Activities Booklet 2018

activities week 2018 Latymer Upper

Cycle the Somme

ECO-explorer Scuba Dive

Climb Snowdonia

Canoe the Ardeche Sail to France

Swim the Lakes Creative writing

DISCOVER Krakow Belgium Paris Athens Transylvania Vienna Northern Ireland Gredos Morocco 1

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ACTIVITIES WEEK 2018 Monday 25th-Friday 29th June

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ctivities Week is a Latymer Upper School tradition which has existed for 60 years. In the last full week of the academic year, all pupils (except those doing public exams) participate in activities chosen from a long and varied list. Latymerians re-visiting school frequently speak fondly of their experiences gained on Activities Week.

with a different group of people to your normal friendship group. Therefore we will not take existing friendship groups into consideration when allocating your trip.

Parents/Guardians: Please complete the Choices Form on School Post by Friday 3rd November 2017 by clicking ‘Reply’ at the bottom of the email. Forms received after this date, or incorrectly completed, will receive lower priority and we may not be able to guarantee one of your four options.

Activities are challenging and ask the pupils to step out of their comfort zone in a new and unfamiliar environment. Many are residential and are based all over the UK and Europe. Some are charity based trips and as far-flung as Morocco. Over 30 trips go out, ranging from camping and outward bound trips in Devon and Snowdonia, to hiking in the Alps or across the Peak District, cycling in France, sailing in Scotland, or surfing in Cornwall.

Please ensure that four different choices are made.

Do note the specific days given in the booklet, as well as the member of staff organising the trip, and ensure that your son/daughter can attend any of the trips applied for: while most trips run from Monday - Friday, some leave and/or return at the weekend.

There are skill-based activities such as learning cookery skills, scuba diving, sailing, creative writing with famous authors and acting workshops in London’s theatres and opera houses, as well as community based activities in a local primary school.

Returning the Activities Week Choices Form will count as consent that you are happy for your child to attend any of the four options chosen. This will save us from having to ask you for your consent again later in the year.

Activities Week Choices

Pupils will be informed which Activities Week trip they Parents are asked to select four different trips that have been allocated in December, and we will write to they would be happy for their child to attend. These you in January with more details about the trip that four choices are in no order of priority or preference. they have been allocated.

Pupils: Please discuss the different options in this Activities Week booklet with your parents. You will need to select four different trips. You must be prepared to go on any of the trips that you select there is no ‘first choice’. Do not put down a trip that you have been on before unless you would be prepared to go on that trip again!

Billing

One of the key aims of Activities Week is to push you out of your comfort zone, and encourage you to mix

Lucy Cole Director of Activities

The school will bill parents for the cost of the allocated trip in two equal instalments included in the fee bills for spring and summer terms 2018.

We hope you enjoy your trip!

Horizon Fund It is a fundamental part of Latymer’s policy of inclusion that pupils should not be deprived of the opportunity to take part in trips and events purely on financial grounds. The Horizon Fund, funded in part by the Parents’ Gild and administered by the School, provides grants to students who would otherwise be unable to participate. Applications for Horizon support for Activities Week should be emailed to fd@latymerupper.org as soon as possible and no later than 30th November; awards will be credited to the charges made for Activities Week trips on the spring and summer terms’ bills.

Sixth Form

Helpers will be given a 25% discount. Please note that work experience is not an option. All L6th pupils are expected to participate in Activities Week, either as a helper on a lower/middle school trip or on any of the L6th trips.

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SCHOOL TRIPS ADVICE NOTES FOR PARENTS

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ending your child off on a school trip can produce mixed feelings for parents. There is the excitement of allowing children to explore new horizons, pursuits and adventures, but the possibility that you may harbour anxieties about how they will get on socially, and remain fit and well.

to misconstrued messages reaching home, which can cause undue anxiety to parents and friends.

Dates and timings A school trip is a commitment and the details are published well in advance. Once you have signed up your child for a trip, please avoid clashes with other events that might cause you to ask for your child to arrive late or depart early.

Most school trips pass off without any concerns.

Pupils generally socialise well with each other and

Issues relating to timings, activities, religious

have a great time. The trip’s dynamics help reinforce the School’s ethos of pupils treating others with

observance or a special diet, must be raised at the time of booking, or as soon as possible thereafter

friendship, tolerance and respect, whilst having fun. A with the trip leader. few observations for parents to note: The control officer is an emergency 24/7 service by a Communicating with your child

senior staff member who cannot field routine Trip leaders need to focus their time and enquiries such as arrival or return timings. Children concentration on leading the group. Your child’s will be encouraged to text you with confirmation of school trip will be supported on site at Latymer Upper their safe arrival and of any variation to their return by a control officer, a senior member of school staff, time. who acts as liaison for any essential communications

During Activities Week, leaders try to post a daily blog on the school website; this is dependent on them finding an internet signal!

and assists the trip leader and families with support should any incidents arise.

