Letter sent to all Year 9 students about a History Trip to Ypres.

 1 October  2007

Dear Parents/Guardians

Re:  Year 9 History Visit to Ypres on Friday 2 November 2007

The History department has arranged an educational visit on Friday 2 November, 5.30 am – 10.00 pm approximately.  The visit, which will be to the battlefield around Ypres, complements the National Curriculum course on the First World War being studied by Year 9 students.  The day will include a tour of the town and its new interactive museum, with stops at the Menin Gate, British and German cemeteries and the Trench Museum at Sanctuary Wood.

The History department has organised this popular and successful trip for several years and endeavours to enable as many students as possible to benefit from the experience.  However, unfortunately, there is a limit to the number of seats available and the department realises that some students may be disappointed. With the increasing size of year groups and the busy Year 9 curriculum and calendar, it is becoming increasingly difficult to take students out of school.  Letters are being given out to all Year 9 students but places will have to be allocated on a lottery system by drawing students’ names out of a ‘hat’.  All Year 9 students are eligible to go on the visit, but students whose behaviour has caused reason for concern, may not be allowed to go.  This will be discussed with the Head of House.  We have explained the situation to the students and ask for parents’ understanding on this matter.  To accommodate as many students as possible the department hopes to organise a second battle field visit to the Somme.  

The visit is not compulsory and will cost £42.00.  This includes coach travel via the shuttle, museum fees and a Group Passport.  This money is non-refundable unless a last minute replacement can be found.

Please return reply slips by Monday 8 October when the draw will take place.  Please do not send any monies until you know whether your son/daughter has a place, when further details will be given.

Thanking you for your co-operation.

Yours sincerely


Mr G Calvert
Head of History

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Year 9 History Visit to Ypres on 2 November 2007

Student’s name …………………………………………………………………….. Mentor Group ……………….

I give permission for my son/daughter to go on the educational visit to Ypres on Friday 2 November 2007.  
I will arrange for my son/daughter to arrive at Longhill and be picked up after the trip.


Signed ………………………………………...…………. (Parent/Guardian)  Date ………………………………..