So, at the end of first term - feelings re new schools?

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Thanks, Amber, and Stroudydad, for your opinions.

Dh (who isn't usually very interested in the Eleven Plus Forum unless it's to look at photos ) thinks it is wrong and divisive to have such expensive trips. I agree. We pay £1,000 for half our annual holiday for all six of us, to put it into perspective - for us. Everyone's different. You might buy a brand new car - we'd rather have our old car and a holiday, for example.

Of course, I bet the trip will be fantastic (well, I hope so!)

I think itineraries are ok for school trips, but spontaneity on family holidays is brilliant. I really dislike the idea (although I have never been on one so can't totally judge) of an organised holiday, like H**** holidays, where there is constant entertainment and babysitting.

You're right, Amber. My dd2 won't be deprived. I'm a hypocrite. She's going on a 5 day residential doing outdoor pursuits, in July, that's about £300. I shall remind her of that for years.

[DC17C]

These trips do seem very costly. Do the schools provide a break-up how they arrive at the cost? I don't think they put the kids up in 5 star hotels. Can these cost be challenged?

The hotels mentioned do look very nice 4 star - I stayed at one of the possible hotels in my previous life -full time job -before children - it is a very nice hotel. I just don't understand the need to go so far. I also think the kids that would benefit most from such school trips/ enrichment activities are the ones least likely to be able to go.

I went to a private school on a scholarship for my A levels and we had a ski trip to Scotland and stayed in a hostel- and yes we did get have snow- plenty as I recall.

[neveragain*]

Should have called this thread, so at the end of the first term, how are you feeling about the trips your school offers?

[stroudydad]

Sorry Neveragain. X

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Neveragain, do you think there are lots of school trips that cost about £1,000? I'm not sure what would convince me to pay that much ... I'd really like to hear about any other school trips.

Good thing you didn't call this "first term of year six". Would have plenty of negative things to say. So year 7, Happyland, where dc do homework, sounds perfect.

[dr.watson]

Neveragain, do you think there are lots of school trips that cost about £1,000? I'm not sure what would convince me to pay that much ... I'd really like to hear about any other school trips.

depends on the location - http://www.kefw.bham.sch.uk/ke/extra_cu ... ned_visits" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[FluffyCat]

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FluffyCat, £430 sounds reasonable to me. But we couldn't miss our family holiday for anything. We live for them. Love them. The most relaxing, fun, interesting, exciting part of the year. Even dc agree.
Dr Watson, thanks for the info. re trips. They don't look too expensive and not many for year 7.

[RedVelvet]

Two quick things. Couldn't be happier to have chosen Tommies. It's worked out so well. As to trips we were given a list of probable trips up to year 13 with approx costs, at the first parents evening.

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RedVelvet, have no idea what/where Tommies is!

Being given a list of trips plus costs was a good idea. Don't know if it happens at our school, assuming we get there ...