Trip leaders’ phone batteries can quickly run down Documents, Valuables and Possessions and signals can be weak. For these reasons, we do not All possessions should be named. Children should be facilitate direct calls between parents and the trip

educated about taking responsibility for keeping their property safe. If facilities exist to keep money,

leader.

For younger pupils who are not used to being away passports or valuables safe, your child should use this. from home, feeling homesick is not unusual. Generally The same applies to any medications. keeping the pupils engaged and busy will stop these feelings building up. Constant reminders about home At a very early stage please check your child’s can be unhelpful in reinforcing homesickness. For this passport and visa (if applicable) and ensure that all documents will be valid for the trip. Passports can be renewed several months ahead of expiry to avoid a

reason we do not advocate regular messaging to and from your child.

last minute rush.

Children are instructed to let the teachers manage

Please note any insurance arrangements for the trip

the communication if any concerns do arise. On some trips phone access and use of devices may be

(usually fully covered by the School) including the need or not for a European Health Insurance Card

restricted. They are also asked to avoid social media, as dependence on this can detract from socialising

(EHIC).

with the other students on their trip. It can also lead 4

PUPIL’S CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL TRIPS There is one fundamental School rule, namely that all pupils should, at all times, behave responsibly, sensibly and courteously.

The School does not produce an exhaustive list of rules. Latymerians are expected to conduct themselves in a way consistent with common sense, safety and decency, showing respect for others and themselves, and for the fabric and property of the School.

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Staff will have details of your medical requirements but please discuss any issues/concerns with them at an early stage. Hand in any spare medication you have. E.g. EpiPen. Ensure you have your correct inhaler/medication with you.

Apply sun-cream regularly when needed.

Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Wash your hands before eating.

Wash/shower, use deodorant, and change your clothes regularly.

Ensure you get enough sleep at night.

5.

Friendships

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 2.

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Code of Behaviour School rules apply on all school trips Alcohol, drugs and smoking are not permitted.

In some circumstances, and with written parental consent, some sixth form pupils may drink wine or beer in moderation while under the supervision of a member of staff. Drinking without a teacher present is strictly prohibited.

No spirits may ever be purchased or consumed.

Pupils who ignore this rule may be sent back to school at their parents' expense.

Respect

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Listen carefully to instructions.

Follow the rules of the centre/hotel/campsite.

Be punctual for meetings.

Be sensible with your valuables and avoid bringing expensive items or large sums of money.

Look after each other and make sure that everyone feels included Alert staff/sixth form helpers if you are worried about anyone Do not tolerate bullying of any kind Open your eyes to new friendships; trips are about being open-minded.

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Transport

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Statistically, the journey time is the most dangerous part of any trip.

Follow instructions carefully, particularly on-board a ferry.

Always wear your seat belt.

Be aware of evacuation procedures.

Know where your meeting point is.

If you are crossing roads when you are abroad, remember to look LEFT

    

Staff - including instructors, catering/cleaning staff or any other employees at centres/hotels/ restaurants.

Each other Property 7.

The environment: please pick up your litter.  Your room/tent: please keep this tidy.

Transport such as plane/train/coach: do not leave a mess.

Be polite and friendly: remember ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’.

General Advice

Health and Hygiene

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Emergency Procedures If you get into any sort of difficulty, you must get in contact with a member of staff as soon as you can.

Do NOT go to your parents as the first point of call.

Staff will then contact the appropriate person at home so that you can talk to them once the facts and situation are clarified.

It is not helpful to cause unnecessary stress for parents at home, who may hear rumours second/ third hand via alarmist text messages.

Ensure you have the emergency contact details with you. Put this contact number into your mobile phone if you have one.

Know the address of the place where you are staying.

Trips are both fun and enriching. Please secure the future of Activities Week by being helpful and thoughtful.

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DARTMOOR

RESIDENTIAL

Dartmoor National Park

DARTMOOR Year 7 Monday - Friday Mr P Martin ÂŁ495

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artmoor is the largest National Park in Southern England. Its rugged beauty has attracted visitors for generations and Latymer has been going there for Activities Week for over 40 years. This year we will be staying at Okehampton, a town on the northern edge of the moor.

