Is an “enrichment week” a good idea?

Polls

6th July 2018

TAKING holidays during term-time causes one of the biggest arguments between schools and parents, but one school in Essex has come up with a way to solve the problem.

From next year, Woodlands School in Basildon is offering pupils the chance to go on holiday during an “enrichment week” between 15-19 July. Parents will have to say whether the trip’s purpose is spiritual, moral, social or cultural, and what the planned activities are.

Pupils will have to fill in an “enrichment booklet” to show what they have learned, but any pupils who don’t go on holiday will still have to go to school as normal for the week. Most breaks are more expensive during school holidays, which is why many parents can only afford to go during term time. However, schools can now fine parents for taking their children out of school for holidays.

Exploring other cultures is one of the ways that pupils could get a week off school – but is an “enrichment week” a good idea?

Is an “enrichment week” a good idea?

92 Comments

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tunafish · 6 years ago

First to comment

tunafish · 6 years ago

I think this is a brilliant idea as it will allow everyone to go on holiday and still learn whilst they’re there

mrsquash · 6 years ago

No because parents will have to pay for these holidays and the children will feel alone if they don't or can't go

catonclan · 6 years ago

I am mainly for this because this means that children who have parents that are unable to a ford a educational holiday during main stream holiday will be able to learn in a free way. The pupils will also be able to go to a educational site without the school pressure. This would also give teachers a chance to plan lessons for the rest of the term however schools must have these weeks at different times other wise it may rise prices like a half term. Schools must also do free learning for the pupils who can not go otherwise they may feel left out on the opportunity. The parents to of given proof of where they were going to stop lying.

catonclan · 6 years ago

By the way you don't have to read all of it.

cal44 · 6 years ago

I think yes because you would need a holiday about every year (thats what my family does)

darjap · 6 years ago

I don't agree as this may cause problems since those who have enough money will have a holiday with fun learning activities whereas those who cannot afford it will still learn in school.

plane · 6 years ago

Yes because children will learn more and therefore will be intelligent

kitten · 6 years ago

I love the idea of enrichment week, because parents can choose, and it gives us a break from schoolwork. Hope the government agrees!!!!!!!! ?

123kittens · 6 years ago

To be honest, I think tat this sounds quite appetising and enjoyable for anyone who wants to do it. The idea of learning but going on holiday sounds fun!
On the other hand, I would rather go on normal school trips which we have anyway or on holiday with my family.

gardenia · 6 years ago

I do think it is a great idea to have enrichment week because you get to experience a wonderful time and learn a lot more.

aim123 · 6 years ago

It is not a good idea as it would be unfair if some kids got to have a holiday and others didn't.

rollersk8t · 6 years ago

enrichment week is not a good idea because the children of that school will miss out on a lot of learning that they were meant to cover in that week!

apple92 · 6 years ago

I think an enrichment week is a good idea because it’s good for the kids at school

izzy28 · 6 years ago

I think no as one, i dont think is fair if you have to be fined as its your school work not the teachers, also you might not be able to book a holiday for that week as well as that you want to choose when you have a holiday term-time or not so no!

maybe6533 · 6 years ago

No because i like going to school and plus, you learn more in school than being on holiday and learning.
Also you do hard work in school and you have fun and learning less on holiday than in school.

maybe6533 · 6 years ago

Though you take a well-earned break from school.

natalija · 6 years ago

I don't think that enrichment week is a good idea as it is not fair that some children gt extra holidays and others don't.

boss13 · 6 years ago

I think this is a good idea because the parents can choose what we do. I hope they do it at my school!

gingerzulu · 6 years ago

I think that I am 'enrichment week' is a very good idea as going on holiday can help you to become more independent and learn important life skills as well as having fun with your friends. Also, if, for example, the holiday is to France, your French would greatly improve as you would use it in practical situations. You would also learn about different cultures and traditions.

clovell · 6 years ago

It is educational and it would be fun to go on a holiday without queueing

sophia6 · 6 years ago

I think this is a wonderful idea as children can have fun on holidays while having doing educational activities. It will also be similar to school holidays as you have to do home work about where they are so they are still learning and have to do work.

munchiepun · 6 years ago

Holidays are far too expensive during the school holidays. Allowing time off at other times would alolow less wealthy families to to enjoy better holidays.

fatseal · 6 years ago

It would benefit everyone going on holiday since children would learn. This also may stop parents bagging in a 2-week holiday for their children at home -.-

oceangirl · 6 years ago

Parents get to chose an educational holiday for there kids

oceangirl · 6 years ago

Is it free

sunglasses · 6 years ago

At my school we already have an enrichment week. This year it was good fun, and a break from the usual school life. I think it is a good idea as it teaches pupils stuff that they wouldn't be able to learn in the classroom, and it is a chance to get to know the people in the year better.

