9 April 2002

Dear Parent,

I.T. trip to PGL: Friday 10 May – Monday 13 May 2002
I am now able to write to you confirming final details of the trip to PGL at Boreatton Park in Shropshire.
Final numbers
The trip was ‘sold out’ with 48 boys eagerly looking forward to going. I am grateful to Mr Maxfield, Mr Nehra and Mr Stone for agreeing to accompany the trip with me. 
Activities
We aim to give pupils an opportunity to use many IT applications outside the classroom and hope that the links with the outdoor activity sessions will reinforce the skills learnt. We hope that the trip will increase pupils’ confidence in the use of computers and that they will bring their new skills back to school for use in lessons, coursework and homework.
We will have 5 1½ hour ICT sessions and 5 1½ hour activity sessions. Amongst other activities, we have booked the following:
•	Scalectrix – using Lego Dacta, Scalectrix equipment and computer software to create starting lights and timing equipment.
•	Datalogging – Using heart rate monitors as well as thermometers to record data and test theories. Pupils will test their heart rates whilst abseiling before uploading the data and analysing their results through graphs.
•	Internet publishing – Pupils will create their own web pages incorporating text, animation and sound using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash.
Outward journey
We will depart from school at 12:40 on Friday 10 May. Students will be expected to attend the first five lessons of the school day as normal, although they will not be expected to be dressed in school uniform. 
A packed lunch will be required for the journey. If time permits we will stop at a service station on route.
Return journey
We expect to return to school for 15:30 on Monday 13 May, but students will be given the opportunity to phone ahead to give an updated arrival time if necessary.

Contact
We can be contacted at PGL as follows:
	Sir Thomas Rich's School
	c/o PGL Adventure UK
	Boreatton Park
	Nr. Baschurch
	Shropshire
	SY4 2EZ
	
Telephone: 	01939 260551 (PGL main office for emergencies only)
Mobile:	07866 488427
e-mail: 	I should have access to my e-mail at gec@richbusiness.org.uk 
We are hoping to produce a web diary of our trip, updated every evening. Should we be successful, you will find it on the school website at:
 http://www.geocities.com/strs_glos. Click on ‘Academic life’ then on ‘Computing’.
Emergencies
I have also established two emergency points of contact at school. Please note that these should only be used in an emergency.
Mr M Buttler			(01905) 352268
Mr I Kellie	Headmaster	(01452) 309039
Accommodation
We are staying in the mansion house. Pupils will be accommodated in dormitories. Lights out is at 9:30.
What to bring
All essential activity equipment is provided but pupils will need personal clothing, footwear and washing kit. Brand new and expensive gear should be left at home. My experience of working at this centre for 8 months is that pupils should as far as possible bring old clothing that can get ruined (it probably will!). 
In addition to a reasonably tidy set of casual clothes for travelling and evenings the following is suggested as a guide:
•	
•	Sleeping bag
•	Pillow
•	Washing kit
•	2 towels
•	Pyjamas
•	Changes of underwear
•	2 old rugby shirts/sweatshirts
•	2 pairs of old trousers/ tracksuit bottoms (not jeans)
•	1 pair of Shorts
•	4 T-shirts
•	4 pairs of socks
•	2 pairs of trainers (one pair will get wet)
•	Swimwear
•	Several strong plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
•	Hat/sun cream 
[bedding is provided for staff] 
Please ensure that all belongings are clearly named (including ‘STRS’). Lost property is often a problem given the combination of dormitory accommodation, dirty clothes and drying rooms. 
Aerosol cans such as deodorants are not allowed at PGL due to problems with them setting off fire alarms. Other types of deodorant (such as roll-on) are acceptable.
Valuables
Valuables should not be brought on the trip. Neither we nor PGL can accept responsibility for their loss or damage.
Spending money
PGL advise a limit of £1 per night which can be spent in the tuck shop. We will also probably be stopping at a service station on route so I would suggest between £5 and £10 to be an ample amount of money for this trip. 
Medical
Please ensure that your son/daughter has adequate supplies of asthma pumps or any other medication they might currently be taking. Where appropriate, medicines should be handed to staff on boarding the coach.
Behaviour
As I am sure you appreciate, we expect reasonable standards of behaviour from the students whilst on the trip. They will be representing the school and should be mindful of this at all times.
Extremely poor behaviour could result in pupils being sent home (either by us or by PGL)  in a taxi at their parents’ expense. 
Insurance
PGL provide insurance through Fogg Travel Insurance Services Limited (telephone 01623 631331). This appears to be pretty comprehensive, including cover for all activities offered by PGL. Please see the attached summary sheet and contact me (or preferably the insurers) if you require further information.
Finally!
I hope that you found this information useful and comprehensive. I am looking forward to a highly rewarding and enjoyable trip, as I know the pupils are too. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,

Graham Crewe
ICT Co-ordinator

P.S. Don’t forget the sleeping bag. PGL charge £5 for their loan.

enc.	Travel insurance summary