Activities Week booklet 2019

Activities week 2019

NEW TRIPS! Living in Sweden Berlin Uncovered Shakespeare in Stratford -upon-Avon

Learn new skills Visit amazing landscapes Discover different cultures Taste fantastic cuisine Make new friends

NEW LOCATIONS! Drama in Budapest Eco-Explorer Morocco –city and rural exploration Creative writing retreat

Challenge yourself!

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ACTIVITIES WEEK 2019 Activities Week is a Latymer Upper School tradition which has existed for over 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.

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.

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

Activities Week Choices Parents are asked to select four different trips that they would be happy for their child to attend. These four choices are in no order of priority or preference.

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!

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

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Monday 1st-Friday 5th July Parents/Guardians: Please complete the Choices Form on School Post by Friday 9th November 2018 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.

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 child can attend any of the trips applied for: while most trips run from Monday - Friday, some leave and/or return at the weekend.

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.

Pupils will be informed which Activities Week trip they have been allocated in December, and we will write to you in January with more details about the trip that they have been allocated.

Billing The school will bill parents for the cost of the chosen activity in two equal instalments included in the fee bills for spring and summer terms 2019.

Sixth Form 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.

We hope you enjoy your trip!

Lucy Cole Assistant Head (Co-curriculum)

Trips & Activities 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 Trips & Activities Fund (formerly known as the Horizon Fund), funded by the Parents’ Gild and administered by the School, provides grants to pupils who would otherwise be unable to participate. Applications for grants for this trip should be made in writing to the Finance Director (fd@latymer-upper.org) for consideration.

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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.

with the other students on their trip. It can also lead 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 have a great time. The trip dynamics help reinforce the School’s ethos of pupils treating others with

Issues relating to timings, activities, religious observance or a special diet, must be raised at the

friendship, tolerance and respect, whilst having fun.

time of booking, or as soon as possible thereafter with the trip leader.

A few observations for parents to note:

The control officer is an emergency 24/7 service

Communicating with your child

provided by a senior staff member who cannot field routine enquiries such as arrival or return timings.

Children will be encouraged to text you with confirmation of their safe arrival and of any variation to their return time.

Trip leaders need to focus their time and concentration on leading the group. Your child’s school trip will be supported on site at Latymer Upper School by a control officer, a senior member of school staff, who acts as liaison for any essential communications and assists the trip leader and families with support should any incidents arise.

During Activities Week, leaders try to post a daily blog on the School website; this is dependent on them

finding an internet signal!

Trip leaders’ phone batteries can quickly run down Documents, valuables and possessions and signals can be weak. For these reasons, we do not facilitate direct calls between parents and the trip leader.

All possessions should be named. Children should be educated about taking responsibility for keeping their

property safe. If facilities exist to keep money, 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 reason we do not advocate regular messaging to and documents will be valid for the trip. Passports can be from your child.

renewed several months ahead of expiry to avoid a last minute rush.

Children are instructed to let the teachers manage the communication if any concerns do arise. On some trips phone access and use of devices may be

Please take note of any insurance arrangements for the trip (usually fully covered by the School) including

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

the need or not for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

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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 trip location and accommodation.

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

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General advice

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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

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Health and hygiene

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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

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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

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Friendships

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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

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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 Year 7 Monday - Friday Miss G Beevor 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. We will be staying in 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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Bushcraft, Sussex RESIDENTIAL

BUSHCRAFT Year 7 Monday - Friday Mr W Wearden £450

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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, and building emergency shelters to foraging for safe food in the wild.

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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ECO-EXPLORER, Pembrokeshire RESIDENTIAL

NEW LOCATION! ECO-EXPLORER Years 7 & 8 plus two L6th helpers Monday - Friday Miss S Harris £425

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n epic adventure to one of the UK’s most incredible coastlines to explore the ocean, taste bugs and learn about the environment. This trip will help students build essential life skills through adventure and fun. The main focus of this project is for individuals to develop a range of key skills such as teamwork, courage, tenacity and problemsolving, and at the same time connect with the outdoors.

Through the exciting list of activities you’ll learn about conservation and sustainability, which is more important than ever in such a rapidly changing world.

