1. Year 9 Active Learning Week Watersports Trip to Spain

2. Who is going? 80 pupils 9staff Trip is led by Mrs Coombs

3. Where are we going? East coast of Spain on the Mediterranean Biggest lagoon in Europe – Mar Menor

4. Where are we going? Sea is usually calm as there is a natural barrier Province of Murcia in the town of Los Alcazares

5. How do we get there – timings to be confirmed Outward – Saturday 11 th July Meet at Rickmansworth School Coach to Luton Airport Depart Luton - Monarch Airlines Arrive Alicante Airport Transfer to C.A.R. Infanta Cristina (approx. 45 mins) Return – Thursday 16 th July Depart C.A.R. Infanta Cristina Coach transfer to Alicante Airport Depart Alicante – Monarch Airlines Arrive Luton Airport Coach transfer to Rickmansworth School Arrive Rickmansworth

6. Where do we stay? C.A.R. Infanta Cristina – Right on the beach – Private jetty for boats – Security entrance at front and back

7. Murcia’s regional training centre for watersports British Olympic sailing team train there

8. Accommodation Rooms are usually for 6 but there maybe some smaller ones Some have bunk beds Shared toilets and showers (single sex) on each corridor

9. Outside meeting area Lobby and reception

10. TV area and small bar for soft drinks Restaurant with buffet style service

11. Food and meals Three meals a day which all students must attend Buffet style with at least 5 choices every meal – suits everyone Please make sure we have details of any dietary requirements Shops for top-up snacks in local town

12. What activities are there? Canoeing/kayaking Paddleboarding

13. What activities are there? Sailing

14. What activities are there? Windsurfing Snorkelling

15. Evening activities These will be arranged by both the Rickmansworth staff and the resort coaches, they are likely to include: – Beach games – Walk to the local fishing village – BBQ and party on the beach – Quiz – Disco

16. What to take On top of general holiday clothing the following items are essential: – Watch/alarm clock – Plastic bags for their wet clothing – Old pair of trainers/sailing booties – Old short sleeved T shirts – Personal first aid kit – Waterproof sun cream (likely to be 27 o C) – After sun – Thin waterproof jacket – it can rain!!

17. Valuables, money and passports Please keep valuables to the minimum – the children are responsible for their own belongings Money – Used for drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc. – Suggest £80 already changed into Euros – Will be collected on coach in Spain – so please place in a clearly named envelope – Can be withdrawn from ‘bank’ everyday at pre-arranged time Passports will not be collected prior to the trip. They will be checked as the students get on the coach as we depart. If anyone has forgotten theirs it will be your responsibility to get your child and their passport to Luton airport before we check in. We will collect them in and place them in a safe at the resort.

18. First aid and medication Two staff who are designated first aiders Spanish/English instructors are all qualified Students are allowed to take care of their own medication if that is your preference Medication can be administered by staff if you wish and should be handed to staff on arrival at the resort. It should be named and include clear instructions on dosage.

19. Safety Short swim test at the beginning of the week Life vests are mandatory for all water based activities Staffing – each activity group will have at least one Spanish instructor and a member of Rickmansworth staff Students may not go into the sea/pool without a member of staff present Students will be permitted to walk to the local shops (approx. 200m from complex) in their free time as long as they are in groups of more than three. They must check in and out with staff. Safety is paramount on the trip, so students must not put themselves or any other person in any unnecessary danger

20. Behaviour expectations The highest standards of behaviour are expected at all times Students will attend all meetings on time Instructors, resort staff and Rickmansworth School staff will be treated with respect at all times All instructions given by any member of staff must be followed at all times, both on and off the water Rule breaking will be taken very seriously and sanctions will be put in place should this happen. These will range from a loss of free time to being sent home.

21. Room lists and activity groups These will be released as soon as we have final information from our tour operators. Please tell your children that they are not negotiable

22. Making contact It will be your decision as to whether your child is allowed to take their mobile phone with them, keeping in mind the extra costs as we are abroad and they tend to text/ring each other even though they are 100m away! If there is an emergency at home, please think carefully as to whether the best thing is to wait until they return home where you can speak to them face to face. If you wish to speak to a member of staff we will have a school mobile with us and the number will be confirmed nearer the time, but please only use this in a real emergency. Otherwise please contact school and they will contact me. I shall have a computer with me and will check my e mail at least twice a day.

23. Finally! Are there any further questions? nicoombs@rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk