Abu Dhabi bans collection of money for school trips

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) has asked the educationsal institutions to stop collecting any fee from students for school trips.

The Council demanded that school administrations to allocate the cost of excursions from the school budget and the trips should be related to 'education outcomes', reports Emarat Al Youm.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, executive director of school operations at the Adec, said school trips are an important tool to complement the activities of the curricula because it enriches the experience of students.

He pointed out that the teacher who wishes to organize a school trip should submit an application for approval at least one week before the trip.

In addition, the teacher must attach the plan of the trip and its correlation to the learning outcomes as well as risk assessment.

The teacher should also submit the cost summary of the trip and oversight arrangements, including how to make up for lost lessons in school; escorts; consent of the parents; and special arrangements made for students with special needs, when necessary.

Details of alternative educational experiences for those who are unable to join the school trip should also be submitted.

Al Dhaheri stressed that on any school trip, a minimum of one supervisor is mandatory for 10 students in kindergarten and the first stage.

One teacher must accompany every 20 students in the second and third stage.

He pointed out that the school staff, apart from teachers and bus supervisors, must serve as escorts.

He added that schools need to take appropriate safety precautions during trips and keep first aid boxes at hand at each of the buses used to transport students.