By Irma Heger BORNEO looks set to be the exotic location of a Rivington and Blackrod High school trip next year.

And Canon Slade School has arranged for pupils to go on exchange visits to Japan.

These longhaul destinations mean that skiing trips to France are now commonplace.

The four week, £2785 Borneo trip is organised by a company called the World Challenge Expedition which apparently has taken thousands of youngsters on special stints abroad.

"It's a huge amount," admitted organiser Jon Banks, Head of Geography at the school.

But he compared it to spending £500 a week - about the cost of a seven day skiing trip.

More than eighty pupils and their parents turned up for a meeting on the trip - exceeding the organisers' expectations.

Jon said around 30 pupils have applied to go on the jaunt to the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, in Northern Borneo.

Depending on whether they all pay their deposit, this could mean there will be two groups going abroad.

Pupils have 18 months to raise the money, individually and in teams, and organise the finer details of the trip, with help from World Challenge Expedition. They need a lot of commitment to see the trip though, he added.

"It's a once in a lifetime thing.

"It's more than a holiday.

"The idea is that it's a challenge over 18 months."

The benefits of the Borneo adventure, which could take place in August 2000, are said to include gaining "life skills" including leadership, team work, planning and decision making.

Once there, pupils acclimatise on the Indonesian island before starting their "main challenge", a river expedition or climbing the highest mountain in Asia, for example. Then there is a project for the benefit of a community, perhaps involving some teaching or conservation work. Lastly there is some time for "rest and recreation".

Deputy Headteacher of Rivington and Blackrod High, Les Price, said the school is "conscious of cost" and that there is a "big debate" among governors about the issue of school trips.

But Mr Price added that there are "plenty of options" for students, and that in-school alternatives are on offer for those who can't go abroad.

"It's adding something to the children's learning that couldn't be achieved in the class room," said Rev Peter Shephard from Canon Slade School about school trips.

"Those visits that have a curriculum value take place during school time, others during holidays."

One enterprising youngster has already started his fund-raising drive by sending leaflets around the neighbourhood, asking for work.

Eddie Gordon, from Sandringham Road, offers his services as a car washer, at £3, a dog walker, at £3 per hour, or gardener/lawn mower, £4 per hour.

Other ideas include organising a fashion show, running a theme night, spot the ball competitions, photographic competitions or craftwork sales.

We contacted schools in the area and found out the following trips abroad are on offer.

Rivington and Blackrod High School also runs a yearly skiing trip to Italy or Austria, which costs over £500 and a water sports trip in Spain in summer at £350, apart from this year's outing to Borneo. There is also a bi-annual trip to Gambia.

In the past, there have also been trips to Kenya and China. This year, there is a seven day exchange trip to St Petersburg, for around £200.

Deane School, New York had a nine day ski trip in France. The cost of the trip was £440, all inclusive.

At Easter, Spanish students will be able to go to Tossa De Mar in Spain for seven days. The trip will set parents back £220 and includes several outings, including a visit to Barcelona.

Canon Slade School runs three European language exchange schemes for 10 days to France, Germany and Spain and every three years, pupils have the chance to go on a cultural exchange visit to Osaka in Japan.

During autumn half term, there is a trip to Berlin as part of the twentieth century history studies and GCSE students usually visit First World War battlefields.

The Christmas holidays see a skiing holiday and during the summer break there is a water sports holiday in the French Ardeche or other region.

Classical sites in Italy and Greece are on the itinerary for classics' students.

Smithills School, Smithills Dean Road goes skiing in Italy this month at a cost of around £500 to the parents.

The world champion Senior Brass Band is due to fly out to Japan on April 5. There, the school musicians will work with one of the Japanese schools and they have been invited to perform a concert at the British embassy.

The total cost of air fares alone will be £30,000 - funded through sponsorship and parental contributions - and the pupils will stay with host families.

A water sports adventure holiday is set to take place in August, lasting nine days, at a cost of around £320.

Mount St Joseph school in Farnworth, organise an exchange visit with pupils of their American sister school, Prout School, in Rode Island. Parents of the Year 11 pupils pay for the air fare and some pocket money.

There is also a one week trip to First World War battlefields as part of the GCSE curriculum for Year 9.

SAFETY FIRST - 10 tips for parents of abroad-bound youngsters

Gather as much information as possible before the trip.

Check that the tour operator your school uses is bonded - by ABTA or ATOL for instance.

Ask the school about safety. The law on package travel regulations state that the tour operator has a "duty of care" to their clients and are responsible for all parts of the package they sell - including ensuring the safety of coaches and accommodation.

If your children are taking part in any special activities abroad - from skiing in France to trekking in Borneo - make sure they are covered by appropriate travel insurance.

Check how far the destination is from the nearest hospital and enquire about the E111 form for medical help abroad.

Find out about qualifications of instructors abroad through the school.

Check on the school's policy on the "adult-pupil ratio" for the trip.

Give children a photocopy of their passport in case they lose it.

Travellers Cheques are a good idea in addition to some cash.

Make sure that you have a contact number for the school.

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