Secondary School Homework - Can they make you "spend" money

[ees3dc]

My daughter is in year 10 at secondary school and for history homework has to visit a castle. Those who don't must make two models of a castle rather than one.

So it seems to me that families without transport are being penalized or pressured into taking a trip to the nearest castle (30 mile round trip) for a Yr10 homework assignment. I'm thinking of only letting my daughter take one castle homework and a letter saying she will not be pressured into taking a trip at our expense.

What also winds me up is that my elder daughter sitting GCSEs at the same school tells me her Science teacher is an R.E teacher and they watch videos in lessons of Downton Abbey! (she's pretty sensible and would not exagerate).

Any thoughts?

[Leeds2]

We get suggestions for educational activities during the summer holiday, typically museums, castles, art galleries to visit, books to read, lectures to attend, musical recitals to go to etc. Most are free, although cost to get there. They suggest each DC do at least 3, and the list always says that DC will be asked what they have done when they go back to school in September. DD is in Lower Sixth, and hasn't yet been asked!

I think requiring DC to go to a castle is a bit off. They are not always easily accessible (not everyone has a car), and it can be expensive to pay the entrance fees. Can't imagine many Year 8s wanting to make a model of a castle either.

It's sad the students don't make the most of those opportunities, FallenMadonna.

[Iwantacampervan]

My youngest made a model of a castle in year 8 out of chocolate cake - there were several cake creations brought in!

[Leeds2]

That is a fabulous idea!

[mummytime]

30 mile round trip doesn't sound far to me... thats just 15 miles away - is public transport difficult? Does it have to be that castle? Are any friends going, could you and a friends parents do a deal: so one of you takes 2 of them to the castle?

[Momzilla82]

Erm. how would a photo of them at a bouncy CASTLE go down? With a description of the typical features of a castle (mound, turrets etc) that you didn't manage to find on your excursion?!?

Teacher is being a prick. I'd be tempted to point out why this was unfair

[leccybill]

Bouncy castle is a superb idea.

[Lancelottie]

Make castle. Photograph child by model castle. If feeling clever, put model castle very near the camera and child further away.

[lljkk]

Castle models can be pretty simple?
Everything is 15 miles away for us, and we live in southern England.

[BarbarianMum]

You are unhappy about taking your dd 15 miles to visit a castle even though it will undoubtedly make learning about them more interesting? Maybe she could go on her own or with a friend?

Or send in your letter by all means. I'm sure knowing that your dd has missed out on a valuable educational experience will give her teacher long, sleepless nights