OUTDOOR
EDUCATION & LANGUAGE IN FRANCE
Primary & Secondary schools 2011/12 | kingswood.co.uk | 0800 655 6564
Château De Chantereine, Criel-sur-Mer, France
Nausicaá Sea Life Centre Aqualud Water Park Hitler’s V2 Rocket Launching Base
Architectural tour Underground WW1 tunnels tour Vimy Ridge Medieval Castle Château d'Eu Market visit Castle Museum Dieppe Raid memorial Fish market Old Town tour
Château Du BaFFY D-Day Landing Beaches Bayeux Tapestry Mont Saint Michel
Amiens Cathedral Quartier St Leu
Aître Saint-Maclou ossuary Place de Vieux Marche Saint Joan of Arc church Cathédrale Notre Dame Church of Saint Maclou St. Ouen’s abbey Gros Horloge
Eiffel Tower Champs élysées Arc de Triomphe Louvre River Seine cruise Sacré Coeur Notre Dame Parc Astérix Disneyland Resort Paris
2 | www.kingswood.co.uk
WW1 Battlefields Musée des Abris Beaumont-Hamel Park Thiepval Memorial Lochnagar Crater La Boiselle Mansell Copse
WELCOME TO KINGSWOOD FRANCE
as part of the education travel Group, we have an unrivalled academic heritage, spanning almost 80 years. it was 1997 when we opened our first Kingswood centre in France with the aim of combining our proven expertise in outdoor education with a unique instructor-led learning programme that provides an illuminating insight into the French way of life. Our instructors, known as ‘animateurs’, ensure your pupils get the most from their visit by providing a course which engages them with French culture, history and language in a lively and immersive manner. We’ll take the educational lead giving you the freedom to support your class on a one-to-one basis. This brochure will give you an idea of the Kingswood France experience and how it will benefit your students. We hope it answers all your questions but if there’s anything else you need to know, just call our friendly team on 0800 655 6564.
CONTENTS the right choice.......................... 4 Château de Chantereine ........... 6 Kingswood animateurs ............. 8 French Discovery .......................10 reportage ...................................12 Study site - WW1 battlefields ... 14 Study site - rouen ...................... 16 Study site - Dieppe ..................... 18 Study site - half day excursions 19 added extra excursions: Paris ............................................. 20 Lower normandy........................ 21 Your students’ safety.................. 22 With you all the way................... 24 Making a booking ...................... 25
Linda addy
Your questions answered.......... 26
Managing Director, Kingswood
0800 655 6564 | 3
THE RIGHT CHOICE Bienvenue! For over 20 years Kingswood have been providing stimulating French study breaks, carefully crafted to ensure students get the most out of their visit to this beautiful and historically-rich country. eDuCatiOnaL BeneFitS It’s amazing how much students absorb when immersed in the sights and sounds of a foreign town, largely without realising they’re learning! Study trips also give students a taste of independence that can help greatly with their personal growth and social development.
Our eXPert aniMateurS Our animateurs take the lead on all educational excursions, so your students benefit from their in-depth knowledge of local culture and history, while you have time to concentrate on assisting students’ development on an individual basis.
PiCK YOur PrOGraMMe You can choose between two terrific programmes, each led by Kingswood animateurs. French Discovery gives pupils the freedom to explore France through visits to local towns and inspiring excursions. Reportage adds a valuable ICT element wherein students create multi-media presentations about their day. Both courses also leave room for students to try our fun outdoor activities.
SaFetY FirSt The safety of our guests is of utmost importance to us. We adhere to a robust set of health and safety procedures, on-site activities are taught by trained staff and each of our closely-supervised excursion sites undergoes a comprehensive risk assessment.
Let uS taKe Care OF eVerYthinG
taiLOr-MaDe SChOOL triPS Our unique flexibility allows you to build a schedule of excursions and activities that will perfectly complement the aims and objectives of your group’s visit. Thanks to our animateurs’ local knowledge, we can even adapt your programme during your stay so the course develops along with your students.