Activities will include climbing, mountain biking, gorge scrambling and pony trekking. We will also travel to Cornwall for a day of surfing! The best bits of all the trips rolled into one! All the activities are supervised by experts in a safe environment and the week is always a memorable adventure .

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SUSSEX: BUSHCRAFT

RESIDENTIAL

Bushcraft in Sussex

BUSHCRAFT Year 7 Monday - Friday Mr S O’Leary £445

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iscover your inner Bear Grylls and learn how to survive in the wilderness with Really Wild Education. While camping in the wild forests of Sussex, we will learn bushcraft, survival and life skills from experienced professionals.

Every day will involve a new challenge from knife craft to building and lighting fires. We will also play night games in the forest and learn navigation techniques.

We will be cooking our own meals in an outdoors ‘Master Chef’ style. Be prepared to work as a team, get muddy and make lots of new friends around the campfire and in the tepee as you learn to survive in the wilderness of Sussex!

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CORNWALL: ECO-EXPLORER

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Eco-Explorer Cornwall

ECO-EXPLORER Years 7 & 8 plus L6 helpers Monday - Friday Miss S Harris £365

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ant to visit a rainforest and wander through the Mediterranean? Then this trip’s for you! We will travel along some of the most scenic stretches of coastline in Cornwall and stay near the sea in the picturesque town of St Ives.

A highlight of the trip will be a visit to the Eden Project and the world’s largest indoor rainforest, where we will learn about the environment and how we can sustain it.

From our base in St Ives we will explore art galleries such as the Barbara Hepworth Gallery and the Tate St Ives, relax on the beautiful beaches, and visit The Minack Theatre on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. We will walk along some of the stunning South West Coastal Path to the village of Zennor where we’ll look at how people used to live off the sea and land.

We will also have a chance to participate in some morning yoga in beautiful surroundings; a packed yet relaxing and enjoyable week in Cornwall.

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NORMANDY

RESIDENTIAL NORMANDY Years 7 & 8 Sunday - Friday Mr J Geoghegan £610

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Normandy Multi-Activity Adventure

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ased in a lovely gîte in the village of Clécy, we venture out to undertake a balanced mix of cultural, historical and physical activities. Making the most of the fantastic countryside, we have a go at high wires, mountain biking, kayaking and archery. Our accommodation allows us to get a taste of French cuisine, with a further chance to experience the French lifestyle at a goats’ cheese farm and shopping in a local marketplace.

We also spend a day visiting the beautiful Mont Saint-Michel, a spot of culture in addition to all of the exciting activities on offer.

Whilst each day is packed with interesting activities, there is a chance to relax in the evenings, playing football or chilling out and making new friends.

NORTHERN IRELAND

RESIDENTIAL

Discovering Northern Ireland

NORTHERN IRELAND Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Ms K Blatch ÂŁ480

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e fly to Northern Ireland where you will get a chance to explore famous landmarks such as the Giants' Causeway and the death defying Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (hung 30 metres above the sea and jagged rocks). We spend two days doing activities including hydrozorbing, tree-top climbing, canoeing and abseiling and a day in Belfast, visiting the Titanic Museum and learning about the history of the city, including seeing political murals depicting the turbulent events of the so called "Troubles".

In contrast, you will get a chance to appreciate the raw natural beauty and wildlife of Northern Ireland when we visit Rathlin Island to see puffins and seals up close. Our youth hostel base for the week overlooks a gorgeous sandy beach on the north coast, which provides the perfect spot for evening fun and beach games.

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IRELAND: SURF AND TURF

RESIDENTIAL IRELAND: SURF & TURF Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Ms J Clarke ÂŁ640

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e fly to the activity centre at Delphi, South–West Mayo in Ireland, set in the beautiful and breath-taking landscape of Connemara. The centre offers en-suite rooms with 24 hour supervision. Activities are run by a team of friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors. The area is rich in wildlife: seals, badgers and migratory birds. We have been lucky enough to see dolphins as we were surfing in the Atlantic!

An action packed week, including horse-riding and surfing, amongst other exciting activities. We will also visit the picturesque town of Westport during the stay for a spot of souvenir shopping. We finish off the week with a boat cruise and barbeque on the stunning Killary Fjord. A fun and challenging week!

