Philip: Pupils must face risks on trips

The Duke of Edinburgh courted controversy today by arguing that children should be exposed to physical risk as part of their education, in the knowledge that "tragic events will inevitably happen".

His comments, coming after a summer in which three girls died on school trips, angered teachers' leaders who are now advising their members not to lead outings because of the risks of accidents and subsequent legal action.

Teachers at Hill Mead primary school in Brixton could still face prosecution after the death of 11-year-old Bunmi Shagaya, who drowned while on a trip to France.

Her death, and those of 16-year-old Amelia Ward, killed while climbing in South Africa, and 17-year-old Amy Ransom, who died when she fell from a mountain path in Vietnam, have prompted a Government review of safety regulations for teachers while Lambeth has already tightened its rules.

Prince Philip sent his own sons to Gordonstoun, the Scottish independent school which aims to foster "the whole person", including a sense of adventure and service. The Duke of Edinburgh awards are based on the same principles.

Today, writing in The Times Education Supplement, he said it would be "highly damaging" to deny children the opportunity of " challenging physical activity". While stressing the importance of minimising risk through proper training, the Duke said: "If the consideration of safety becomes paramount, any worthwhile activity becomes impossible."

The Duke added: "Tragic events will inevitably happen because no matter how careful we are, risk can never be completely eradicated."

His comments were criticised by teachers' leader Nigel de Gruchy, who said: "It's all very well for him to say that - he's not going to be sued." Mr de Gruchy heads the NASUWT which is advising members not to lead school trips.

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said the Duke's remarks "could be misconstrued as being insensitive to the fact that we have had a number of tragedies this summer".