VaLue FOr MOneY We believe that giving children the chance to absorb a new culture can be an invaluable and even life-changing experience. That’s why we work hard to make our courses as affordable as possible. And because our programmes are all-inclusive you won’t be surprised with any extra costs.
“
Amazing staff, great location, fantastic activities and extremely professional.
“
Our all-inclusive package takes all the hard work out of organising a school trip. We’ll help you with paperwork and programme choice, provide door-to-door transport and insurance and can even visit your school for a parents’ meeting if you’d like.
Chris Bond, Blurton High School
4 | 0800 655 6564
www.kingswood.co.uk | 5
CHÂTEAU DE CHANTEREINE nestled in the picturesque upper normandy fishing village of Criel-surMer sits the magnificent 17th century Château de Chantereine – a fantastic place for students to immerse themselves in the French language, culture and way of life. Once you’ve crossed the channel it’s only a short drive from Calais to the Château. Its location is the perfect base from which to explore the historic sites and rich cultural attractions of Normandy’s Alabaster coast region.
aCtiVitieS Once home to the Marquis de Reynal, the Château’s impressive fouracre grounds are now used for a range of adventure and team activities, including pétanque, fencing, archery and climbing. The grounds also house a multi-purpose sports complex so bad weather is never a problem. And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down – from 8.30-9.30pm we enter the Twilight Zone, where our staff lead a variety of games and activities to entertain your students for the evening.
aCCOMMODatiOn The great house itself has clean, spacious bedrooms that accommodate between 2-6 children each with teachers’ rooms nearby. There’s also a teachers’ lounge where you can relax at the end of a busy day, complete with tea and coffee facilities, DVD player and television.
FrenCh CuiSine With such a hectic schedule it’s essential that our young guests are fuelled by a healthy, balanced diet. Our meal plans provide three nutritious meals a day with plenty of variety. And it wouldn’t be a true French adventure if we didn’t give students the chance to sample a few French delicacies such as croissants or even cuisses de grenouille and escargot – frogs legs and snails! You’ll be surprised how many children accept (and enjoy) the challenge.
SeCuritY Students visiting the Château are kept safe at all times. The Château has a gated entrance, perimeter fencing, security code restricted dormitories and a night manager.
6 | 0800 655 6564
aCtiVitieS archery Beach games Circus skills Climbing Fencing Field games Petanque team tech treasure hunt
tWiLiGht zOne Club Kingswood Mini Olympics Scrapheap challenge trail of mystery
“
“
The experience at the Château is typically French, the food is authentic, the activities excellent, educational and immensely enjoyable. V.McGrail, Christs School
www.kingswood.co.uk | 7
KINGSWOOD ANIMATEURS Our animateurs offer a truly enriching experience that cannot be replicated. Your students may have been abroad but never before will they have had the chance to get so much out of an overseas visit. inSPiratiOnaL LeaDerShiP Kingswood’s animateurs add a smile to your stay and establish a fantastic rapport with your students. They’re skilled in leading groups through a wide programme of cultural, historical and linguistic excursions, supported by workbook materials for a more interactive experience.
iGnitinG a PaSSiOn FOr LearninG Every one of our animateurs offers a wealth of in-depth local knowledge and all are experienced at imparting this to students, gently encouraging less confident children and guiding those who work well under their own initiative. Their enthusiasm sparks pupils’ interest, helping children engage with the subject matter and get the most out of their studies.
MaKinG YOur JOB eaSier While you’re here, our capable animateurs will head-up all off-site visits, taking the pressure off you. Their expert guidance will lead to a leap in the development of students’ listening and speaking skills, instilling them with a deeper connection to the language. And as you know the more interested and motivated they are, the easier they are to teach!
an unFOrGettaBLe eXPerienCe Think back to your own school days and the trips are invariably among the highlights that stand out in your memory. The first chance to live with friends, the first time away from parents, the first interaction with a different culture – these are just some of the things that make a visit to France such a formative experience for students. Plus with Kingswood, your pupils will benefit from the unique personal touches offered by our animateurs.
