History and Geography Expedition Sicily, March 2013

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1 May 2012 History and Geography Expedition Sicily, March 2013 Dear Parents and Students Your son/daughter has expressed an interest in participating in a History and Geography expedition to Sicily, Southern Italy. Frensham s Geography and History Departments have been considering for a long time the benefits and opportunities of a joint trip. As a result we have successfully negotiated the following opportunity. This trip is planned to take place during the Easter Vacation, 2013 (from the 23 rd to 28 th March inclusive). The following provides subject background, initial information about the locations, travel logistics and cost of the trip. Sicily is more than an island! Discover Sicily and discover the world. The world's first multicultural society, the island is Italy's (and Europe's) most historically cosmopolitan region, having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. The island is a unique place full of art, archeology, history, folklore and breathtaking scenery (and, of course, great food!). It's almost a nation unto itself. The enchanting land where Archimedes taught and Saint Paul preached was a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate and a Norman kingdom. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese and Jews made this unique island their own and in doing so left behind an eclectic history that you can still touch today. Sicily is Europe, Africa and Asia on one island. Greek tyrants, Arab emirs, Norman knights, Byzantine bishops and Holy Roman Emperors made it the place it is. Experience their eternal legacy in settlements, cities, temples, amphitheatres and castles. Thirty centuries of history expressed in the Classical, the Romanesque, the Gothic, the Baroque... The Historical background is fundamental to understanding today s Sicily. The Geography is equally fascinating with spectacular landscapes. Sicily is Italy's largest island and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the triangular shaped island to the south west of the boot of Italy. The population is over 5 million, with 680, 810 in the capital city of Palermo. Most

2 of the island is a mountainous plateau. The highest point though is Mt Etna which dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily and apparently is visible from the moon. Mt Etna is Europe s largest volcano and one of the world s most active. Eruptions occur frequently, both from the four craters at the summit and on the slopes of the volcano, which is littered with fissures and old craters. The volcano s most devastating eruptions occurred in 1669 and lasted 122 days. A huge river of lava poured down its southern slope, engulfing a good part of Catania and dramatically altering the landscape. Today the volcano is a tourist attraction as well as being closely monitored by the Italian authorities. To the north of the island of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea is the beautiful Aeolian Archipelago, made up of 7 diverse islands including Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli, whose active volcanic cone dominates the horizon. Dramatic cliffs and winding coastline, black beaches and thermal hot springs, a deep blue sea and charming port towns are all characteristic of this enchanting group of islands. The expedition itinerary is provisional but the outline below gives an indication. 23 March - Arrival to Palermo Airport in the morning Visit of Palermo in the afternoon Accommodation, dinner and overnight in your hotel in Palermo 24 March - Departure for the visit of Segesta & Selinunte Transfer to your hotel in Agrigento, accommodation, dinner and overnight 25 March - Visit of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento Proceed for Piazza Armerina and visit of the Roman Villa Transfer to hotel in Giardini Naxos area, accommodation, dinner and overnight 26 March - Departure for the visit of Mt Etna (1900mt - Silvester Crater area) Proceed for Taormina and visit Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight 27 March - Departure for the visit of Vulcano (mini-cruise from Milazzo harbour, explore the volcanic island and return mini-cruise) Transfer to your hotel in Palermo, accommodation, dinner and overnight 28 March - Departure for the visit of Monreale In the afternoon transfer to Palermo Airport.

3 Our aim for this trip is to promote excellence in the subjects and to provide an adventurous and cultural experience that will stay with the group for the rest of their lives. There will also be the opportunity to produce written work of quality, as this is an academic expedition, and as shown on previous trips this can significantly improved the student s appreciation and understanding. The group will be accompanied at all times by all members of the Geography and History Departments, plus a local guide. Accommodation during our stay will consist of small hotels. Students should expect to share in rooms up to about eight. If you would like your son/daughter to take part in this expedition, please return the attached parental consent form and deposit to school. The trip is open to members of the current Y9, 10, 11 and 12. Places on the expedition are limited, and priority in case of over-subscription will first go to current or potential A-level Geography and / or History students. The full cost of the trip will be 745 with a non-returnable deposit of 150 required as soon as possible. To secure a place please return your consent slips and cheques by Friday 18 th May (Cheques - payable to Frensham Heights). Further payment can be organised by instalments with more details to follow. I hope this has answered all your questions, but if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely Nicola O Donnell (Head of Geography) and Matt Burns (Head of History) (nicolao donnell@frensham-heights.org.uk).. SICILY 2013 Student Name...Form I/We wish our son/daughter to participate in the Sicily Expedition from 23rd to 28th March I enclose a non-returnable deposit of 150. Please also provide the following student details: First name and surname (as on passport) Date of Birth Dietary Requirements Medical Conditions & Treatment Signed. (Parent/Guardian) Date

4 FRENSHAM HEIGHTS Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4EA Tel: Fax: CONSENT OF PERSON/S WITH PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Name of Trip: History & Geography Expedition - Sicily Date of Trip: 23 rd 28 th March 2013 Teacher organizing trip: Nicola O Donnell/ Matt Burns Names of Parents/Guardian... Address... Telephone (for 24 hour contact)... Name of Pupil... Specific Event (if any)... Parental Responsibility - The person/s who have signed this form have parental responsibility for the pupil (and have read the information sheets giving details of the specific event referred to above). Legal Rights - Nothing in this form excludes the legal rights of parents or pupils in the event of negligence by the School causing personal injury or death. Transport - I consent to the pupil travelling by any form of public transport and/or in a motor vehicle driven by a responsible adult who is duly licensed and insured to drive a vehicle of that type. Accident/Illness - I consent to all such emergency or other medical or dental treatment including innoculations, general or local anaesthetic, surgery or blood transfusions which in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner are necessary for the safety and well being of the pupil. Health/Passport - I certify that to the best of our knowledge and belief the pupil is in good health and (if applicable) has a current passport and all necessary visas, innoculations, consents and court orders and other entry requirements for the country to be visited. The pupil has no allergies or special dietary needs so far as I am aware except Activities - I certify that the pupil is/is not a competent swimmer and that I agree to the pupil taking part in any/all the activities described in the information I have received about this trip except (if any) the following... Personal Effects of the Pupil - I acknowledge that the pupil will be responsible for the safety of his/her money and personal effects and I will not hold the School responsible for losses unless caused by the negligence of the School. Payments made by the School - I understand that in very rare circumstances the School may have to pay "on the spot" fines or compensation for damage caused by the pupil or other sums of money necessarily incurred for the health or general welfare of the pupil. I will, within 30 days of request, refund any such sums to the School and I understand that the School will assist in pursuing any insurance claim that may be available. Signed... Signed... Father/Guardian Mother/Guardian Date..... Date...

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