Our Ref: DT/DMB
15 September 2015
Dear Parent/Guardian
FIRST WORLD WAR BATTLEFIELDS HISTORY TRIP 2016
As part of our concerted efforts to enhance and extend the study of History at Oaklands
and to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, we are planning to run a study
trip to the First World War Battlefields as a means of deepening students
understanding of the experiences of the First World War.
We will be travelling to the battlefields of Belgium and France by combination of the
Eurotunnel and coach; the latter will also remain with us for the duration of our visit.
We
will
be
accommodated
at
the
Peace
Village,
Messines
(http://peacevillage.be/en/house). The trip will take place over the weekend of 17th 19th June 2016: departure will be at 9am on Friday 17th June 2016 and we will be
returning to Oaklands at approximately 8:30pm on Sunday 19th June 2016.
As we are limited in the number of students that we can take, I would like parents to
submit an application but not send in any deposit at present.
Please return the register of interest slip below as soon as possible in order that we
can allocate places as this trip is often over-subscribed. Register of interest slips must
be handed in to the Finance Office by Monday 21 September 2015. If the activity is
oversubscribed, a transparent draw will take place. Notification as to whether your
child has a place will be will be communicated by Thursday 24 September by email.
The remainder will be put on a reserve list in the order they are drawn from the ballot.
There are 45 places available and the total cost of the trip is £240.00 and included in
this cost is:•
•
•
•
•
•
Coach from Oaklands Catholic School to the Eurotunnel, Folkestone and for
the duration of the study trip
Return train to Calais
2 nights full board accommodation
Entrance fees and guides as appropriate to all exhibitions and museums on the
itinerary
Evening meals in Ypres
Wreath to lay at Menin Gate during the Last Post ceremony
•
Travel Insurance
Not included in the cost is:-
•
•
Drinks and meals on the journey (although a packed lunch will be provided for
the journey home)
Drinks with evening meals
Payments will need to be made according to the following schedule:
o
o
o
o
o
First deposit £35 by Monday 28 September 2015
Second deposit £40 by Friday 23 October 2015
Third deposit £30 by Friday 20 November 2015
Fourth deposit £40 by Friday 11 December 2015
Fifth deposit £40 by Friday 22 January 2016
The final payment of £55 will be required by Friday 26th February 2016 will be due two
months before departure. This avoids last minute rushes to complete payments in
May.
For this trip, all students will require their own full British Passport and a valid European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC)* Students are strongly advised to sort out these
documents so that they are in their possession by 1st June 2016.
Please do not send post-dated cheques. As this trip is deemed to be an enhancement
to the curriculum, the school normally is unable to offer financial assistance and
therefore the full cost of the activity must be borne by yourselves. Payments and
accompanying paperwork must be handed in on or before the deadline date outlined
to avoid jeopardising your child’s place on the trip/activity. Should your child withdraw
from the activity, please be aware that deposits are non-refundable and any further
payments can only be refunded if the place can be filled by another student on a
waiting list, or if the withdrawal is for an insurable reason. If there are significant
changes to the cost of the trip, these may have to be passed on to the student. Be
assured that we will try to keep such costs to a minimum.
We would advise that students do not to take valuables out on school activities,
however, should they be taken parents should ensure personal possessions are
adequately insured.
It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to update the school should there be any
changes to the medical information about their child. Please communicate these to
Mrs Brettell, Business Support Manager.
Please complete and return the consent form and monies to the Finance Office.
Yours sincerely
Mr D Tyler
History Department
PLEASE RETURN TO THE FINANCE OFFICE BY MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2015
FIRST WORLD WAR BATTLEFIELDS HISTORY TRIP 2016
Student Name: …………………………………………………….. Form: …………………
I would like to submit an application for my child to participate in the visit to First World
War Battlefields history trip 2016
Should my child secure a place on this trip, I will ensure deposits and payments are
made according to the payment schedule as outlined in the trip letter.
I will make future payments on line
He/she is in good health and I consent to him/her taking part in the programme detailed
in your letter.
I understand and accept that it is my responsibility to update the school should there
be any changes to the medical information about my child. Please communicate these
to Mrs Brettell, Business Support Manager.
Signature of Parent: …….……………………………..…………….. Date: ………………
Email address: ………………………………………………………………………………..