We’ll be camping in Pembrokeshire, meeting and eating bugs at a bug farm, taking part in coasteering and experiencing some wonderful beaches, all the while learning about how to conserve and protect our wonderful planet.

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NORMANDY Multi-activity Adventure RESIDENTIAL NORMANDY Years 7 & 8 Sunday - Friday Mr J Geoghegan £624

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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.

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Discovering Northern Ireland RESIDENTIAL

NORTHERN IRELAND Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Ms H Tindale £480

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hile ‘Discovering Northern Ireland’, we will explore astonishing, wild landscapes such as the famous Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (a structure hung 30 metres above the sea and jagged rocks!). You will be able to test your bravery while taking part in activities such as hydrozorbing, tree-top climbing and abseiling. Also on a visit to Rathlin Island we will appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife of the Northern Irish coast, viewing puffins and seals up close. Additionally we will explore the city and culture of Belfast. Here we visit the Titanic Museum and learn about the city’s history, including touring the political murals depicting the turbulent events of the "Troubles".

Our youth hostel base for the week overlooks a gorgeous sandy beach on the north coast, providing the perfect spot for evening fun and beach games.

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Surf and Turf, Ireland RESIDENTIAL SURF & TURF, IRELAND Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Ms J Clarke ÂŁ680

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e fly to the activity centre at Delphi, south-west Mayo in Ireland, set in the beautiful and breathtaking 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 while 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!

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Best of Belgium RESIDENTIAL BEST OF BELGIUM Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Miss J Wong £550

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ears 7 and 8 are once again invited to cross the Channel and discover the delights of Belgium. Staying in Leuven, near the capital of Belgium, 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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Visiting Bruges and a tour of the town by boat A guided tour of Sukerbuyc hand-made chocolate factory An excursion to Brussels Visiting the Battlefields of Waterloo and Memorial 1815 Museum Trips to a theme park and water park Visiting Hergé Museum

Skern Lodge, North Devon RESIDENTIAL

SKERN LODGE Years 7 & 8 Monday - Friday Miss C Comiskey ÂŁ540

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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 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.

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Sailing at UKSA, Cowes RESIDENTIAL SAILING 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 trip offers a multi-activity week encompassing dinghy sailing, cat 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, Past and Present RESIDENTIAL

PROVENCE Years 8 & 9 Monday - Friday Miss K Lathan/Miss R Wright ÂŁ600

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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 it all.

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Living in Sweden RESIDENTIAL NEW TRIP! LIVING IN SWEDEN Years 8 & 9 Monday—Friday Mr J Flitcroft £720

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ou may imagine you will one day be working 5 days a week from 9am - 5pm, commuting over an hour each way - but that needn’t be the case. We will take the opportunity to visit a country consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world for job satisfaction and work life balance. Sweden is the nation that famously trialled the 6 hour work day and has its own word for the concept or attitude that means you always make time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee (or tea) and a little something to eat: fika.

Staying in a hostel in the heart of Stockholm we will have the chance to visit some businesses, experience fika for ourselves and get a sense of the way of life that places wellbeing first.

After delving into the work culture we will have the chance over the last two days to visit some of the capital’s attractions and sample some local cuisine (meatballs anyone?) before taking a boat tour of the beautiful archipelago.

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Sailing in Scotland RESIDENTIAL SAILING IN SCOTLAND Years 9 &10 + 2 L6th helpers Sunday - Friday Mr J White ÂŁ450

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hether you are a beginner at sailing or already have plenty of experience, 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 a cycle tour of the island and a visit to the sports centre of Inverclyde.

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Ardeche Adventure RESIDENTIAL ARDECHE ADVENTURE Years 9 & 10 Sunday - Sunday Miss E Green/ Miss L Snooks £730

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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, Spain RESIDENTIAL GREDOS Years 9 & 10 Saturday -Thursday Mr D Paul ÂŁ675

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he Gredos Mountains are the famous hunting grounds of the Kings of Spain.

Situated between the metropolitan buzz of Madrid and the old world charm of Salamanca, the region has an earthy rural charm set in dramatic mountain scenery. This trip takes place in stunning landscapes and has pupils exploring cultural delights as well as taking part in some physical challenges. You 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, 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. Flights to Spain are included in the price.