8 | www.kingswood.co.uk
0800 655 6564 | 9
FRENCH DISCOVERY as many teachers will agree, giving students the chance to put their learning into practice with a visit to France is a surefire way of allowing their skills to really flourish. Our French Discovery excursion programme is such a fun and immersive experience that it makes soaking up the French language, history and way of life less of an aim and more of an inevitability. truLY enGaGinG eXCurSiOnS Just a short coastal drive from Calais, our magnificent Normandy Château makes a perfect base from which to explore the historic and cultural highlights of northern France. Tours of the WW1 battlefields present a sobering insight into the day-to-day realities of the Great War, whilst local produce visits let students experience cheese, cider and bread making up close. The area also has a choice of beautiful towns revealing a rich and varied history, from the times of William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc up until the present day. Art students can enjoy a trip to cultural capital Dieppe, those interested in geography will appreciate Nausicaá, the French National Sea Experience Centre, and pupils of all ages will enjoy a trip to Paris to see the sights or visit Disneyland.
a tiMetaBLe YOu taiLOr
You can even suggest excursions we haven’t listed and we’ll be pleased to arrange these for you. We understand how daunting it can be to organise an overseas school trip which is why we’re dedicated to giving you the support and flexibility you need.
eXCurSiOn SuPPOrt MateriaLS All students receive our Excursion Workbook to help your pupils get the most from their visits. We also provide teacher study outlines you can use to build lessons around when you return home.
“
A great way for pupils to learn about the French culture and history. A super week!
“
We’ll work with you to put together a full and rewarding schedule of excursions and activities to perfectly suit your group. By choosing from our range of full day and half day excursions you can create an itinerary that focuses on one or more aspects of France, whether that be history, geography, culture or language.
Kevin Reid, Brampton Primary
10 | 0800 655 6564
STUDY PROGRAMME
French Discovery 5-Day sample timetable LuNDi (Mon)
MARDi (TUES)
MERcREDi (Wed)
JEuDi (Thurs)
VENDREDi (Fri)
Travel to Kingswood Nausicaá Arrive 5pm
Petit déjeuner Rouen Pique-nique Rouen
Petit déjeuner WW1 Pique-nique
Petit déjeuner Dieppe Pique-nique Neufchatel cheese farm
Petit déjeuner Eu market Pique-nique
Site tour & fire drill Souper
Activity Souper
WW1 Souper
Activity Souper
Depart
Evening entertainment Evening entertainment Evening entertainment Evening entertainment
www.kingswood.co.uk | 11
REPORTAGE Pounding the streets in search of that elusive story, the buzz of the bustling newsroom, the adrenaline rush of presenting – our reportage programme lets students experience the hectic life of a news reporter while developing their understanding of French culture, history and language. reportage weaves together our French Discovery excursions with a fulfilling task that encourages students to really engage with and learn from the people and places they come across. the aSSiGnMent Students work in teams and against the clock to produce a report for the fictional French news channel, TNN. Our junior journalists are set the challenge of gathering information and photo footage from the locations they visit. Then it’s back to the Château where our ICT lab becomes a hub of activity as teams rush to meet their deadline. Storyboards are laid out, scripts edited and footage compiled before the finishing touches are added with graphics and a French language voiceover.
a GuiDinG hanD Guidance is supplied throughout by our team of experienced Kingswood animateurs, always on hand to steer students’ projects and show them how to get the most from the multi-media tools at their disposal. This gives you the perfect opportunity to work alongside your pupils one-to-one, getting a real sense of their progress so you can tailor lessons accordingly once you’re back home.
The children had a fantastic time.
“
eXCurSiOn SuPPOrt MateriaLS All students receive our Excursion Workbook to help your pupils get the most from their visits. We also provide teacher study outlines you can use to build lessons around when you return home.
Another excellent “educational experience.
Mr Griffin, The Old School, Henstead
12 | www.kingswood.co.uk
STUDY PROGRAMME
reportage 5-Day sample timetable LuNDi (Mon)
MARDi (TUES)
MERcREDi (Wed)
JEuDi (Thurs)
VENDREDi (Fri)
Travel to Kingswood Nausicaá Arrive 5pm
Petit déjeuner Rouen Pique-nique Rouen
Petit déjeuner Reportage Pique-nique
Petit déjeuner Dieppe Pique-nique Neufchatel cheese farm
Petit déjeuner Eu market Pique-nique
Site tour & fire drill Souper
Reportage Souper
introduction to Reportage
Activities Souper
Reportage
Depart
Souper
Evening entertainment Evening entertainment Evening entertainment
0800 655 6564 | 13
WORLD WAR 1 BATTLEFIELDS For over four months, the Battle of the Somme raged throughout northern France, killing or wounding over a third of the three million men involved. Our full day battlefield tour is a powerful inclusion to any school trip itinerary, bringing this moving period of history to life. During the day, your pupils will have the chance to visit the following historic sites and museums:
MuSee DeS aBriS, aLBert Housed in a series of tunnels below the town square, this fascinating museum gives students an insight into life in the trenches, with well-presented reconstructions of trench scenes, dugouts, mortar positions and more. Exhibits include weapons and memorabilia plus a wide range of photographs and films.
BeauMOnt-haMeL neWFOunDLanD MeMOriaL Moving on to this 84-acre park, students can explore preserved trench lines from the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, reinforcing lessons learned at the museum. The park also contains a visitor centre and no end of cemeteries and monuments, including the Caribou Memorials, founded to remember soldiers from Newfoundland.
thiePVaL MeMOriaL Built in 1932, this is the largest British war memorial in the world. It honours the 73,000 British and Commonwealth men who died at the Battle of the Somme and who have no known grave.
LOChnaGar Crater, La BOiSeLLe & ManSeLL COPSe Created on the first day of the battle by exploding 60,000lbs of guncotton under the German front line, Lochnagar is the largest crater on the western front. Pupils also visit the nearby village of La Boiselle, site of some of the initial fighting, and the Devonshire cemetery at Mansell Copse.
14 | 0800 655 6564
FULL DAY
“
A wonderful educational experience again this year. Thanks to the dynamic and energetic Kingswood team.
“
Ruth Lum & Kary Hant, ACS Egham International School
www.kingswood.co.uk | 15
ROUEN Pupils can walk their way through history on our guided tour of this important city. the capital of upper normandy, rouen has long been a cultural, religious, economic and administrative centre and bears witness to its impressive past through an exceptional architectural heritage. riCh in hiStOrY During the Middle Ages, Rouen rivalled Paris in importance and for many years it was the second largest city in the kingdom. Our tour includes a visit to the Aître Saint-Maclou, a plague-era ossuary that housed the remains of the dead, and takes in the Place de Vieux Marche where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. Students are fascinated by the modern Saint Joan of Arc church, designed to represent the pyre on which she went to her death.
SPeCtaCuLar arChiteCture Despite suffering excessive damage during World War II, the city still boasts an exceptional range of architectural styles. Our guided tour will take your group through quaint streets full of beautiful half-timbered houses, the incredible Cathedrale Notre Dame, made famous by Monet’s Cathedral series, St. Ouen’s abbey and the gothic Church of Saint Maclou as well as the unique Gros Horloge, an astronomical clock dating back to 1389.
traDitiOnaL MarKet CuLture Affectionately referred to as “little Paris” Rouen has plenty to offer in the way of charming shops and open markets. A wander through the safe, pedestrianised streets of the city centre allows students the opportunity to practice their French by interacting with the friendly and accommodating shopkeepers. A great chance to sample some of Rouen’s delicious macaroon biscuits!