Ireland: Surf & Turf

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BELGIUM

RESIDENTIAL

Best of Belgium

BEST OF BELGIUM Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Miss J Wong £530

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ears 7 and 8 will once again cross the Channel and discover the delights of Belgium. Staying in Maldegem, near historic Bruges, this will be a gastronomic and cultural tour. Students will have time not only to see the sights and gobble down waffles, but also to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a thrilling day out at a theme park. We will be staying in a comfortable hostel, with plenty of space to play games. Activities will include:    

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A visit to Bruges and tour of the town by boat A guided tour of Sukerbuyc artisanal chocolate factory Excursion to Brussels and Oceade adventure pool Visiting the Battlefields of Waterloo and the Atlantic Wall Museum Day trip to Walibi Theme park

NORTH DEVON

RESIDENTIAL SKERN LODGE Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Miss C Comiskey ÂŁ530

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kern Lodge is an incredible centre situated on the edge of Appledore in beautiful North Devon. There are lots of water activities such as surfing, kayaking and a high speed RIB ride in addition to the land based options such as high ropes and tunnelling. The wide range of activities promotes team building, problem solving and communication.

The accommodation and food are excellent, and there is even a heated swimming pool on site.

The staff are outstanding and each year the instructors again prove themselves to be enthusiastic, energetic and highly qualified. As there is a high proportion of water based activities, students must be able to swim 100m competently.

Skern Lodge Multi-Activity

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WATERSPORTS IN COWES

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Cowes: Watersports at UKSA

WATERSPORTS AT UKSA Years 7 & 8 Monday - Saturday Mrs S Parra ÂŁ599

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ome to the Isle of Wight, the heart of the yachting world, for a thrill seekers marine week away! This activity week offers a muti-activity week encompassing dingy sailing, keel boat sailing, paddle boarding , kayaking and team games.

Pupils will follow the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Stage 1 course delivered by the outstanding staff at UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Association), a charity that believes in the power of the sea to inspire and make a positive change. There will be plenty of activities on and off the water; there is a full programme of evening entertainment to keep students focused, engaged and active and support the RYA Stage 1 qualification.

Before lights out, students can wind down in 50 Degrees North, the self-contained entertainment zone with pool tables, games, a lounge and kitchen areas. UKSA also has an indoor heated swimming pool, a cyber-cafĂŠ, TV lounge and outdoor seating areas overlooking the river. The week at UKSA is about challenge, making new friends and having fun.

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PROVENCE

RESIDENTIAL

Provence Past and Present PROVENCE Years 8 & 9 Monday - Friday Miss K Lathan/Miss R Wright ÂŁ500

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he south of France is filled with superb reminders of the Roman Empire, from the temples, baths and amphitheatres of Nimes and Arles, to the magnificent aqueduct the Pont du Gard, a World Heritage site.

Since the Romans, Provence has been a centre of art and culture – with Van Gogh, French cuisine and the Haribo Factory. Our plan is to travel out and back by train (Eurostar and TGV), stay in a local hotel and explore them all.

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SAILING IN SCOTLAND

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Sailing in Scotland

SAILING IN SCOTLAND Years 8 & 9 Sunday - Friday Mr P Drumm ÂŁ430

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f you are a beginner at sailing or already have experience in sailing, you have the opportunity to improve your dinghy sailing skills in the beautiful setting of the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. We are travelling to the National Centre Cumbrae, Scotland's premier water centre.

We will concentrate on flotilla sailing with a view to learning how to race small boats in regattas. Ability to swim is definitely an advantage. We will travel to the centre by train and then ferry. There is an evening activity program including an opportunity to cycle around the stunning island of Great Cumbrae.

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ARDECHE

RESIDENTIAL

Ardeche Adventure

ARDECHE ADVENTURE Years 9 & 10 plus 4 L6 helpers Saturday - Saturday Miss E Green/Miss L Snooks £680

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his is an action packed week in the sun, split between two fantastic locations. The adventure begins with a three day descent of the spectacular Ardèche River in canoes.

Exhilarating rapids and stunning scenery abound, plus a night under the stars!

We then relocate to the beach where we will enjoy a variety of activities: sailing, kayaking, abseiling, beach volleyball…to name a few! We will stay at selfcontained PGL centres, offering great accommodation and delicious food. The centres are run by enthusiastic staff who provide excellent entertainment from morning till night!

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GREDOS

RESIDENTIAL

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he Gredos Mountains are famous hunting grounds of the Kings of Spain. Situated between metropolitan buzz of Madrid and the old world charm of Salamanca, the region has an earthy rural charm set in dramatic mountain scenery. This activity intends to place pupils in a landscape with an intention to explore the cultural as well as the physical. In this context, pupils will not only get the chance to swim in natural river pools, but also to learn the subtleties of Spanish cookery and visit the medieval town of Avila.

