15th May 2014
Dear Parents
Re: Year 10 GCSE History Visit to Orford and Framlingham Castle 30th June
2014 and Colchester Castle 1st July 2014
As part of the GCSE programme of study, students must complete one controlled
assessment on History Around Us. For this, students will complete a piece of work
based on castles, using Orford, Framlingham and Colchester as a focus.
The trip to Orford and Framlingham Castles will take place on Monday 30th June; we
will be leaving school at 8:50am and returning to school at 4pm. Please note, that if
a student catches a school bus, they will need to find alternative transport
home.
The trip to Colchester Castle will take place on the 1st July. We leave school at
12:45pm and also return to school at 4pm. Students will be given a tour of the castle,
including the foundations and the roof, as well as being given access to the brand
new museum.
Please sign the attached reply slip and submit to the school office by Friday 6th
June. Please also complete the attached medical information form.
These trips provide students with an excellent opportunity to experience local history
first hand and to develop their knowledge and understanding.
The trip has been developed to support the GCSE controlled assessment
requirements. Students will visit and complete fieldwork tasks. We will then travel
back to Colchester where students complete a number of tasks based on the castle
building. The trip is supported by a teaching unit investigating castle development.
It is essential that students attend the trip in order to be able to successfully complete
the GCSE controlled assessment task.
I have included with this letter some instructions and expectations for students,
including some health and safety information.
If you have any questions concerning this trip, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Catherine Gray
Co-ordinator of History
Return slip to CGR
Students Name: _______________________________ Form:__________
I give/ do not give permission for my son/daughter to attend the GCSE History
Castles trip.
Please state how your son/daughter will be returning home, as both trips
return after the school buses _____________________________________
Important information for students
GCSE History Controlled Assessment fieldwork



You will study how castles developed over time.
On this trip you will be expected to complete tasks relating to each
castle so that you will understand the historical context of each site and
compare with other sites of a similar type.
Take care of your worksheets as this research will form the basis of
your controlled assessment write-up.
Behaviour expectations




Normal school rules apply for chewing gum and the use of mobiles
phones and electronic equipment. You must not use electronic
equipment, e.g. I Pods, when completing fieldwork tasks at the sites.
In order to ensure your safety you will be given various instructions
throughout the day so it is really important that you listen carefully
when asked.
The coach driver will explain safety procedures for the journey to and
from the castles.
At the castle sites the ground will be uneven. The masonry is old and
some parts are broken. It is important to stay away from particular
areas when instructed to do so.
Things to bring:






Writing equipment. A pen is needed for note taking and a pencil and
eraser are needed to produce diagrams.
A clip board if you have one. You are not expected to buy one for this
trip.
You can bring a camera to take pictures but you will have to be
responsible for any equipment that you bring with you.
A packed lunch. There will be nowhere to purchase lunch during the
trip.
Suitable footwear and waterproof clothing. You do not have to wear
school uniform but as we will be spending much of the day outdoors,
dress appropriately for the trip.
£10 as a maximum amount to spend. You will be allowed to visit the
castle gift shops.