16 | www.kingswood.co.uk
FULL DAY
“
An excellent experience. A view of French culture and life in the region.
“
Sara Torres, Langley Grammar School
0800 655 6564 | 17
HALF DAY
DIEPPE
a charming seaside town, Dieppe also played a key part in the Second World War, making it a fascinating destination for school groups. PaCKeD With hiStOrY A fixture of the French coast for over a millennium, Dieppe has seen a lot of changes throughout its long history. From medieval fishing village to premier port, from cartography centre to stylish beach resort, Dieppe has been through it all. Students will learn all about the Dieppe Raid, the ill-fated 1942 Allied Forces raid on the German-occupied town. Poor intelligence and last minute changes to the plan caused the Allies to suffer great losses, but taught them valuable lessons they would put into practice in future beach invasions.
a BuStLinG MarKet Every Saturday Dieppe’s narrow streets come alive with stalls packed full of classic French fare – local cheeses, homecooked tarte aux pommes, slithering escargot and the fishermen’s daily catches displayed on beds of ice. Our guided tour through these streets offers a veritable feast for the senses for your students.
18 | 0800 655 6564
HALF DAY
HALF DAY EXCURSIONS We also offer many other historic and cultural excursions – if there’s anything you’d like to do that isn’t mentioned, just let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you. arraS Heavy bombardment during the French Revolution and both World Wars has left the town of Arras with a glorious mix of architectural styles. Also includes the option of a visit to a French market and can be combined with Vimy Ridge.
ViMY riDGe (only available with Arras) During WW1 the battle here proved a turning point, with the Canadian Corps crucial in helping to break through German lines. The area has since been given to the Canadian people as a mark of gratitude. aMienS Home of the magnificent Cathedral Notre Dame, the largest gothic structure in France, Amiens also enjoys a reputation for great food and shopping.
DiePPe Choose from a tour of this charming seaside town, a market visit or both.
eu The last Royal domain of France, Eu boasts a wonderful castle as well as a bustling market.
CheeSe FarM Learn how the famous Neufchatel cheese is made and enjoy a few tasty samples along the way.
BOuLanGerie A hands-on experience where pupils spend a morning with the local baker, making their own pain-au-chocolat and baguette.
ChOCOLate FaCtOrY On your way to or from Boulogne, why not stop off for a tour and taste at the local chocolate factory?
nauSiCaÁ One of the largest Sea Life Centres in Europe, this innovative exhibit is at the forefront of marine discovery and focuses on the relationship between man and the sea.
OtherS Many groups also enjoy a walk into the village to browse the shops and explore the beach, a trip to a local restaurant for a French meal, visiting a hypermarket to buy produce and practice language skills or just going bowling as a group. Whatever you would like your group to do, we’ll be happy to help.
www.kingswood.co.uk | 19
ADDED EXTRA
PARIS
a rich feast for the senses, no school trip would be complete without a visit to the capital. extend your stay in France by adding an overnight visit to Paris to the beginning or end of your trip. Many of the main sights are found along the river, so your pupils can see the city’s highlights without covering too much ground. WOrLD-FaMOuS SiGhtS Our full-day bespoke walking tour gives pupils the chance to see Paris up close and personal. We’ll help you choose an itinerary but popular stops include the Eiffel Tower, Champs élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, River Seine, Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame. Whichever you decide, you can also choose either a visit to the first level of the Eiffel Tower or a cruise along the Seine.
aCtiOn-PaCKeD aDVentureS Students of all ages will love our optional excursion to Disneyland® Resort Paris. Instead of a full day in Paris, you’ll enjoy a half-day walking tour encompassing the main sights before spending the night at a Kingswood-approved hotel. The next day it’s off to the park for a full day of white-knuckle rides, enchanting shows and crazy characters across the five themed lands – your pupils won’t want to leave!
taiLOr-MaDe triPS We can also arrange other Paris-based excursions, such as a trip to Parc Asterix .