There will be organised outward bound activities such as horse riding and ziplining and orienteering, as well as archery and mountain biking.

Most nights are spent at the Activity Centre but our final night will be in a Parador, a previous royal residence. In all of this, openness to new cultures and environments is just as important as a sturdy pair of legs.

We will fly to Spain.

Spain: Gredos Mountains 18

GREDOS Years 9 & 10 Saturday - Thursday 23-28 June Ms Z Laattoe ÂŁ675

TOUR DE SOMME

RESIDENTIAL TOUR DE SOMME Years 9 & 10 Monday - Friday Mrs J Selby ÂŁ550

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tep back in time and take a bicycle tour through the picturesque Somme valley with its cultural and historic sites. Both fun and engaging, we will intersperse physical exercise with interesting activities and an opportunity to hone French language skills.

Our hugely knowledgeable guides will include daily briefings and support vehicles will provide back-up and transport luggage/equipment to our accommodation along the way. The trip will culminate in a well-earned rest at the beach of Le Touquet.

Tour de Somme

by Bike

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CUISINE & CULTURE IN PARIS

RESIDENTIAL PARISIAN CUISINE & CULTURE Years 9 & 10 Monday - Friday Miss E Harvey/ Miss O Harvey £675

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he trip offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the best of Paris’s cuisine and culture. Students will be developing their culinary skills and knowledge attending a 3-course cookery workshop, exploring Parisian food markets, cheese tasting and crepe making. We will also be visiting some of the most famous landmarks in Paris, including Cathedrale de Notre Dame, Basilique du Sacre Coeur, the Eiffel Tower and enjoying a boat cruise along the River Seine through the heart of historical Paris. Students will also spend a day exploring the city by bike and stopping off to experience Paris’s best bakeries along the route.

There are plenty of opportunities for students to practice their French.

The evenings will mostly be spent socialising and playing games in and around the pool and gardens of the impressive PGL Chateau du Grande Romaine centre where facilities and staff are excellent.

Cuisine & Culture in Paris

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DRAMA IN ATHENS

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RESIDENTIAL ust a three and a half hour flight and you will find yourself in theatrical history. Greece is the ideal backdrop for this Activities Week event.

During your time in Athens, you will take part in challenging drama workshops led by experienced workshop facilitators. You will work towards performing at a local orphanage where you will also volunteer on one of the days. On other days we will be exploring the ancient citadel of Mycenae, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, the Acropolis and the fantastic new Acropolis Museum!

There will be some beach-time, Greek Dancing lessons and delicious food to sample along the way! As well as being an inspiring cultural experience for those interested in Drama and Classics, you will develop an awareness of charity work overseas in this recently economically-fragmented city which sits amongst the ruins of one of the mightiest ancient civilisations. It will be an experience you will never forget.

Drama meets Charity in Athens

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WHEN DRAMA MEETS CHARITY Years 9 & 10 Monday-Friday Mr J Joseph ÂŁ769

PEAK DISTRICT

RESIDENTIAL

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hether you are a long distance rambler, a hilltop hiker, a Sunday stroller, a fanciful footslogger or an enthusiastic pedestrian preferring to explore urban or village life, the Peak District Explorer is for you. After travelling by train to Buxton we will be spending the week walking through some of the most beautiful countryside in the British Isles. This is a fantastic opportunity if you love walking, fresh air and the countryside, and although reasonably challenging we won’t be walking more than about 10 miles each day.

One of the days will be spent at Alton Towers, probably the best theme park in the UK. Our accommodation will be split between Hartington YHA in the White Peak and Youlgreave YHA which is further north, in the Dark Peak. The tour includes all travel and all meals and we will be accompanied throughout by experienced guides. Our luggage will be transported between our hotels/hostels so you won’t need to carry anything with you.

Peak District Explorer

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PEAK DISTRICT Years 9 & 10 plus L6 helpers Monday - Friday Mr T Henwood £520

SNOWDONIA

RESIDENTIAL SNOWDONIA Years 9 & 10 Sunday - Friday Dr R Oxburgh £640

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oes conquering a rocky tor sound like relaxation to you? Love the thrill of adrenalin as you hurtle down a mountain trail?

Like panoramic views as you descend a vertical rock face?

Love the idea of life in the fast lane of a river? Do you want your air clean, fresh…with plenty below your feet? This could be just the challenge that you need!

Plas Y Brenin is the National Mountaineering Centre and provides instruction and facilities to the highest standard. The centre has an 11 metre high climbing wall, canoe training pool and a private lake, and is surrounded by some of the most challenging and beautiful mountains in Britain.

