Battlefields 2020

Parents information evening #1 of 2

18th Battlefields Experience

27th August 2019

Ed Offer

Depute Head Teacher

Group 1 Coaches A and B

Leave Sunday 10th May 2020 approx. 10am Return Friday 15th May 2020 (ferry docks @Hull 9am) Arrive Dunbar approx. 3pm

Battlefields 2020

Group 2 Coaches C D & E

Leave Monday 11th May 2020 approx. 10am

Return Saturday 16th May 2020 (ferry docks @Hull 9am) Arrive Dunbar approx. 3pm

Battlefields 2020

P & O Ferry – Hull to ZeebruggeDinner on FerryOvernight shared cabins with pals Breakfast on ferry

• Day 2 : Ypres Salient South

• Day 3: The Somme

• Day 4: Ypres Salient North

• Day 5: Brugges (2-3 hours) then onto overnight ferry

• Day 6: Hull to Dunbar arriving approx. 3pm

Battlefields 2020

Finalised and detailed itinerary in the April information evening

• Students will stay in either Munchenhof Hostel at Langemark or Peace Village hostel near Ypres

• Departure dates and accommodation will be confirmed after the February 2020 break

• Students sleep in rooms of 4 – 8 people

• Buses will be confirmed after the Easter break

• Food and packed lunches provided each day

• Evening activities run by staff

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• The total cost is £500. A non-refundable deposit of £100 is required by 30/08/19 to secure your child’s place on the Experience.

• Payment must be made in full by 31/03/20. Payment can be made in instalments as follows;

• By 30/08/19 £100 deposit, non-refundable• By 30/09/19 £ 70• By 31/10/19 £ 70• By 29/11/19 £ 70• By 31/01/20 £ 70• By 28/02/20 £ 70• By 31/03/20 £ 50

Mercat Clause 10.3 Final payment is non-refundable within 30 days of departureMercat Clause 6.3 If it is decided the trip cannot continue because of events out with Mercat

control they will make suitable arrangements to return and where appropriate compensate.

There is a reduction of £50 per student for those in receipt of Free School Meals.Any concerns should be directed to Tracy Gillespie in the first instance.

Battlefields 2020

• Payment must be made by the on-line payment system Schoolpay which can be accessed via the East Lothian Council website. You will be able to track payments made on Schoolpay, please note that no paper receipts will be issued.

• Schoolpay is set up via a unique activation key for each student. If you require this to set up online payments or if you have any concerns regarding online payments please contact Tracy Gillespie in the School Office.

Battlefields 2020

Spending money• Students will need no more than £60

spending money in Euros plus £10 - £15 to spend in service stations

• Monies can be paid through designated Battlefields Spending Money Account in Schoolpay, please accept invitation to join if you wish to use this option

• This money is kept by a member of staff on each bus designated as the ‘bank’

Battlefields 2020

Some initial rules

Energy drinks and excessive quantities of fizzy drinks will be confiscated on departure

No smoking allowed

Shopping days – rules surrounding sale of alcohol and cigarettes are more relaxed, purchase of either is strictly forbidden

Battlefields 2020

More detailed information in the April meeting

This is always no mobile phone trip – phones will be confiscated on entry to the bus.

Disposable or digital cameras advised (no phones!)

No ipads, games consoles or other screens allowed

No internet access in hostels

Battlefields 2020

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Each bus has a dedicated First Aider to deal with known and unexpected medical issues, they will carry paracetamol, anti histamine and travel sickness medication

• 2 Inhalers, Epi-pens

• Any immediate medical concerns please contact Tracy Gillespie

Battlefields 2020

Battlefields 2020

Students will travel on their own passports

• If no passport held please apply by February 2020

• Non-British passport holders, please contact Tracy Gillespie to discuss visa issues

• If you have any financial concerns regarding this or any other aspect of Battlefields please contact Tracy Gillespie

Battlefields 2020

Impact of Brexit

It is unclear how Brexit will impact Battlefields - in the event of a no deal Brexit it will be essential that all passports have an expiry date of at least 6 months from return date (at least end November 2020)

If you have concerns about this, contact Tracy Gillespie

Battlefields 2020

Impact of Brexit – Medical Insurance

Mercat have organised integrated travel insurance for school groups that includes medical cover

In the event of no deal, indications are that the EHIC cards will not be valid

If there is a deal, different EHIC provisions are part of the negotiations, please apply for EHIC now if your child doesn’t have one

Battlefields 2020