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Pupils trapped in China set to return home today
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School's website offers China updates to friends and family
A school party left stranded in China following the flight chaos caused by the Icelandic volcano will fly home this evening.

The 28-strong group – made up of pupils and teachers from Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, Rochester, flew to the Far East in Wednesday April 7 for a trip to Beijing and Hong Kong.

They were due to return on Friday, April 16, but were unable to make their way back to the UK after thousands of flights were left grounded by volcano ash clouds.

It was feared the party would be stranded until May 15 but they have now secured a flight today and will arrive home later this evening.

The stricken group were accommodated at the Excelsior Mandarin in Hong Kong before being transferred to several other hotels.

It was feared yesterday that the students in the group – currently in the GCSE year – may return home just days before vital exams are to start.

Jason Pyne is the father of Lewis, 16, who is on the trip.

“The airline is saying that the group went out as one and must return as one, but we are asking why?” he said.

“The pupils could easily be split up and one teacher could shepherd each group home.

“They are being extremely well treated and the school has done all it can – even laying on lessons and interpreters.

“Money has been provided and each pupil has a £5 daily allowance. Also arrangements for telephoning have been made.

“But even though they are mature pupils some are feeling stress and I am sure all want to go home.

“They are also very conscious of how close the exams are to arriving.

“For my son I do not want to see 12 years of schooling thrown away for one school trip.”

Assistant headteacher Chris Morris said: “We are satisfied with the accommodation and the group is safe, comfortable and well cared for.

“But we are aware some youngsters have impending language oral exams and need to prepare for the exams themselves.

“We are sending work out as best we can and the teachers are doing a good job.

Follow us on Twitter @yourmedway.
POSTED: 22/04/2010 11:00:00

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Comments:
Added: Thursday 22/04/2010 20:07:14 UK
Why on earth did anyone (teachers, parents, children) think it was a good idea to go on a big holiday to China two months before their GCSEs?

It's hard to be sympathetic when the original idea was so stupid.

And I'm stranded in India, so I know what I'm talking about.
Mark, Chatham, Kent
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