The ‘anything but typical’ activities include rock climbing, abseiling, sea cliff traversing, mountain walking, mountain biking, canyoning, sea kayaking, and a rope course. In addition, there will be the opportunity to ride one of the world’s fastest and longest zip wires reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph.

Snowdonia: Plas Y Brenin

There will be no more than 8 pupils per instructor.

All necessary equipment is provided.

The accommodation and dining facilities are excellent and the trip price includes all meals and Wi-Fi access in the recreation centre.

Transport to and from Plas Y Brenin will be by coach.

More information can be found www.pyb.co.uk/index.php or by asking Dr Oxburgh.

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KRAKOW: POLAND

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Sailing in Scotland CULTURAL KRAKOW

NEW TRIP! KRAKOW Years 9 & 10 Monday - Friday Ms R Bell £640

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xperience the wonderfully eclectic and rich culture of Krakow, Poland! See amazing Art Nouveau artwork, Baroque architecture, buildings and sculptures made from salt at Wieliczka, and paintings by Leonard da Vinci.

Learn about Jewish history in the Jewish Quarter; tour Schindler’s Factory and see AuschwitzBirkenau.

We will be staying in a nice centrally located hotel for four days. Activities will include making traditional Polish dumplings for supper, a stained glass workshop (you don’t have to be artistic) and bowling.

On the final day, back in London, we will make a visual or verbal record of our trip – either a journalistic article or an art piece to present to the Polish Centre opposite the school.

Mam nadzieję, że się tam zobaczymy

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TRANSYLVANIA: ROMANIA

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RESIDENTIAL his is a brand new trip to Romania for those that like adventure and a physical challenge.

Transylvania, the land that gave us Dracula, has no shortage of astounding castles pitched precariously on rocky hilltops. We will visit the spellbinding 14thcentury Corvin Castle followed by the subterranean Salina Turda Salt mines, voted by Business Insider

Magazine as top of their list of the ten "coolest underground places in the world".

We will then set off to the Carpathian Mountains where rugged stone churches and dazzling monasteries dot a pristine landscape of rocky

mountains and rolling hills for three days of hiking, abseiling, canyoning and a 90 metre zipline over a waterfall. Day 4 will include a 7 hour trek that crosses the Nera river twice. We will visit Transylvania College, a Round Square partner school, and join in some community service organised by the school and on Day 5 we will visit Alba Iulia and its fortress.

Sign up if you dare‌ Muah ha ha ha!

Trekking in Transylvania

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NEW TRIP! TRANSYLVANIA Years 10 & L6 Sunday - Saturday Miss Mr D Wright/ Miss S Weldon ÂŁ650

MOROCCO

RESIDENTIAL

Culture and Charity: Morocco

MOROCCO Years 10 & L6 Monday - Friday/early Saturday Mr S Lomon ÂŁ700

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his trip offers the chance to make a difference to lives of rural Moroccans.

At the same time, it is a chance to enjoy the sights and culture of this exotic country. We will spend half of the trip based in Marrakech.

Here we will visit the Souks, bazaars and sample the local cuisine and night life. In this part of the trip we will stay in a 3* hotel and the aim will be total cultural immersion. We will also travel to the coastal city of Casablanca where we will participate in a cultural programme with local school children in a local village, engaging with them in lessons and football games.

We will examine the difference in culture between the coastal region and the cities. We will take with us a collection of nearly new clothes for the village we are staying in. We will finally return to Marrakech where we will learn to ride a camel and to haggle for souvenirs for our family and friends. This trip will best suit pupils who are open to new experiences and different cultures, and those willing to roll their sleeves up and get involved.

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SURFING IN CORNWALL

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Surfing in Cornwall

CORNWALL Years 10 & L6 Monday - Friday Miss E Cameron £470

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urf’s up in Newquay! This trip involves two full days’ surfing on Watergate Bay – one of Cornwall’s premier surfing spots run by the O’Neill Surf Academy.

On the Wednesday, we will also be spending one day on beautiful Fistral Beach in Newquay, with adventurous coasteering in the morning, followed by a welldeserved, warming lunch at Rick Stein’s shore-front restaurant before another afternoon of surfing. Coasteering, which is run by specialist guides from the Quiksilver Surf School, was new to the trip last year and a real hit; traversing across barnaclecovered ledges, jumping into the sea from a variety of heights, exploring hidden rock pools and swimming into smugglers’ coves, this is arguably the best way to explore the gorgeous North Cornish coastline.

