Amsterdam 2017 Please sign in and present your child s passport, EHIC and medical form to Mr Barrett/ Mrs Meade
Amsterdam 2017 A memorable visit
Team Thamesmead Mr Barrett (Team Leader) Mr Adeliyi Mrs Padgett Mrs Meade Mrs Bell
Departure We are now leaving early due to ensure that we get to Dover on time. We need to begin loading the bus at 4.30am for a prompt 5.00am departure. The bus will be a quiet bus until 8am to give those that want to an opportunity to rest. Please be courteous to the neighbouring properties. Remember we are only going for 4 days!
Saturday evening When we arrive at the hotel, then we will arrange the rooms and have a short introductory welcome. This will be a chance for students to unpack and have a evening meal. On the evening we have booked a canal cruise. Students are advised to bring layers of clothes and appropriate outside clothes. Follow all the instructions and don t stand on the benches.
Sunday We will be enjoying a visit to the Clara Maria Cheese Farm and Clog Factory, where the students will learn all about cheese-making and making clogs from tree to shelf. Tourism is very important in the Netherlands, providing work and income. In the afternoon we are visiting Scheveningen, a famous seaside resort near the Hague. In addition there will be one hour free time to enjoy walking around the shops, buying any souvenirs.
Monday In the morning half the group will visit the Rijksmuesum housing the national art of the Netherlands. The other half will go around Anne Frank s house. The two groups then swap over. In the afternoon we will be visiting the Jewish cultural centre of Amsterdam. At different times you will have the opportunity to go into the Portuguese synagogue and the Jewish historical museum, also former synagogues.
Tuesday On route home, we will arrive for a guided tour of Camp Vught. The Camp is now a national memorial located on part of the former SS camp. There is a memorial centre and museum and reconstructed buildings.
Meininger Hotel The MeiningerHotel is a 3 star hotel. Ensuite facilities and towels are provided. Rooms are very tidy with adequate wardrobe space for a three day visit. The rooms have 4-6 bed, including bunk beds. Rooms will be allocated before we leave. There is free wi-fiin the hotel. There is a TV in each room.
Room mates Remember we will be in a hotel with other guests and be considerate, especially with levels of noise and doors. Rooms should be kept tidy so there are no accidents or nothing goes missing. Any valuables should be out of sight. Remember to allow enough time for everyone to get ready. Check your room upon arrival and report any damage. A tidy room means happy room mates.
The hotel is full board. Food Continental breakfast will be served each morning and a packed lunch will be provided. An evening meal will be served Saturday through to Monday. The hotel can accommodate most dietary requirements. Food can be made off-site, in a nut-free environment, packed and brought to the hotel. In addition there are snack machines and bar food available.
Around Amsterdam It is important when walking around Amsterdam that you stay in your groups. Remember to be aware of the traffic. This includes cars, but also bicycles that use different cycle lanes. Listen to the instructions of your teacher at all times. We want to arrive at our destinations and begin our visits promptly, so we are always in the safest place.
Places of interest Remember we are ambassadors of our school and your behaviour will make an impression upon local people. There are also expectations about how you should behave in the various museums. This includes putting bags in lockers. There are restrictions on photography and use of mobile phones. There is additional security in the Jewish Quarter. Do not be surprised if you have to go through two sets of doors.
Mobile phones Your child is responsible for any valuables they take and any charges that they might incur when travelling in Europe. When in Amsterdam and visiting places of interests all phones should be on silent and put away securely. Phones should not be used for making calls, messaging or social media whilst we are out. There are no restrictions in the hotel. If anyone is upset or homesick, speak to a teacher first.
Returning Students will need money for an evening meal on the Tuesday. Sterling or euros can be used to buy food on the ferry. We will ask your child to phone once we are within half-anhour of the school. The coaches will need to access the school grounds and Mr Barrett will have a key.
And finally This is a Humanities and Arts school trip and you will be learning as well as enjoying yourself and appreciating a different city and culture. You will need to bring some pens, pencils and colouring pencils for the trip. This can be usefully put in a day bag (not necessarily your school bag) along with sandwiches and a drink.
Amsterdam 2017 A memorable visit