September 2006

 

Dear Parents,

 

School Trips 2006-2008

 

It brings me pleasure to write and inform you of all of the school trips involving an overnight stay for 2006/8.  As in previous years I have decided to advertise all of the trips that are to take place now in order to give you and your son or daughter a fair choice. 

 

The organisation of a school trip is usually a lengthy affair and it is essential that students sign up now for the school year 2006/8 in order that staff can secure lower prices and give parents the opportunity to save up the considerable sums of money involved.  The school believes that students benefit from participating in a school trip for the experience contributes to their wider development by, amongst other things, broadening their horizons and honing their social skills plus they have a good time. This year we are offering the usual wide range of educational trips, cultural and sporting holidays.  It is hoped that at least one trip will appeal to, and be affordable for, your daughter or son.

 

If you would like your son or daughter to take part in a holiday on offer please fill in the application form attached and ask your son/daughter to return it with the required deposit in an envelope to Mrs Haymes at either break or lunch time in the main office.  It will be necessary to photocopy the form if your son or daughter wants to go on more than one of the organised activities.  Places are usually filled on a first come first served basis.  Parents should be aware that for the majority of the trips a non-returnable deposit is required; the usual cancellation/late payment charges made by travel companies apply and that if any such charges are incurred that these will be passed on to those incurring the penalty.  For the trips abroad students will need to ensure that they have with them a valid passport and where necessary a visa along with their European Health Insurance card (EHIC).

 

A major concern for all of us involved in organising school holidays is one of safety.  The school and Governing Body have student safety as a top priority and the organiser of each trip has to submit a detailed risk assessment to the Governing Body.  Each trip has to pass through a number of checks and procedures before the Chairman of Governors gives, on behalf of the School Board of Governors, final approval for the holiday to take place.  It should be noted that, to be included on a trip a pupil must have a record of satisfactory behaviour in school.  The same standard of behaviour is expected on the trips themselves.

 

If you require any further details in addition to the summary information stated below, please contact the organiser of the holiday.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs L Thomas

Director of Sixth Form & Educational Visits Co-ordinator

 

 

Educational Visits and Cultural Tours Related to the Curriculum

 

 

Geography Field Trip – Somerset 2007

 

Organiser:	Mr D Grindrod	Dates:	26 - 30 March 2007
Open to:	L6 Studying AS Level Geography	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£210 £30
Accommodation	Field Centre, Full Board	Travel:	Minibus

 

All students taking AS Level geography are strongly advised to join this residential field trip.  In addition to accompanying school staff we use expert tuition from the field centre personnel. A likely programme of study will include coastal studies at West Bay, local village studies, river work and comparative farm studies.  Students will gain the necessary skills and collect relevant data that will contribute to a module worth 40% of their AS examination.  All work will also provide additional case study material to complement work completed at school.

 

 

Battlefields History Trip – Normandy 2007

 

Organiser:	Mr P McKean	Dates:	29 March - 2 April 2007
Open to:	Y9, Y10 and Y11	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£330 £30
Accommodation:	Hotels in Verdun and Lille (2 night each)	Travel:	Coach and Ferry / Le Shuttle
No. of Students:	30-45

 

After a very successful trip to Normandy last year, this year the annual Wallington ‘Battlefields’ Trip will return to the Western Front area, scene of the trench warfare battles of World  War One. This year, for the first time, we will visit the French Memorials and forts around Verdun, as well as the British and Commonwealth sites around the Somme and Ypres (Belgium). We will visit a number of sections where the trench lines have been preserved, such as Sanctuary Wood, Beaumont Hamel and Vimy Ridge, consider the reasons for such a great loss of life and pay our respects at the cemeteries and memorials of the region, as well as attending – and taking part in - the Last Post ceremony in Ypres. We will also travel to the best museums of each of the three areas we visit, including the superb Flanders Fields museum in Ypres. On the final morning we will take the opportunity to explore one of the Second World War complexes, used for the launching of V1 and V2 weapons at Britain, perhaps even the one that hit the school in 1944!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History and Geography Tour – The Great North 2007

 