Pupils need not have previous experience of either coasteering or surfing, but they must be able to swim 200m and be prepared for the all-weather nature of the sports. More experienced individuals are catered for as well.

Excellent tuition is given by both the surf academies’ instructors, who are British Surfing Association Accredited.

Accommodation will be nearby in Porth and daily transport to and from the beaches will be provided.

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LAKE DISTRICT

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ild Swimming Holidays in the Lake District do not get any better than this. A swim adventure of lake, tarn & river swimming in the heart of the Lake District National Park with a great choice of comfortable accommodation on the shore of Lake Windermere and surrounded by stunning Lakeland views. Join us as we swim the iconic north basin of Windermere, the Rothay River and the beautiful tarns and Lakes that have inspired famous poets and artists.

You will stay at the YHA Ambleside, Waterhead. A vibrant and popular hostel right on the shore of Windermere lake and a stone’s throw away from Ambleside town centre with its wine bars, real ale pubs, cinemas, climbing wall and outdoor adventure shops. The staff are friendly and helpful and there are great facilities on site, and the lakeshore situation is an inspiration for any self-respecting swimmer.

The trip will be a physical challenge and so is only suited to those who If you love wild swimming, or are are strong, competent swimmers, just keen to try it for the first time, and are prepared to undertake then this trip will be one of the some regular training beforehand. best activities week adventures You will be given excellent open for indulging your passion. water technical coaching and a trip Included in the trip will be the best to Shepperton Lakes. We hope hot chocolate and snacks during that this be the start of a lifetime swims, a Swim the Lakes signature love affair with wild swimming. hoody, and swim caps for each swimmer.

Windermere Wild Swim Adventure

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NEW TRIP! SWIM THE LAKES Y10 & L6th Monday - Saturday Miss E Chapman ÂŁ740

DEVON: CREATIVE WRITING

RESIDENTIAL

Creative Writing

CREATIVE WRITING Years 10 & L6 Monday - Saturday Mr W Goldsmith £580

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evelop your Creative Writing on a worldrenowned Arvon course run by professional writers!

Described by past students as ‘the best food and accommodation,’ our home for the week is a thatched manor house set in farmland, by a river, in beautiful Devon. Our teachers will be three professional writers who share their work and stimulate exciting new writing.

We can request what balance of published novelists, poets, or playwrights we want once the group is decided.

Student teams take turns to cook an evening meal for the group.

(Recipes and ingredients are provided, and there's lots of help at hand). Evenings are spent enjoying great tales from professional story-tellers.

Come home with a notebook bursting with writing, a head full of ideas and an itch to continue to write.

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AUSTRIA: DANUBE

RESIDENTIAL

DESTINATION DANUBE

BY BIKE L6th Monday - Saturday Mr B Bladon £736

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Cycle the Danube

ycle from Linz to Vienna along the banks of the River Danube.

Travel through a country at a velocity that helps you really absorb everything – on a bicycle. The buzz from reaching a destination by your own efforts is very rewarding. Fly out on the Monday from London to Vienna. Transfer to Linz by train. Then cycle back to Vienna. Total distance, 186km.

The week takes us past a dizzying range of sights – stunning Austrian countryside, the town where Hitler grew up (Linz), a Nazi concentration camp (Mauthausen), a baroque riverside village (Grein), dense woods, a pilgrimage church (Maria Taferl), monasteries with medieval manuscripts, the wine villages of the Wachau Valley, a craggy hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom, and the sites of Austria’s vibrant and historic capital.

We fly back to London on the Saturday morning.

This trip is only suited to experienced cyclists who ride all the time and who can take several uninterrupted circuits of Richmond Park in their stride, including the hills and the traffic. The required fitness level is strong.

Accommodation is a mix of basic youth hostels and more comfortable hotels. Bikes are provided, helmets are not. All meals are provided (except at the airport outbound and inbound). Bags are moved from one overnight stop to the next. A van provides back-up for any mechanical assistance.

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MONT BLANC

RESIDENTIAL

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rek the Alps and tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc. You will hike the first four sections of this famous route, taking in three countries in just five days! We will stay at hostels and mountain huts along the way. The Swiss, French and Italian Alps await those who fancy a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, week of hiking.