sunglasses · 6 years ago

We only went on a couple of activities and what took up most of the cost, at just over £100, was staying the night at Premier Inn.

drsethlord · 6 years ago

It's a good idea because it lets pupils get away from school whilst learning about the place they are in and having a fun time. It's also is nice because poorer people actually get to have a chance of experiencing a holiday. It's always beneficial too because it shows learning can take place outside of the classroom.

uglypigeon · 6 years ago

I think it is because it gives everyone a chance to go on a holiday.

unicorn248 · 6 years ago

In a way, I feel that this is a good idea for education but, on the other hand, the parents have to pay and if a pupil is unable to go on holiday would feel lonely if it was all over a single week.

xfin · 6 years ago

I think it is a good idea because children will be able to share things with other people especially is some children don't get to go on holiday this will give them a chance to as it will be cheaper.

dogboy10 · 6 years ago

My mum always says that holidays are too expensive in the summer holidays so to have a chance to go on holiday for cheaper is a great idea. Since it is to do with education it is still good for the school as well.

cozmojjss@ · 6 years ago

No I don't think so because it distracts students and evwone and it may cause distraction at school

cmi_hall1 · 6 years ago

Lots of schools where I live (Plymouth) do it already and I think it is a great idea because you can do loads of things at very reasonable prices.

bonjour · 6 years ago

Yes because the parents can afford to pay for the one week holiday and the children can still learn what they would be learning at school so it's a double whammy.

waterlucky · 6 years ago

I think No, because it's not fair for children to do something like homework on holiday. The only reason parents take children out on holidays in term-time is because its cheaper. Many parents can't afford to go on holidays in school holidays so they do it in term time.

bubbles08 · 6 years ago

No because if people are poor and can't afford a holiday they will be lonely and sad ?

mimpi123 · 6 years ago

I think its a great idea as you learn while having fun in a place that is not your standard home and school

jammybob · 6 years ago

no because it's just another reason to get of school

jammybob · 6 years ago

i meant off

gdawwg · 6 years ago

Yes because at my school we have an activity week which is like an enrichment week but at school and you have the option to go on camp.

aaronmum · 6 years ago

I think the week is a great idea. It’s all about the cost. The government needs to control the holiday companies and not double the prices making it only accessible for the rich . Or the credit card

oritime · 6 years ago

It is a good idea because it will be fun for kids to learn while having a holiday.

shpee · 6 years ago

No. Everything is too vague and none of it sounds like it would actually help people learn anything. I mean, "spiritual, cultural, moral or social" could mean almost anything. You could go sightseeing and pass it off as """learning""" just by writing something in as booklet for maybe five minutes at the end of each day and learn nothing. Also, none of those sound all that interesting. Like, it has moral but not history? What does 'moral' even mean in this case??

chocoblock · 6 years ago

I don't think this is a good idea as although this can give children a chance to learn more about other cultures , the children may be affected by something like jetlag. Also, sometimes on holiday it's nice just to relax, and not worry about activities or any schoolwork.

elderly · 6 years ago

i think enrichment week is a great idea because it can let children go on holidays depending on what your doing on that holiday :)

elderly · 6 years ago

It also lets children learn whilst on holiday.

smoothlake · 6 years ago

I am home-schooled and find it hard to imagine not being able to go on visits every day to places like Legoland or the IWM war museum in Duxford. It's just silly that schools fine parents for taking their kids out of school! And for any Home-Educators out there, hi!

tomcat53 · 6 years ago

Yes because many parents can't pay for holidays during the school holiday and this will give children the opportunity to learn and have fun while away from school.

ninjahiro · 6 years ago

I don't think its a good idea because people should be able to do it when they want and not get fined but its nice they get a week off.

owly · 6 years ago

I don't think that there should be an enrichment week. Pupils have plenty of time during the holidays to go on holiday, so why miss a whole week of school? You'd be walking round town when you could be studying for exams. I know it's more expensive during the holidays, but the school could adjust the holiday time a week or two later to help the less fortunate pupils.

hpcrazy101 · 6 years ago

It will allow them to bond with their friends at the same time as having fun learning

sprinkle10 · 6 years ago

Yes
Children need to have a break during their lives whether it's exploring the world or just having some fun away from home. Especially after SATs

swace · 6 years ago

I don't think it is a good idea because adults who can't afford to take their children on holidays have to do school as normal. This is not at all fair for the people who can't afford, as the people who go on holiday won't be at school, and these could be peoples friends.