Prices start from as little as £79 Disneyland paris
20 | www.kingswood.co.uk
ADDED EXTRA
LOWER NORMANDY
Venture further south and the region of Lower normandy offers much to see in the way of study sites and World War ii history. a visit to this fascinating area of France can be easily incorporated into your trip by adding an overnight stay in Bayeux to the beginning or end of your 5 nights in upper normandy. Château Du BaFFY Add a Lower Normandy excursion to your trip and you’ll stay overnight at the Château du Baffy in the traditional Normandy hamlet of Colombiers. This 18th century estate is given over exclusively to school parties during term time. Local excursions on offer include:
D-DaY LanDinG BeaCheS Take a tour of the epochal sites of World War II’s Normandy landing. The 'Circuit de Débarquement' coastal route takes in the major landing beaches and a host of museums covering every aspect of the D-Day landings.
BaYeuX taPeStrY You’ll be staying just outside of the town of Bayeux, home to the legendary tapestry. This 68-metre long embroidery tells the full tale of the Norman’s conquest of England in 1066.
MOnt St MiCheL Perched atop a tidal island half a mile off the coast of Normandy, this breathtakingly beautiful town was built as a strategic stronghold in the 8th century and is understandably one of France’s most popular attractions.
château du baffy
Prices start from as little as £79 0800 655 6564 | 21
YOUR STUDENTS’ SAFETY Consideration for health, safety and security runs through everything we do. Our excursions give students the freedom to explore closely supervised locations, while outdoor activities allow them to take managed risks in a safe, controlled environment. OFF-Site SaFetY We have strict policies in place for the operation of visits and excursions. All of our excursion sites are regularly used and well-known to our animateurs and our operating procedures cover everything from boarding a coach to crossing a road, student supervision ratios, clothing requirements, instructor training requirements and systems for remote supervision. All of our instructors have undergone first aid training and always have access to a first aid kit and mobile phone. They provide thorough safety briefings to students before they depart from the Château, and are trained to conduct dynamic risk assessments through the day to respond to changing environmental conditions. Senior staff members conduct regular audits of our study programmes to confirm that our high standards are being maintained, and we consult with experienced teaching and health and safety experts to ensure that our procedures stay in line with current best practice.
riSK aSSeSSMentS We have conducted comprehensive risk assessments for our excursion programmes, and all of the venues we use are vetted for their suitability before first use by a senior staff member. Copies of risk assessments can be downloaded from www.kingswood.co.uk.
On-Site Care Students stay in clean, comfortable dormitories within easy walking distance of all main areas. Male and female dorms have separate shower and toilet facilities. We provide sheets, duvets and pillows and dorms offer hanging space and under-bed storage. Teacher bedrooms are close by so you can easily supervise your students. We also have a Duty Manager and First-Aider on call 24 hours a day, and our management team always includes a native French speaker.
MeetinG eXternaL StanDarDS All Kingswood centres are inspected and accredited by the British Activity Holidays Association and hold the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge and the Adventuremark Award for safety in activity and learning provision.
22 | 0800 655 6564
“
As a team we felt this has been the best residential we have experienced. We’ve felt welcomed and supported since our arrival and will definitely be recommending to others.
“
Laura Wiltshire, The Manor Primary
www.kingswood.co.uk | 23
WITH YOU ALL THE WAY
Our FrienDLY SChOOLS SuPPOrt teaM We are always just a telephone call away and will be happy to advise you on any aspect of your stay, from special needs requirements to information about our menus or disabled access.
“
It’s been a fabulous week Kingswood staff have been informative and helpful.
“
We want to make this trip as hassle-free as possible for you. that’s why when you book a French study break with Kingswood you can count on us to take care of everything from pre-trip preparations and support to transport and travel insurance.
Mrs Anne Brown, Grenville Combined
We’ll help you launch your trip, providing a comprehensive pack containing everything you need to get things off the ground. We’ll keep in touch during the run-up to your trip and will provide guidance in selecting a programme and itinerary to meet the needs of your group.
