I AM a retired teacher of 20 years experience in primary schools in England and Scotland. I am of the opinion that out-of-school trips are of no educational value at all. What is more, if 90 per cent of experienced teachers stood up to be counted they would say the same.
How many more youngsters are to be killed, injured or suffer minor hurts through being herded out of school on school excursions of little or no educational value? We have had our share of such "accidents" in Yorkshire even if we go no further back than one year.
It's time everyone told the truth - everyone from the Minister of Education down through local authorities, chief education officers, school inspectors, headteachers and teachers alike. Taking children out of school for joy-rides is not a viable project.
Teachers, you have nothing to lose. Stand firm and refuse to do it. The Minister of Education needs you too much to sack you.
Frank Atkinson,
Oak Tree Lane, Haxby, York.
Updated: 12:35 Monday, July 09, 2001
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