Organiser:	Mr P McKean/ Miss C Searl	Dates:	2 - 7 July 2007
Open to:	Y7	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£300 £30
Accommodation:	Youth Hostel	Travel:	Coach
No. of Students:	35-45

 

The Great North Trip is back – after a very successful trip last summer we decided to make this an annual expedition! As well as being the only residential trip arranged especially for Y7, this trip will support their KS3 studies in both Geography and History. Based in York, Twice Brewed (near Newcastle) and Malham we will investigate limestone features and gorges in the Yorkshire Dales, the Coral Reef Aquarium in Newcastle and learn map-reading skills near Kielder Water. Turning to History, we will explore the York City walls and Minster, the National Railway Museum, Fountains Abbey (what Henry VIII left of it, anyway!), Hadrian’s Wall, the North of England open air museum at Beamish and Carlisle Castle. And if that was not enough … there will be a different mystery activity every evening ranging from … well, that would be telling.

 

 

Geography Field Trip – Swanage, Dorset 2007

 

Organiser:	Mr D Grindrod	Dates:	October 2007
Open to:	Students of GCSE  Geography in 2007	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£110 £20.00
Accommodation:	Youth Hostel	Travel:	Minibus
No. of students:	30

 

This trip is beneficial for students following GCSE level Geography.  Students will have the opportunity to observe the spectacular coastal landforms of the Jurassic coast, appreciate the challenges that a vast number of visitors cause to the area including the pressures experienced in the sand dunes of Studland Bay and the town of Corfe Castle.  Students will also be able to observe and evaluate the various coastal defence schemes in the area.   All observations will be relevant to their GCSE course syllabus.  

 

 

French Educational Tour to France, La Rochelle 2007

 

Organiser:	Mlle. André	Dates:	1 – 7 July 2007
Open to:	Y8 students	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£340 approximately £170
Accommodation:	Youth Hostel	Travel:	Coach/boat/ Maybe plane
No. of Students:	60 – 70

 

Since 1984 we have run a Language and History trip for Y8 pupils in France and following the highly successful trip to La Rochelle for the last five years, we intend to visit there again in July 2007.  The aim of this week long trip is to develop pupils’ cultural awareness and to place them into real life situations so they can put into practice their knowledge and understanding of the French Language.  Year 8 pupils will be set daily tasks such as asking their way and following directions, shopping in local shops and ordering a meal in restaurants.  French teaching sessions will be run every day to complement and prepare pupils for their daily French assignments.  The trip also traditionally involves lectures on the history of the local area and its important events, together with excursions to places of cultural interest, such as the Island of Ré with its impressive bridge over the Atlantic Ocean and its Wales lighthouse.

 

The charge for the trip is £340.  This will cover all costs of the trip including travel from school to France and return, full board and accommodation, insurance, day trips and entrance fees.  The only extra required will be pocket money, which we leave entirely to parents’ discretion.

 

This educational trip has always proved very popular with the pupils.  The places are normally allocated on a first come first served basis. 

 

ICT Educational Tour to France, Disneyland Paris 2007

 

Organiser:	Mr Ege	Dates:	15 – 17 Jan 2007
Open to:	Y9/10 students	Cost:	£200 approx
Accommodation:	Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne	Travel:	Coach/boat or Euro tunnel
No. of Students:	20 – 40

 

This trip is primarily aimed at students following the Applied ICT double award course; however it would also be invaluable to those students doing the ICT short course.  A number of senior managers from the resort who work in ICT are scheduled to deliver presentations to the students on how ICT is used within a theme park. The presentations and the tasks set for the pupils are expected to occupy a significant proportion of the day and will go on to form coursework for the Applied ICT course. Students will also be allowed to look behind the scenes and experience the steps needed to ensure public safety and other ICT implementations. The tour operators Study Experiences expect there to be in excess of 1000 students from schools across the country taking part on the trip. This will be a unique opportunity for your child to experience how ICT is used within a theme park and to collaborate with pupils from other schools.

 

The charge for the trip is £200.  This will cover all costs of the trip including travel from school to France and return, full-board and accommodation, insurance, day trips and entrance fees.  The only extra required will be pocket money, which we leave entirely to parents’ discretion.

