One of the biggest problems restricting access to sites outside urban areas is the huge cost of transport.
The coach needed to take them there can cost hundreds of pounds. Even if the school does manage to set up the trip some families cannot afford to pay for their child to go, unfairly restricting the most disadvantaged children from the brilliant experience of outside learning.
As a Field Teacher on RSPB Nature Reserves I have met thousands of children who enjoy a great day out whilst learning all about our natural environment. Looking under logs and stones for mini beasts, pond dipping and exploring woodlands and fields.
Getting their hands dirty, having fun learning and they love it.
I am also a Wakefield School Governor and some recent examples of just the coach costs for trips:
£650 for a three day trip to Whitby ( two journeys, drop off day one, pick up day three ).
More than £400 for a day trip to Filey
More than £200 for a day trip of less than 20 miles
I would set up a fund to pay for transport to get school trips to the sites they want to visit.
By Roger Parkinson
2012 Octavia Hill Award Winner ( National Trust )
Volunteer Woodland Creation Champion ( The Woodland Trust )
Field Teacher ( RSPB – Fairburn Ings )
2 Comments
I agree with Roger, but I would also love to see teachers taking children on nature walks,identifying bugs and trees and wild flowers and learning where and how our small mammals live. Schools don’t have to be in rural areas for this to happen. Even the most urban areas have the odd hedgerow and lane and waste ground.
Su
I echo your words Rogers. There was a time, not so long ago, when teachers were reluctant to take children on school trips because of health and safety concerns. Much of that confidence has now been restored; now however, enjoyable and educational school trips are going to be axed partly due to a rise in fuel costs. I hope that enough people, in the right places hear about this problem and something is done to change it. I also agree with your comments Su…if we open our eyes, nature is all around us, wherever we live.