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Cuisine & Culture in Paris RESIDENTIAL PARISIAN CUISINE & CULTURE Years 9 & 10 Monday - Friday Miss E Harvey/ Miss O Harvey £699

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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 three-course cookery workshop, exploring Parisian food markets, cheese tasting and crêpe 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.

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Cultural Krakow RESIDENTIAL

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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 Leonardo da Vinci. Learn about Jewish history in the Jewish Quarter; tour Schindler’s Factory and see Auschwitz-Birkenau.

CULTURAL KRAKOW Years 9 & 10 Monday-Friday Ms R Bell £669

We will be staying in a 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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Tour de Somme RESIDENTIAL

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e will explore the Valley of the Somme on quiet country roads and excellent cycle paths. Cycling through the scenes of some of the most ferocious battles in the First World War, we will encounter enduring evidence of the fighting that took place there.

Both fun and engaging, we will experience a mix of both physical exercise and visiting cultural and historic sites, as well as having an opportunity to hone our French language skills!

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TOUR DE SOMME Years 9 & 10 Sunday -Thursday Mr P Whitfield & Mr P Stockle ÂŁ455

Drama and Adventure in Budapest RESIDENTIAL NEW LOCATION! DRAMA IN BUDAPEST Years 9 & 10 Monday – Saturday Mr J Joseph £650

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ust a two and a half hour flight away, Hungary is full of opportunities for culture and adventure— the ideal setting for Activities Week.

During your time in Budapest you will take part in rehearsals leading to a performance at a local orphanage where you will spend part of one day volunteering. On other days, we shall be exploring the glorious city of Budapest and visiting Visegrád Castle with its Wax Museum and the town of Szentendre with its colourful houses, narrow alleys and marzipan museum.

The week will have plenty of activity too: bobsledding at Visegrád, canoeing and swimming in the Danube, walking in the Börzsöny Hills and making a visit to the famous Széchényi thermal baths. There will be a cultural evening too, complete with gypsy music and delicious food. As well as offering an unforgettable cultural experience for those interested in Drama and History, this trip will develop an awareness of charity work overseas in this glorious city on the Danube, the most romantic of locations.

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Peak District Explorer RESIDENTIAL

PEAK DISTRICT EXPLORER Years 9 & 10 + 4 L6th helpers Monday - Friday Mr T Henwood £520

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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, 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!

Snowdonia –Plas y Brenin RESIDENTIAL SNOWDONIA Years 9 & 10 + 2 L6th helpers Sunday - Friday Dr R Oxburgh £692

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oes conquering a rocky tor sound like relaxation to you?

Love the thrill of adrenaline 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 of it 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, coasteering (sea cliff traversing/ ocean swimming), mountain walking, mountain biking, gorge scrambling and a high ropes course.

The instructors are seasoned, highly experienced professionals and the ratio will be no more than 8:1. All necessary equipment is provided. The accommodation and dining facilities are excellent (the food is amazing…) 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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MOROCCO—Exploration of City & Rural Life RESIDENTIAL

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fter a very early start on Monday morning, we will arrive in Marrakesh and be taken to our hotel. We will spend the first day sightseeing, exploring the city and generally absorbing the Moroccan culture. On the second day we will travel to the village of Imlil in the high Atlas mountains. This will be the start of the trekking part of the adventure. We will visit a school in the village and volunteer our services to local teachers.

We will follow a circular route south of the famous Kasbah du Toubkal lodge to Aguersiwal, where we will walk past terraces and through walnut groves. We will enjoy a traditional picnic lunch en route, prepared for us by local chefs.

We will spend two nights in Imlil, staying in accommodation that has a strong commitment to sustainable practices and offers a unique experience for our students. We will also take part in a camel trek to the edge of the desert and experience the Berber way of life.

NEW ITINERARY! MOROCCO Years 10 & L6th Monday (very early) - Friday (very late) Ms J Price ÂŁ690

On the last day we will return to Marrakesh for lunch and have a last wander around the souks to pick up any souvenirs or gifts.