Free teaCher PreVieWS We’re always delighted to show visiting teachers everything we have to offer on our free preview weekends. These weekends are a great opportunity, not only to meet our centre manager and staff, but to get a feel for the activities, excursions and facilities.
traVeL MaDe eaSY From the moment you book your trip our dedicated travel teams are on-hand to figure out the logistics and all travel costs are fully included in the price of your trip. We offer door-to-door transport in conjunction with our sister company Britannia Coaches. You’ll be picked up from school in good time to achieve a lunchtime Eurotunnel channel crossing. This ensures you’ll arrive at the Château mid-afternoon, ready for your group to begin their French adventure.
YOur PerSOnaL COaCh Throughout the duration of your stay you’ll have your coach and driver on-hand to transport you to whatever excursions you choose. You can also break up your outgoing or return journeys by stopping off at an attraction en route to really get the best value from your visit.
personal coach
24 | www.kingswood.co.uk
MAKING A BOOKING To make a ‘no obligation’ booking, call 0800 655 6564 and we’ll be delighted to check availability at the Château and discuss your course and excursion options. You will be sent details of your proposed visit along with full costings and we can hold your provisional booking for 28 days. We can also arrange any necessary pre-visit inspections and explain how we can help support your school in launching your trip.
SteP 2 LaunChinG YOur triP We’ll send you a welcome guide that includes everything needed to successfully promote your school trip to students and parents. This includes parent guides, a Powerpoint presentation and savings cards. A member of our team can also visit your school and discuss with parents the benefits of our French programme.
SteP 3 COnFirMinG YOur BOOKinG Simply confirm the number of children attending and include initial deposits of £40 per child. In certain circumstances deposits may be returnable, thanks to the comprehensive travel insurance included in your booking.
SteP 4 SeCOnD DePOSitS
“
It has been an experience of a lifetime! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can't wait to come back! Social, cultural, educational experience not to be forgotten!
“
SteP 1 MaKinG a PrOViSiOnaL BOOKinG
Mr Chittick, Ayscoughfee Hall School
Second deposits of £55 per child are due 8 weeks after the first deposit.
SteP 5 FinaL BaLanCe The final balance is due 8 weeks before you arrive at the centre.
SteP 6 ChOOSinG YOur PrOGraMMe 8 weeks before your arrival we’ll send you an up-to-date menu of the options available so you can plan out your group’s excursions and activities.
What’S inCLuDeD • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Launch materials to help you promote the trip in school Free teacher preview weekend prior to your visit Coach travel from school to Château and back again Full board and accommodation at the Château On-site activity and entertainment programme 1 free teacher place for every 8 pupils Half price places for extra teachers (subject to availability) Services of Kingswood staff All excursion entrance fees (excluding our extended stay ‘Added Extra Excursions’) Excursion workbooks Exclusive use of coach for visits and excursions All local taxes and road tolls Use of ICT hardware and software for Reportage course Comprehensive travel insurance
breakfast
0800 655 6564 | 25
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED if you still have any questions about our French programmes, you should hopefully find the answers here. if not, please call a member of our schools support team on 0800 655 6564 and they’ll be happy to help. Q: Can I talk to someone about study requirements before I visit? A: We’ll call you a few weeks before your visit to plan out your itinerary, but you can contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns. Don’t forget, you can also find more information at www.kingswood.co.uk. Q: Can I visit the Château in advance of our stay? A: We regularly run free preview weekends for teachers so just let us know if you’d like to visit and we’ll be pleased to make the arrangements. We’ll give you a full tour of the site and facilities so you can get a good feel of what to expect from your school’s visit. Q: Do I need to bring any specialist equipment or clothing? A: No – we have a comprehensive inventory of equipment for all our activities. The launch pack we send you contains a full list of suggested clothing, none of which are out of the ordinary. Q: What do students do in the evenings? A: After dinner we enter the Twilight Zone – our programme of fun group games and cool ways to unwind. Students are encouraged to socialise through activities including Club Kingswood, Mini Olympics, Scrapheap challenge, Trail of mystery and other exciting activities. Q: Who will be my point of contact during my stay? A: Each school is assigned a Group Leader who will greet them and be present almost all of the time. The site also employs a Guest Services Coordinator as well as a bilingual Château Operations Manager. Q: What is your payment process? A: Once you’ve reserved your dates, you’ll need to pay the first, non-refundable deposit within 28 days. The second deposit is due 8 weeks after the first, with the third and final payment due 8 weeks before arrival.
