The impact cuts will have on our nation’s children

SUSAN Lee (Learning the hard (up) way, November 10) regrets the possible loss of school trips as education faces a funding crisis. Well I agree with the rest of her article, lamenting the impact that cuts will have on our nation’s children.

Blair used to talk about education, education, education, but it seems this Government prioritises bombs over books . However, when it comes to school outings, I don’t think they are necessarily that important in the scheme of things.

I mean I recall trips from school in my primary days. Some were very local, such as to the old Doughty Museum, Grimsby Town Hall and Cleethorpes Zoo. The latter entailed learning about different animals of the world that we wouldn’t otherwise see.

There was another trip to Lincoln that covered both the castle and cathedral, also taking in the castle at Tattershall. We also went on the Humber Ferry to Hull, then going to the Wilberforce Museum that celebrates the great slavery abolitionist.

These visits had an educational purpose, and were affordable. Yet in recent years school trips have become more elaborate. We read for instance of schools going on skiing holidays and other jaunts to foreign parts.

Which might teach valuable lessons to those fortunate enough to travel, but the cost of such breaks can mean the poorest are either denied the opportunity or their parents end up forking out for something that’s really beyond their budget.

Perhaps tours round Time Trap or the Fishing Heritage Centre are most appropriate in today’s financial climate!

Tim Mickleburgh,

Boulevard Avenue, Grimsby.