adhikar · 6 years ago

Yes because parents will have to say why they were going to go,children would have to write what they learnt and their writing would improve.Children would have also learnt something and how to explain it.

adhikar · 6 years ago

Yes because parents will have to say why they were going to go,children would have to write what they learnt and their writing would improve.They would also have learnt how to explain what they learned.

hptigers · 6 years ago

Because some parents cannot afford holidays in the school holiday (as they are a lot more expensive) I think this is a good idea. Not only will it be cheaper and just as fun, students will also learn on their trip.

hobbes123 · 6 years ago

yes defo man!!

woo2le · 6 years ago

I think it is good!?

fly · 6 years ago

I'm not sure because I know some kinds can not afford it but then I don't want others to miss out on the amazing opportunity

sisi · 6 years ago

It's a good opportunity as whilst pupils are on holiday and enjoying themselves, having fun, they will be learning new, different things that they might not be able to study in the environment at school.

lavender08 · 6 years ago

YES!!! You can still learn while you are on holiday. It's one thing to read about a country in a book, another to see it in real life.

Dohvinci · 6 years ago

yes because it lets children learn more about other cultures in different countries,instead of sitting in a hot classroom all day, and spend more time with their families.

irock122 · 6 years ago

I think that it's a good idea as kids that age need time to relax as they do lots of hard work. Also trips are fun.

bobfm · 6 years ago

No! At home you do not get the same structure as at school and children could get lazy! I could understand having a tutor but not extra homework

donutlove · 6 years ago

no its not cos this isnt fair for everyone else and you dont then know how the work got done if youre a teacher, and pupils can then just cheat.

drummercmd · 6 years ago

No, I don't think that it's a good idea personally, as left behind people still have to go to school. I think this because when it comes to holidays, like First News said, some people can't afford it, so no.

pizza2727 · 6 years ago

No because you should spend more time in school and learn

pizza2727 · 6 years ago

No because you should spend more time in school and learn

galactic12 · 6 years ago

I think it is alright to go for less then a week but you do get really tired in July near the end of school so maybe you could go for a bit longer near the end of school.I think you must also have permission and be able to start your holiday a maximum 5 days early.

fox64 · 6 years ago

Yes, but it may cost lots.

rinlen432 · 6 years ago

Children can learn from going to different places and also some people might say that "The purpose of school is to learn, not to have fun all the time." But actually, you are learning because enrichment week is supposed to be a week when you go to another place and you learn something new and you can share your new information with your friends.

kitten26 · 6 years ago

Why? Who had this idea? Why would parents fork out to let your family have an educational holiday???? COME ON!!!!!

papa435 · 6 years ago

yes because you are still learning about things because you are learning about new cultures

ravenclaw1 · 6 years ago

I say yes because it will be a chance to learn and also have fun.

radha1 · 6 years ago

Definitely a great idea - but maybe it should be an organised week of structured activities by the school (so parents do not have to be concerned about childcare ) its not a holiday - Its PURPOSEFUL and MEANINGFUL!!

ZENCE40 · 6 years ago

NO! It's such a stupid idea because then holidays will become more expensive during those times and if you have children at different schools, you won't be able to go on holiday together as a family.

abanaza- · 6 years ago

So basically richer kids go on holiday while poorer kids go to school? I don't like this idea

agentlord · 6 years ago

Yes, I need my rest

prongsii · 6 years ago

it not fair so i think no

con-con · 6 years ago

No because the people who cannot afford holidays have to go to school and work whilst the people who can afford holidays get to go to the beach and relax plus there’s a lot more school work in the whole day than a couple of enrichment work sheets

sootysweep · 6 years ago

i don't think it would be a good idea. If you can't go on holiday then you would feel left out stuck at school. Also, people could just look on the internet for something, scribble it down and pretend they have done it. Or people could stay at home and pretend that they have been away.

ti-10 · 6 years ago

I voted yes but actually, I am quite in the middle. Learning about the place you are going to may be great for Geography- but on the other hand, you will miss other bits of learning too!

jaz · 6 years ago

They should swap one half term for enrichment week or keep half term and have enrichment as well

melon_cow7 · 6 years ago

I have an enrichment week at school and it is really good as it lets the children have fun and still learn!?

melon_cow7 · 6 years ago

But I do see where others are coming from...

ys001 · 6 years ago

Definitely!

llamatoast · 6 years ago

Yes as it gives familys time to get organized.

llamatoast · 6 years ago

Yes as it gives family’s time to get organised.

herbology · 6 years ago

I think it is a good idea as it will children that school isn't all about being cooped up in a classroom.

herbology · 6 years ago

I voted yes but now I'm kinda in the middle... What about all the children that can't afford it? ?