You will need to maintain your fitness throughout the summer term and attend several group fitness circuit sessions.. You will be rewarded with a constantly changing landscape: fertile valleys, snowy peaks, precarious gorge crossings, glaciers, and more. Travelling Monday to Friday, we will fly to Geneva before transferring to Chamonix and joining our local guide. For more information about this spectacular trek which unwinds around the Mont Blanc massif, click here or ask Mr Monk.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC L6th Monday - Friday Mr J Monk ÂŁ645

Tour du Mont Blanc

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SAILING TO FRANCE

RESIDENTIAL NEW TRIP! SAILING THE PROLIFIC TO FRANCE Year L6th Monday - Friday Mr J White ÂŁ500

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crew of 12 Latymerians will sail the 30 metre sailing yacht 'Prolific' from Southampton harbour with the charity Ocean Youth Trust. The yacht is built in the style of nineteenth century Norwegian herring fishing boats and can be seen on OYT's website http://www.oytsouth.org/ prolific.asp.

There is a professional crew on board who will teach us how to sail this elegant vessel over the week. We will attempt to sail up the West coast of England and visit the Channel Islands and France if the weather permits. No sailing experience is necessary but a willingness to learn is!

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SCUBA

NON-RESIDENTIAL SCUBA Years 8 - L6 Monday - Friday Mr A Edwards ÂŁ525

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he internationally recognized PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular scuba course in the world. It is a qualification for life and will qualify you and a buddy to dive independently of supervision to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

You will spend two days covering all the academic and pool training, leading to four dives in an open water environment to complete the course.

Scuba Diving: PADI

Once qualified we will head to the coast for you to experience some of the fantastic diving the UK coastline has to offer! The south coast boasts miles of coastline with extensive beaches, rocks, wrecks and reefs. The fabulous wealth of marine life to be found in the waters around the south coast includes many colourful and bizarre creatures from spectacular anemones to groups of cuttlefish, and the local John Dory and Pipefish.

No experience is required and all safety equipment is supplied.

Unfortunately this activity is not suitable for those with asthma.

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LONDON MULTI-SPORTS

NON-RESIDENTIAL

I

n London Multi-Sports we aim to cover a plethora of sports in one week. We begin on the Monday with sailing, kayaking and windsurfing and then partake in waterskiing, knee-boarding, wake-boarding, banana-boating, skiing, bowling, paintballing and go-karting over the course of the week.

LONDON MULTI-SPORTS Years 9 & 10 Monday - Friday Mr M Lewis ÂŁ340

London Multi-Sports

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THEATRELAND

NON-RESIDENTIAL THEATRELAND Years 9, 10 & L6 Monday - Friday Mrs C Ellis ÂŁ350

Theatreland

T

he way we communicate is through stories. Stories are what make us human. Explore how those stories are brought to life by seeing some of the most exciting theatre in the world that can be found here in London.

Every day we will see a lively theatrical production, be it a musical, a contemporary drama, a comedy or a classic, but much more than that, we explore with theatre professionals such as The National Theatre, how space, voice, physicality and design affect how a production is brought to life. We explore the backstage secrets of our historical venues and learn how the theatrical illusion is created.

We then take the creative elements we have learned in the week and visit a local primary school to share our experiences in a workshop guided by an experienced director.

Whilst not in the audience we explore the daily theatre that London provides exploring galleries, architecture and the scenic drama of this wonderful city. Prepare to be magnificently entertained.

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DISCOVER LONDON

NON-RESIDENTIAL

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his week provides a fascinating choice for anyone who needs or would prefer to be in London during Activities Week. This is a Monday - Friday 9 – 5pm trip which will particularly suit those who wish to widen their knowledge of the city.

We begin the week with a full day bike tour through the East End to the Olympic Park, and end with a watersports day, again in the East End. In between you will go on a variety of guided walks and tours to less well known parts of London, including a gastronomic tour of Brixton and visits to the Old Operating Theatre, the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe and ‘literary London’. All you will need is a pair of trainers, an oyster card, and an open mind. You must also be able to ride a bike!

London Calling

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LONDON CALLING Years 10 & L6th Monday - Friday Mrs R Babuta £250

GASTRONOMIC LONDON

NON-RESIDENTIAL GASTRONOMIC LONDON Year L6 Monday - Friday Mr G Cook/Mrs S Motz ÂŁ380

Gastronomic London

B

e inspired by the wonderful food of our capital and learn how to create exciting and mouth-watering dishes.

Gastronomic London is a unique and fascinating opportunity both to explore London as the food capital of the world, and to hone your culinary skills in an actionpacked week of visits, cook-offs, tastings and tours.

Students will be provided with opportunities to learn from professional chefs in creating and experiencing a tantalising range of different cuisines and dishes.

We will also be sampling some of the fine dining that London has to offer. This is a fabulous opportunity to practise a creative, addictive and extremely practical hobby. Cookery beginners welcome!

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