26 | 0800 655 6564
Q: Do students from different schools mix? A: Not usually. Classmates share the same dorms and stay together throughout the day. However, students may have the chance to meet and make new friends from other schools during the evening Twilight Zone events. Q: What travel documentation do students need? A: The teacher organising the trip will hold on to the group’s travel insurance documents so all the students will need to bring are their passports. Q: Will students need additional pocket money? A: All students’ on-site needs are catered for. During excursions students may get the chance to go shopping or visit gift shops. We’d suggest students bring spending money of no more than 20-25 Euros each. Q: What is included in the booking fee? A: In a word, everything! Coach travel from your school to the Château is included in the price, as is comprehensive travel insurance for your group. All excursions are included (except for our overnight ‘Added Extra Excursions’), with workbooks relating to each excursion, plus full use of our ICT facilities for Reportage participants. And of course, your booking fee covers a fullysupervised programme of adventure activities, evening entertainment, accommodation, healthy meals and free places for 1 teacher to every 8 pupils. Q: Can you arrange insurance? A: You don’t need to make any additional arrangements – to make life easier for you Group Travel Insurance is included in the booking for Château visitors. This covers students and their party leaders from the moment you leave school until your return.
Q: What about students with special needs? A: We can accommodate most needs but we do ask that you let us know at the time of booking so that we can advise on whether we are equipped to deal with specific situations. Q: What is the food like? A: All our meals are created with health and nutrition in mind. Menus vary from day-to-day according to the season and the individual centre. Guests eat in the communal dining room, with four course evening meals and vegetarian selections. We can also cater for students with special religious or dietary needs if you let us know in advance. Students who are off-site at lunchtime will be given a packed lunch, including filled baguettes, fruit, biscuits, crisps and a drink. Q: What care is available during the night? A: Teachers sleep just down the corridor from their pupils and there is also a Duty Manager on call throughout the night. Q: How secure is the centre? A: The Château grounds have a gated entrance, perimeter fencing and (from 2012) CCTV. Dormitory door security codes restrict access to your group members only, dorm windows are secure and a switchboard in the teachers’ room informs you whether the lights are on in your students’ quarters. Q: Do you have fire drills? A: Upon arriving at the Château, all schools receive a fire-safety briefing where we point out the emergency exits and meeting areas and rehearse our evacuation procedure. We then carry out an emergency fire drill involving everyone on site – students, teachers and staff. Q: Do you have first-aid cover? A: We have fully-qualified first aid staff on site at all times. In the event of a more serious accident we are a 10 minute drive to the nearest hospital.
www.kingswood.co.uk | 27
See your pupils blossom, gaining self-confidence and building stronger class relationships on a visit to France with Kingswood. Our courses and activities have been designed to support the national Curriculum and enhance personal development and are taught by expert animateurs and instructors in safe, secure environments. With over 30 years’ experience, we’re experts in providing great-value educational adventure trips and meeting teachers’ needs. Come and visit us to enjoy immersive learning at its best.
www.kingswood.co.uk t | 0800 655 6564
f | 0844 800 5008
e | schools@kingswood.co.uk
Kingswood Centres | Kingswood House | Alkmaar Way | Norwich | Norfolk | NR6 6BF
Kingswood is part of
KWUK_BR_24.06.11_567