Consultation on Residential Experiences - Jordanhill School

Jordanhill School
<strong>Consultation</strong> on Residential Experiences
Feedback to Parents
The consultation exercise was warmly welcomed by many
parents. A summary of the key findings is shown overleaf.
Overall support for the extended trips remains strong.
The more detailed statistics indicate that actual uptake in the year of a trip tends to be higher than
the survey results. That is, some of those who are unsure actually go on the trip.
As has always been the case, support for the S2 trip (now France and previously York) is weakest,
but still sufficient to continue.
Your Comments
We received a total of 86 written comments. The largest group of these were simply very positive
endorsements of extended trips and the rationale behind them. Some other common
themes/questions emerged which are worthy of comment.
Restructuring Trips
Some families (for reasons of pupil age, costs, travel demands,
range of experiences etc.) would like to see a restructuring
along the lines of
P7 Outdoor Education
S1 France/Paris
S3 Outdoor Education
The school recognises the merit of such views. One of the
prime reasons for the consultation was to consider whether
such a restructuring was desirable. The overall feedback suggests that
• The 3 outdoor education experiences are different, each with its own rationale
• There remains sufficient support for each of the trips
• Most parents are prepared to meet the costs despite the impact this may have on other
family activities.
The present structure of trips will remain for 2011, but it will be kept under review. A major
constraint on the school is our ability to release staff to participate. If the school’s budget settlement
results in further staffing reductions, then we may have to consider restructuring the programme.
Costs
Some parents would welcome more information on the
breakdown of costs and/or the opportunity to pay over a more
extended period.
Organisers have to present a fully costed proposal and risk
assessment annually prior to any trip being advertised. They
will be asked to provide more information on costs in the
details sent to parents. The main costs of any trip are the
centre costs and transport. Insurance arranged through the
school is cheaper than that offered by centres.

All trips are planned to break even financially. Any deficits are covered by the Educational Amenities
Trust. Any small surpluses go back to the Trust. The Trust provides separate funding for families who
have difficulty meeting the costs.
Our relationship with centres has allowed us to negotiate down charges. We regularly consider
alternative providers, but generally these would be more expensive. The P7 and S1 trips have been
shortened by 1 day in recent years in part to contain costs.
Travel
Some parents comment that P7 are too young to travel
abroad, Raasay is too far away or that S2 should fly to
France.
Despite its shortcomings and the fire which destroyed
the new facilities in 2009 just before they were due to
re-open, Raasay has over the years been the experience
which has been most valued by pupils and parents. The
opportunity to visit a remote part of Scotland is highly
valued. The travelling is part of the learning experience
which develops pupils’ understanding of geography and
distance.
P7 flying to Paris was introduced in 2005 following consultation with parents. The S2 trip to northwest
France is a different experience. A bus is required to reach the centre and for the historical
visits. The additional costs of flying will be explored, but might undermine the viability of the trip.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
As a conclusion to the outdoor education programmes which run from P5 to S3, and to complement
the biennial World Challenge expeditions, the school introduced its own DoE scheme in 2009-10.
Pupils have the opportunity to complete the Silver Award during S4 and early S5. The programme is
designed to avoid conflict with academic demands.
In session 2010-11, 28 pupils have signed up for the award. The current fee is £200.
Summary of Parental Views
% Parents saying definitely or likely to attend
Year of Child P6
Abernethy
P7 Paris S1 Raasay S2 France S3 Castle
Toward
P5 95% 86% 96% 72% 93%
P6 100% 93% 95% 76% 78%
P7 84% 83% 83% 77%
S1 94% 75% 84%
S2 64% 86%
Average 98% 88% 92% 74% 84%
Survey 2000 97% 85% 96%
A similar survey was carried out in 2000. Parents were asked what ‘value’ they attached to each trip.
The equivalent statistics are shown above. The 2000 survey helped to reshape provision with the
then S2 York trip being replaced by the trip to France and the S3/S4 Castle Toward experience being
introduced. Smaller scale surveys have taken place in the interim leading to changes to each of the
events.