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IN BRIEF
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At the heart of schools, school trips hold an essential place in the development of students. However, in recent years, an increasing number of trips have been canceled, leaving students and their families disillusioned. Financial reasons are often cited, but the repercussions on morale and classroom dynamics must also be taken into account. This article examines these numerous issues by analyzing the different consequences of school trip cancellations.
Decreasing budgets
More and more schools are facing budget constraints that complicate the organization of outings. At the Parc-de-Villeroy College in Mennecy, parents recently received a message stating the cancellation of all trips for the year due to a lack of funds. Indeed, the share related to chaperones represents a significant cost, estimated at 6,000 euros for the institution. Even in the case of trips that are maintained, such as the one in Germany, the anxiety surrounding budget uncertainty creates a climate of frustration.
An expanding phenomenon
This reality is not isolated. Institutions such as the college of l’Orbellière in Olivet have also canceled several trips due to a lack of funding. Families have thus discovered the cancellation of much-anticipated outings, such as the one planned for Seignosse, where students had even organized cake sales to contribute to their funding. Their efforts, symbols of personal investment, were rendered null and void. This phenomenon of cancellations, which arose due to financial difficulties, is multiplying in many colleges across France, resulting in a disturbing reality for students.
Collateral effects on students
Giving up these school trips brings about much more than mere behind-the-scenes financial secrets. For students, it is a genuine loss of experience. These outings were meant to broaden their horizons, foster social interactions, and ignite passions for new discoveries. Young people, within a few months, see their projects, often prepared with excitement, vanish. Psychologically, this has significant implications, leaving many students in an emotional disappointment that impacts their academic motivation.
A reality amplified by the health crisis
The health crisis of recent years has exacerbated these issues. Young people have already been deprived of numerous crucial experiences for their development. With health restrictions, trips have been suspended, resulting in the cancellation of all forms of human adventure. Consequently, this young audience, already affected by the pandemic, now sees the possibility of school trips slipping away. This generates legitimate frustration among students, who are desperately seeking to reconnect with a more engaging and entertaining learning dynamic.
Necessary but complex adjustments
At a time when some local authorities are restricting budgets allocated to school trips, a reevaluation of priorities is necessary. A balance must be found between budget constraints and the well-being of students. The Academy, educational authorities, and institutions must collaborate to find sustainable solutions, thus preserving access to school trips for all students. Such initiatives are essential to avoid harmful consequences on learning and the personal development of future citizens.
