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Secondary education

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Original poster

Yr 9 school trip to Uni, DD not picked to go

18 replies

Magdelanian · 14/11/2007 14:00

DD is set on striving to get to university and thinking about the cost etc (I tell her not to worry yet). School are taking half her year for a look round a uni and to discuss student finance etc but DD isnt one of them. She's a bit miffed. They filled out a form recently to say what they wanted to do and she put she intended to go. Not usually one to make a fuss but I'm a bit baffled as to why she carnt go. Any ideas?

OP posts:
Yorkshirepudding · 14/11/2007 14:02

Message withdrawn

Earlybird · 14/11/2007 14:17

Is it possible they didn't receive her form? Are there others who wanted to go on the trip who have been left out?

Original poster
Magdelanian · 14/11/2007 14:30

The forms were completed in school and handed in. No idea if there will be another trip. The ones that are going were handed a letter yesterday. She thought at first it was to encourage the disinterested but her friend got the letter and she also put that she hopes to go to uni. It all sounds a bit random.

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Piffle · 14/11/2007 14:33

I'd ring and ask directly

spacemanspiff · 14/11/2007 14:38

our school recently did a trip for pupils who would not necessarily consider uni a viable option for them for a host of reasons. we specifically did not include students who were just about definitely off to uni - based on achievement, not finance. (they didn't discuss finance)

Blandmum · 14/11/2007 14:42

If they can only take half the year, then half the kids may well be disapointed. the uni may have limits on how many kids they can take at one time, and the school may have limits regarding numbers of teachers for supervision

Original poster
Magdelanian · 14/11/2007 14:53

I realise about the restriction on numbers. Just seems a shame as she would have got a lot out of the day. Noticed her playing the dissapointment down in front of her mates as they tease her a bit for being 'a swot'. Carnt decide whether to let it be or check with school if any spare places. I'll see how she feel tonight.

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PrettyCandles · 14/11/2007 14:54

She should ask her teacher about this, herself. Not "Why wasn't I picked to go", but "When will the rest of us be going on our trip to visit a university?".

mylittleponey · 14/11/2007 14:58

also I'd call the school up & get an explanation

Original poster
Magdelanian · 14/11/2007 15:00

Thanks PC, I told her to ask about it which she wont. That's a good way to broach it.

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Ellbell · 14/11/2007 15:08

Magdelanian... we do run these sorts of visits for schools and there are, I think, limits on numbers. (Sorry to be vague - I have been involved in things like 'taster sessions' for the kids who come, but not with the actual organisation.) It depends on the event... sometimes there are several different schools involved, so there will be a limited number from each. Sometimes it will be linked to a specific subject so your dd may be picked to go on one that's closer to the kinds of things she's interested in. However, I do think it's worth taking this up, and the way that PC put it is very good.

If this doesn't work, contact one or two of your local institutions and ask to speak to the Admissions Officer or Widening Participation Officer (here it's the latter who deals with all contacts with schools) and ask about events/open days/whatever for Year 9 pupils. There is bound to be stuff.

HTH

Original poster
Magdelanian · 14/11/2007 21:27

Thanks for all your advice and insight. DD has decided to accept that she has lost out this time, as there will be other opportunities to look round. Just a quick rant before I go. The government are going to have to give uni ed the hard sell as this is the first generation to be saddled with crippling tuition fees. How can they do this to our kids?

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Ellbell · 14/11/2007 23:13

Couldn't agree more about fees, Magdelanian ( and ).

Where do you live? Your dd can come in to work with me one day...

roisin · 15/11/2007 05:07

Our school runs lots of this sort of thing, but it comes from "Aim Higher" money, and the focus is always on children from less advantaged backgrounds and also children who are not currently considering HE, but should be iyswim.

But we wouldn't take half the year. Half the year is a lot - are you sure that's correct?

I would phone the school and ask for clarification on this one.

Original poster
Magdelanian · 15/11/2007 16:19

Ellbell, We are in Cumbria. Roisin, half the year would be 55ish. It could be "Aim Higher". DD thinks they didnt ask her because she put that I'd been in HE. I havent, just FE, she got mixed up but an easy mistake to make nowadays .

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roisin · 15/11/2007 17:33

That could be correct though M. Aim Higher (and other similar) money can be linked to whether or not parents have been in HE themselves, and there are other indicators too.

PS Wish we had 55 in half the year

Ellbell · 15/11/2007 18:35

I am in Yorkshire, M (prefer not to give exact details on here), and teach modern langs. If you want me to put you in touch with our Widening Participation person (who's lovely and could probably send your dd some info through the post even) feel free to CAT me.

Original poster
Magdelanian · 15/11/2007 19:17

Roisin, its is Aim Higher she saw it on the letter. She's even more cheesed off today as one friend that wasnt going has been put in for it since, her teacher thought it beneficial for her friend! Ellbell, thanks I will do that

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