 

Geography Awe & Wonder Educational Tour to Iceland October Half Term 2007

 

Organiser:	Mr D Grindrod	Dates:	October half term 2007
Open to:	Y9 – U6 students	(option 1) 4 days & 3 nights Or (option 2) 5 days & 4 nights	Cost £550 approx   £650 approx   Non-returnable deposit: £100
Accommodation:	Half board. Sleeping accommodation - dormitory style, in sleeping bags.	Travel:	Coach/ Air
No. of Students:	20  (will be needed for this trip to take place.  We may consider combining with another school if nos. are  low)

 

This trip is primarily aimed at students studying Geography.  We have the choice of two options as shown above.  Parents will be asked to indicate their preference when replying and the trip which is most popular will take place.

 

During the visit we will cover the well known area ‘The Golden Circle’ this will be an opportunity to gain first hand experience of geysers, hot springs, waterfall, coastal landforms, intrusive volcanics and the glacial and pro-glacial process.  We will also visit a Folk Museum try a geothermal swim and see a Volcano show. There may be the opportunity to take part in a Whale Watching Trip however this may involve an additional contribution from parents.

 

The cost of the trip includes travel to and from school for 2 or 3 nights staying in Reykjavik and 1 night in a Rural Farm Hotel or Guesthouse. In each location, sleeping will be dormitory style accommodation in sleeping bags. Also included is half board basis, insurance, day trips and entrance fees.  The only extra required will be pocket money, which we leave entirely to parents’ discretion.

 

 

CULTURAL TOURS

 

8 Day Classical Moscow and St Petersburg Cultural Tour 2007

 

 

Organiser:	Mrs. E. Ferguson & Miss S. Cooke	Dates:	October 2007 (8 days)
Open to:	Y8 - U6	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£900 approx £150
Accommodation:	Hotel	Travel:	Air, Train  & Coach
No. of Students:	36	Tour Operator:	NST

 

Our flight to Moscow will take about 3 hours, and the following day  we will enjoy a panoramic city tour to view the famous landmarks including the recently constructed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour - the original having been destroyed by Stalin.  In Red Square we will view the colourful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, visit Lenin’s Tomb and shop in the famous GUM shopping complex.

 

During the tour we will also experience travelling on Moscow’s unique metro system, visit the artists’ quarter and learn about contemporary Russian history at the museum.  In the walled Kremlin grounds we will see many more amazing sights including royal artefacts and Russian treasures.

 

An overnight sleeper train will take us to St Petersburg where, after breakfast at our hotel, we will visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and see the burial place of the Russian Tsars.  More amazing architecture including the Church of the Saviour on the Spilt Blood, built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881 and browse through the souvenir market nearby where we can buy Russian hats, dolls, uniforms and other memorabilia. We could not be in St Petersburg without a visit to the amazing Hermitage Museum with one of the world’s largest art collections, housed within the impressive Winter Palace.

 

There will also be opportunitites during the tour to go to a jazz club, folklore show and the theatre.  A trip of a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 Day India Cultural Tour 2008

 

 

Organiser:	Mrs. E. Ferguson & Miss S. Cooke	Dates:	Easter 2008
Open to:	Y7 - L6	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£1375 approx £175
Accommodation:	Hotel	Travel:	Air & Coach
No. of Students:	36	Tour Operator:

 

India is a country of amazing contrasts, from the snow covered mountains of the Himalayas in the north to the exotic sandy coasts of the south.  India is the setting for some of the most spectacular and diverse natural scenery anywhere and on this trip we hope to see much of it.  The trip will begin with a flight to Delhi and we will spend time there visiting old and new Delhi, Red Fort, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, the markets and Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi to name just a few of the exciting places.  We will then transfer to the “pink city” of Jaipur and take some time out for exploring and shopping.  From Jaipur we will visit Amber Fort, the Palace of the Winds, Jag Mandir and the Maharaja’s City Palace finishing with a visit to the Observatory.  On Day 6 we will depart for Ranthambore to visit the Tiger Reserve and National Park where we will have a guided tour in 4 wheeled “canter” vehicles, with the opportunity to observe tigers, hyenas, leopards and other wildlife in their natural habitat.  The following day we will depart for Agra with a stop en route at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.  We hope to fit in camel rides, a visit to a school or village and some evening entertainment.  This is our current planned itinerary, but may be subject to some changes, especially as we try and cram more exciting activities in.