Students will need to have a good level of fitness and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear at all times as directed by staff.

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Surfing in Cornwall RESIDENTIAL SURFING IN CORNWALL Years 10 & L6th Monday - Friday Mr S Eddison £490

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urf’s up in Newquay! This trip involves three full days’ surfing in the picturesque seaside village of Mawgan Porth. It boasts Cornwall’s premier waves and a secret cove for a private surfing experience, if weather permits.

Teaching us to ‘trim’ will be KingSurf surf school. You’ll start the week ‘grubbing’ but by the time of the chilled out surfing competition on Thursday afternoon, you’ll be ‘ripping’ up the waves and maybe even winning a prize or two.

On Wednesday we will also find time for a spot of coasteering: traversing across barnaclecovered ledges, jumping into the sea from a variety of heights (the adrenaline junkies might brave the 7m jump, but you can opt out of any if it feels too high), 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 provided by British Surfing Association Accredited instructors.

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

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Tour du Mont Blanc RESIDENTIAL TOUR DU MONT BLANC Year L6th Monday - Friday Mr J Monk ÂŁ650

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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 in 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. 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 .

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Berlin Uncovered

NEW TRIP! BERLIN UNCOVERED Year L6th Monday - Friday Mr A Copeman ÂŁ635

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RESIDENTIAL xplore historic Berlin and take in places of significant war time interest, including Hitler’s bunker, the Topography of Terror (sited on Gestapo and SS HQ), the Reichstag Building and the Holocaust Memorial.

Gain an understanding of life under Communist rule with a fascinating walking tour, stopping off at the Stasi Museum and passing the Brandenburg Gate. Along the way you will visit Checkpoint Charlie and see remains of the infamous Berlin Wall, marking the divide between East and West Germany.

Join us on a tour of the 1936 Olympic Stadium, before we visit Wannsee House where the Final Solution conference took place in 1942. We will then spend time by the lake, enjoy a beautiful woodland walk and take a ferry to the picturesque Pfaueninsel Island.

On the fifth day we will regroup at school, watch an award winning film about life in East Germany and make our own short videos, capturing our enjoyment and experience of this memorable and educative trip.

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Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon RESIDENTIAL NEW TRIP! SHAKESPEARE IN STRATFORD-UPON –AVON L6th Monday - Friday Ms M Bruton £582

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mmerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare and explore the Bard’s historic hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, taking in the sights and sounds of his plays, his life and his legacy. This is your chance to be a theatre tourist and discover what it’s like to tread the boards as well as see what’s under them. We will rub shoulders with actors, taking part in a full day Royal Shakespeare Company workshop; walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps, visiting his birthplace and family homes, and get backstage access to the Royal Shakespeare Company with an ‘Explorers’ Pass’.

So if you want to experience a cornucopia of culture and arts, including going to the theatre, having dinner out with like-minded people, or even rowing down the picturesque river Avon, this is the trip for you.

We will be staying in a delightful B&B in the city centre so you will be able to spend some time independently exploring the town which has a fun and vibrant atmosphere with busking musicians, cute tea rooms, quirky shops and pretty black and white Tudor houses.

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Creative Writing Retreat RESIDENTIAL

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pend a week writing prose, poetry and plays in a splendid country house in Exmoor National Park. You will be cut off from the frenzies of London life, surrounded by heather moorland and wooded river valleys. During the day you will attend writing workshops with two published authors and then hone your work in a vibrant atmosphere of creativity. Small groups will take turns to prepare evening meals for everyone, with use of the dairy, larder and scullery, and evenings will include readings from the authors and leisure time in the sitting rooms, drawing rooms, table tennis room and billiard room.

The Creative Writing Retreat is a marvellous chance to seclude yourself in the Somerset countryside and to bask in greenery and inspiration. And you will return with a notebook packed with your own writing, and enough ideas to fill many more.

