite well.

ThanksItHasPockets · 16/12/2023 21:21

I hope your DC are comfortable with you posting such specific details about them online, @Proudmum17.

Proudmum17 · 16/12/2023 21:21

@foxclocks well said

cestlavielife · 16/12/2023 21:21

Proudmum17 · 16/12/2023 20:33

Travel opens their minds to exploration other cultures adventure and I believe encourages them to work harder to continue experiencing it.

3 weeks at disneyland exposes to which cultures exactly?

If op had said three weeks trekking round Africa or South America then that is different...disneyland is going to expose to what?? Rides and fried chicken?

Proudmum17 · 16/12/2023 21:23

My kids love how proud I am of them @ThanksItHasPockets . The rest of your weird point is lost in me

InflatableSanta · 16/12/2023 21:23

FoxClocks · 16/12/2023 21:15

Are GCSEs really that content heavy these days? Maybe that explains the massive leap in mental health issues amongst our teens. When I was doing my GCSEs I switched schools between the two years and had to change some of my subjects but I still did quite well.

My friends and I used to regularly crawl round the classroom and swap places with each other and see if the teacher noticed in one subject, we still got As Grin. But we sort of knew we were doing fine and that's why we mucked about. Again, only Op can know what the likely impact is on her child

Proudmum17 · 16/12/2023 21:24

@cestlavielife I believe I've answered that point. If you disagree with my thoughts that's fine either way me. Please enunciate your thoughts I'd be interested to hear them

ThanksItHasPockets · 16/12/2023 21:25

Proudmum17 · 16/12/2023 21:23

My kids love how proud I am of them @ThanksItHasPockets . The rest of your weird point is lost in me

Excuse me?

StarlightLime · 16/12/2023 21:26

@Proudmum17 's posts are extremely odd.

Tiredalwaystired · 16/12/2023 21:31

FoxClocks · 16/12/2023 21:15

Are GCSEs really that content heavy these days? Maybe that explains the massive leap in mental health issues amongst our teens. When I was doing my GCSEs I switched schools between the two years and had to change some of my subjects but I still did quite well.

Yes. My daughter has 24 exam papers to sit. (Comprehensive education).

Proudmum17 · 16/12/2023 21:40

Not every kid is the same. Each parent needs to find their own kid's USP to help and encourage them. I hope you all do that. OP. You know your daughter. Decide on expansion of the mind is my advice. As you've seen others feel differently. Ask them what the outcome of their decision has been before you follow it x

RampantIvy · 16/12/2023 21:47

FoxClocks · 16/12/2023 21:15

Are GCSEs really that content heavy these days? Maybe that explains the massive leap in mental health issues amongst our teens. When I was doing my GCSEs I switched schools between the two years and had to change some of my subjects but I still did quite well.

Yes, Reforms to GCSEs were introduced in 2015, with the first cohorts taking the new exams in 2017 and 2018 across a range of subjects. The content was increased and is more demanding.

Mumtryingtolivethedream · 16/12/2023 22:47

moomoomoo27 · 15/12/2023 15:29

Learning about Shakespeare got me an English Lit GCSE, which got me a place at university (since it's one of the core required subjects), which got me a job that required a degree, which got me experience to start my own business.

Obviously no one is thinking that learning where the River Severn is directly leads to them becoming a banker or a doctor. You're being too literal.

Show quote history

Not everyone goes to uni to start a business.
Alan sugar never even passed a single o level.
Many other entrepreneurs are self starters there are many roads to your destination.

jammysocks · 16/12/2023 22:57

Why 3 weeks? That's too much for Disney. 1 week is more than enough imo. I would allow the 1 week. Maybe 10 days at a push. But not 3 weeks

jammysocks · 16/12/2023 22:58

@moomoomoo27 me and dh own 4 companies. We didn't go to uni.... just saying.

Daisybuttercup12345 · 16/12/2023 22:59

Definitely not.
She can go in a couple of years when her exams are over.

jwilson22 · 16/12/2023 23:13

Absolutely let her go, once in a lifetime trip, will make absolutely o difference to her grades, send her with a few books (I read my a level English Wuthering Heights on a cruise between Olympia and Istanbul, far more educational than a week in school!)

We all know school grades over the 5 Cs in our day is a waste of time and effort and will have zero impact on later life!

TizerorFizz · 16/12/2023 23:29

Talking of O levels! They were content heavy. We never finished the curriculum so half the exam questions were out of bounds!

Disney is not going to expand anyone’s mind but it’s truly wonderful that council house kids can go! Must be the lower rent paid! So many people cannot afford such luxury and huge expense for their family.

NoThanksymm · 17/12/2023 06:53

Totally let her go.

but also depends on your country and grade and how good the kids is in school.

canada. It won’t matter till highschool.

Iwantmyoldnameback · 17/12/2023 07:11

Why do people think it's a right if passage to go to WDW? It's beyond me and yes I have been there, more than once.
And because of this I am genuinely concerned at a not very travel experienced girl navigating her way through MCO solo. It's a horrible airport and definitely worse since Covid with massive queues to get through Security.

Iwantmyoldnameback · 17/12/2023 07:17

StarlightLime · 16/12/2023 21:26

@Proudmum17 's posts are extremely odd.

Possibly because she is trying to pepper them with incorrectly used words like enunciate.

Mikimoto · 17/12/2023 07:19

The girl doesn't seem so interested in a life-changing experience abroad as much as going on a few rides.
Quite apart from anything else, she sounds far too immature to travel alone: imagine checking in, going through security then having the flight cancelled.
Also wonder what her projected grades are: if they were anything near 9s/8s, she wouldn't even WANT to miss school.

Proudmum17 · 17/12/2023 07:24

@Iwantmyoldnameback I've got a few words I'd like to enunciate but I'd probably get a ban. Have a lovely Sunday