 

We will be flying to and from Delhi and staying in good quality hotels.

 

This will be an amazing and action packed trip where the senses will be assaulted and minds will be challenged.  Not a trip for the faint hearted or those who don’t feel adventurous but if you’re up for the challenge of this trip then sign up without delay!

 

 

4 Day Budapest Cultural Tour 2007

 

 

Organiser:	Miss S. Cooke/Mrs Ferguson	Dates:	Easter  2007
Open to:	L6 +  U6	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£350 approx £150
Accommodation:	Hotel	Travel:	Air & Coach
No. of Students:	36	Tour Operator:

 

Budapest is in reality two cities in one, the historic area of Buda and the modern area of Pest, divided by the river Danube.  It is a fascinating city featuring a superb range of attractions including: seeing the former Royal residence, the Baroque artists’ village of Szentendre, the Jewish museum, Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellert Hill. This will be a busy and cultural weekend away with shopping opportunities and a marvellous culinary experience.   

 

We will be flying to Budapest and staying in a large and well equipped hotel.  There will be some flexibility in the programme to allow us to explore and visit those areas that most appeal to members of the group.  

 

 

 

Red Sea Jordan Israel Cruise 2008

 

Organiser:	Mrs Z. Jaffer	Dates:	31 March – 7 April 2008
Open to:	Y7 – L6	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£1100 approx £150
Accommodation:	Hotel	Travel:	Air & Coach
No. of Students:	29	Tour Operator:

 

The chance of a lifetime to visit the treasures of the Red Sea in a cruise liner. The trip sets off from Gatwick Airport for Aqaba, Jordan where we board our ship. After spending a day exploring Petra and Aqaba Hotel Resort, we sail for Eilat, Israel.  We will drive through the Arava Valley and Negev Desert to Masada. Here we will refresh ourselves with a mud bath and spend an afternoon floating in the Dead Sea. Our next port will be Sharm el Sheikh, where we will take a spectacular drive across the Sinai wilderness and visit St Catherine’s Monastery. The liner will then sail overnight to Cairo and we will spend a day exploring the pyramids. Luxor will then be our next destination and  we will visit several tombs in The Valley of the Kings.  The cruise ends with a day at Hurgada Hotel Resort and flight back from there to Gatwick.

 

The company we travel with, Voyages of Discovery, take great care when selecting the ships they use and they are chartered for exclusive use by the company. All of the vessels they use comply with rigorous safety requirements and pupils are made aware of procedures as soon as they board ship.  Well balanced meals are served during the cruise, and entertainment and leisure activities on board are excellent.

 

The cruise company takes the security of their passengers seriously and will not take unnecessary risks, particularly in areas of conflict.

 

As you can imagine this is a very popular trip so get your deposits in early; the total cost is £1100. We are happy to have £100 monthly instalments to spread the payment.

 

 

Sporting Activities & Outdoor pursuits

 

Rugby Tour – Canada 2007

 

Organiser:	Mr R Walden	Dates:	July 2007
Open to:	Y11 + L6	Cost: Non-returnable deposit:	£1100 £250
Accommodation:	Hotel 2 or 3 sharing	Travel:	Flying
No. of Students:	25	Tour Operator:	TBC

 

As you may be aware we have toured Canada biennially since 1999.  These tours have been incredibly successful in building team spirit for the following season as only Y11 and L6 students can tour.  In addition your son will see sights such as Niagara Falls, the CN Tower and have the opportunity to white water raft and visit Canada Wonderland Theme Park.  They will be royally looked after by the legendary Canadian hospitality.  We will run our usual fund raising events to put together a kit and little extras for the boys.  They will be expected to contribute time and effort to such events.  The opportunity to white raft may be covered by fund raising or may involve an additional contribution from parents of approximately £35.00