Year 7 Cardiff Trip July 2019

What should they bring? We are going away for less than 36 hours. You need a change of clothes, non uniform. Comfortable shoes, there is lots of walking. Pyjamas, toothbrush and toiletries. Suncream/hat. Packed lunch for Thursday. A water bottle. Do not bring energy drinks as they will be confiscated. Some pocket money. Your responsibility. You can bring your phone, however it is important that this is away when registers are taken and we are taking to you about our expectations and when giving directions. Electronics are brought at the students own risk.

Timings Be at school normal time on Thursday morning. You will be back for the buses normal time on Friday afternoon!

Thursday 11th July We will meet in the courts by the turning circle ready to depart as soon as possible. We will be going down the coal mine for a 45 minute tour of the mine, the guides are ex miners, and it is a fabulous experience. At ground level there are several things to do, displays and a shop. Students are asked to be within sight of staff at all times.

Supertubing Thursday 11th July https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQgvS3ibRj4

University Accommodation

Dining room

On Thursday evening If the weather is good we aim to play rounders in the grounds of the university. We aim to be in their own rooms by 9.30 and lights out by 10pm. I will call you if we have any problems.

Students that need medication Parents to bring the medication to school on Thursday morning in an envelope with their child’s name clearly written on it with instructions. This must be given to Mr Gilbert or Mrs Davison. All medical forms will be taken with us and individuals with medical conditions will be brought to the attention of the staff leading those groups.

Meals provided are; Thursday evening meal Friday breakfast Friday packed lunch

Friday 12th July We have several tours booked at the castle. Students will be with staff whilst they wait for their tour. Stay in the castle grounds through until lunchtime. We aim to return to school for the buses so they can get home as usual.

Our expectations COACH: If your child suffers from travel sickness they should ask to sit at the front Do not eat or drink on the coach Stay seated with seat belt fastened at all times

GENERAL BEHAVIOUR: Stay with your group as directed by your leader so avoiding the possibility of stranger danger. When given free time, stay in groups of no less than 3 at any time. Be aware of time and place for meeting with whole group. If you get separated from your group report immediately to a member of staff at the place you are visiting. Walk, don’t run. Be aware of your noise levels and amount of pavement that you take up – allow members of the public to pass. Use litter bins/bags. When crossing roads use pedestrian crossing where possible, line up when asked to do so and walk sensibly across. IPods/MP3 players etc are not allowed when we are out in public as this may disturb other people. Behave sensibly and do not take unnecessary risks. Listen to and follow instructions.

Two years ago Whilst preparing over 170 rooms for us, the university halls cleaning team did not empty one drawer. In it was some bracelets, a pencil, pencil sharpener, a keyring, a box of paracetamol, some ibuprofen, and a 3cm pen knife. No staff were made aware of this, the student told another student, who called home and within 45 minutes we had parents calling us to say that a Facebook post is reporting that there are drugs and knives in every room.

The lesson learnt from this is Don’t call home to report that you are anxious, worried, upset or you have something in a drawer that isn’t yours. Tell a member of staff nearby. Parents – if your child calls you to report something, please ask them “Have you told a teacher?” We will deal with it, and if necessary we will call home.

It is a fantastic trip Even in year 11 they still talk about it. Cardiff is a wonderful city. It gives these 11 and 12 year old students an idea of what university halls are like. We will all be exhausted!