The Bluewater District School Board wants to take a closer look at the kinds of field trips students are going on — and how much they cost.
Superintendent of Secondary Education Alana Murray believes the increasing costs of travel are the main reason for the higher price tag.
She notes they are monitoring how that is impacting students.
High School trips the board has recently approved for 2010 include a trip to New York City for OSCVI students at a cost of 700 dollars per person.
Walkerton District Secondary School students are going on a trip in 2010 in honour of the 65th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland during World War Two.
It will cost 34 hundred dollars per student.
Students from Grey Highlands Secondary in Flesherton are going to Paris in 2010 at a cost of over 29 hundred dollars per student.
Chesley District High School and Saugeen District Secondary School are planning a trip to Europe to practice French in an authentic environment in 2011 at a cost of 28 hundred dollars per student.
But their goal is to raise 2 thousand dollars per student through fundraising.
Walkerton and John Diefenbaker Secondary Schools are also planning other trips to Europe in 2011 at a cost of 42 hundred dollars per student.
Murray says the globalization of our society has led to greater interest in exploring real life experiences around the world, and global issues are getting more attention in classrooms.
More shorter distance field trips are planned for 2010.
A Hepworth Central Public School Exchange with students in New Brunswick will only cost 245 dollars per person.
A Chesley District High School canoe trip in Algonquin Park will only cost 150 dollars per student.
However, Murray says they want to make sure field trips are directly connected to student learning and the expectations of the Ontario Curriculum.
She notes they will be reviewing that aspect as a priority whenever field trips are submitted for board approval.