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NEW LOCATION! CREATIVE WRITING L6th Monday - Friday Mr L Maxted & Mr W Goldsmith ÂŁ650

Sailing the Solent RESIDENTIAL NEW TRIP! SAILING THE SOLENT Year L6th Sunday eve - Friday Mrs J Selby £650

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his RYA Competent Crew certified sailing course teaches you the basics of sailing and all the skills you need to be an effective member of a yacht crew. You will spend 5 days aboard a cruising yacht visiting many of the beautiful harbours and anchorages of the Solent. It is a complete basic sailing course suitable for beginners or those with some sailing experience (perhaps in dinghies). You will learn how to steer the boat on a compass heading and ’on the wind’, how to set and trim sails, operate winches, how to prepare a boat to enter and leave harbour, how to pick up moorings and anchor, safety at sea and of course, ropework and knots.

We will be in harbour or anchorage every night. Food is included from Monday morning - Friday lunch excluding meals ashore. Sunday evening meal before setting sail will be at the marina restaurant and this will be an extra cost.

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Destination Danube RESIDENTIAL DESTINATION DANUBE Year L6th Monday - Saturday Mr B Bladon ÂŁ781

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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 (Mauhausen), 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 provided (except at the airport outbound and inbound). Bags are moved from one overnight stop to the next . A van is available for mechanical back-up.

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London Multi-sports NON-RESIDENTIAL

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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 have a go at 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 ÂŁ350

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Theatreland NON-RESIDENTIAL THEATRELAND Years 9, 10 & L6th Monday - Friday Mrs C Ellis ÂŁ385

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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 , 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, discovering galleries, architecture and the scenic drama of this wonderful city. Prepare to be magnificently entertained.

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Scuba Diving NON-RESIDENTIAL SCUBA DIVING Years 7-10 & L6th Monday - Friday Mr A Edwards ÂŁ500

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he internationally recognised 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 metres.

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. 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 Calling!

NON-RESIDENTIAL

LONDON CALLING! Years 10 & L6th Monday - Friday Mr C Palmer ÂŁ320

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ondon is the amazing, world-class city we live in but how much do we actually know about it?

This is an excellent Activities Week option to experience a diverse range of activities here in London.

Most days will have a cultural theme, and a sports activity involved. Activities will include a gastronomic tour of Brixton, architectural tour of London Docklands, kayaking in the Shadwell Basin, and this year hopefully climbing the O2!

The only requirement is that you have a pair of trainers, you can ride a bicycle and you are interested in learning more about our diverse city.

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Gastronomic London NON-RESIDENTIAL

GASTRONOMIC LONDON Years 10 & L6th Monday-Friday Mr G Cook/ Mrs H Doyme ÂŁ380

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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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Summary of trips

* indicates L6th helpers required

(click on link to go to page) Residential Trips:

Dartmoor, Yr 7

Peak District Explorer, Yr 9 & 10 *

Bushcraft, Yr 7

Snowdonia, Yr 9 & 10 *

Eco Explorer, Yr 7 & 8 *

Morocco, Yr 10 & L6th

Normandy Multi-activity, Yr 7 & 8

Surfing in Cornwall, Yr 10 & L6th

Discovering Northern Ireland, Yr 7 & 8

Tour du Mont Blanc, L6th

Ireland Surf & Turf, Yr 7 & 8

Berlin Uncovered, L6th

Best of Belgium, Yr 7 & 8

Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, L6th

Skern Lodge, Devon, Yr 7 & 8

Creative Writing Retreat, L6th

Sailing at UKSA, Cowes, Yr 7 & 8

Sailing the Solent, L6th

Provence, Past & Present, Yr 8 & 9

Destination Danube, L6th

Living in Sweden, Yr 8 & 9 Sailing in Scotland, Yr 9 & 10 *

Non-residential Trips:

Ardeche Adventure, Yr 9 & 10

London Multi-sport, Yr 9 & 10

Gredos, Spain, Yr 9 & 10

Theatreland, Yr 9, 10 & L6th

Cuisine & Culture in Paris, Yr 9 & 10

Scuba Diving, Yr 7-10 & L6th

Cultural Krakow, Yr 9 & 10

London Calling! Yr 10 & L6th

Tour De Somme, Yr 9 & 10

Gastronomic London, Yr 10 & L6th

Drama in Budapest, Yr 9 & 10 39

Enjoy your Trip!!

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