If an excursion or trip is intended for elementary school students to visit religious sites, in addition to educational and cultural and historical content, it is necessary that objects of all religions are represented, as emphasized in the Instructions for organizing and implementing these extracurricular activities, which were published yesterday by the Institute for Education.
The document states that excursions are planned multi-day student trips to visit places that have "natural, cultural, historical, scientific, recreational, sporting, economic or technical significance."
"... Outside the territory of the municipality in which the school is located, in accordance with educational goals. When planning an excursion, it is desirable that the destination for all students of a school be the same. Exceptionally, a school may organize an excursion in accordance with the interests of the class to two different destinations, but at the same time. A destination that involves a longer night drive is not recommended," the document states.
According to the Instructions, signed by the Director of the Institute Raba Hodzic, Before going on an excursion or trip, it is important to make a detailed estimate of the costs of transportation, accommodation, meals, as well as entrance fees paid by parents. It is also recommended that student excursions not be organized outside the borders of Montenegro.
As stated in a document published yesterday on the website of the Government of Montenegro, school excursions and field trips have multiple goals - educational, social and health.
"Educational goals include connecting teaching content with practical experiences, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity... Social goals include encouraging teamwork, social skills and collective responsibility, as well as developing a positive attitude towards historical and cultural heritage, as well as awareness of the importance of sustainable development... Health goals include promoting and improving healthy lifestyle habits, as well as encouraging proper psychophysical development through sports and recreation," it says in the Instructions for Organizing and Conducting School Trips and Excursions.
The student, as stated, has the right to a safe and supportive environment, access to health care and assistance, as well as active participation in all planned activities. His obligations are, in addition to respecting the rules of conduct, to be responsible with personal and shared things and to adhere to the established schedule.
The Instructions state that it is important to make a detailed report to parents about all field trip expenses.
"Parents and guardians should be allowed to pay costs in installments," the document states.
Last year, "Vijesti" wrote that the prices of the School in Nature program and excursions cannot be afforded by a significant number of families, and that the way in which they are organized is questionable, given that students learn little, and that the only advantage is that they socialize with teachers in a less formal atmosphere. Parents warned at the time about the high prices of the program, as well as the fact that schools usually receive one offer, which they can either accept or explain to the child why they will not socialize with their peers outside the classroom.
The Parents' Association has repeatedly stated that the prices for Outdoor School are high, and that they "deepen the already large differences that exist between children."
"Schools should not encourage such a way of functioning, and therefore the justification - it is not mandatory - absolutely does not hold. If the School in Nature is designed to provide classes, but according to an adapted program, and to learn functionally, i.e. to apply in practice what was mastered during classes, then children who do not go are additionally deprived of that experience. Although the purpose of the program and its connection to the initial idea could also be discussed, because we are not sure that it works that way anymore," the Association said at the time.
At least one teacher per 25 students
The Instruction states that the school principal is obliged to organize a counseling meeting before the trip. It is emphasized that the consumption of alcohol and intoxicants is not allowed for participants on the trip.
"It is advisable to provide at least one teacher-chaperone for every 25 students. Chaplains are responsible for the discipline and safety of students... It is necessary to ensure the presence of at least one person trained in first aid," the Instructions state.
According to the document, students must have accommodation that meets safety, hygiene and comfort standards. In addition, students must be familiar with the rules of conduct and safety measures.
"In accommodation facilities, it is necessary to enable the separation of students by gender. It is necessary to provide three main meals a day, and special attention should be paid to the specific dietary needs and allergies of students," the document states.
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