7 February Dear Parents/Carers, SKI COURSE WEEK TO Serre Chevalier- FRENCH ALPS: 27 January 3 February 2018

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1 7 February 2017 Dear Parents/Carers, SKI COURSE WEEK TO Serre Chevalier- FRENCH ALPS: 27 January 3 February 2018 Following on from the highly successful Ski Course in January 2017 and previous ski courses, we are planning our next visit during the above dates in Unlike many school visits, this tour will be suitable for students of a variety of ages and abilities from the complete beginner to the more advanced skier. Students currently in Years 7, 8, 9, and 11 (to be in Years 8, 9, 10, and 12 in September 2017) will be able to join this visit. In addition, those students who are currently in Year 12, who are meeting their targets, will also be able to attend. In recent years, I have had a number of parents requesting that the Local Primary schools were made aware of this Ski Course. I am therefore happy to say, that any student currently in Year 6 who will be coming to Appleby Grammar School in September 2017 (Year 7) will also be able to participate in this course. Skiing is an exciting and exhilarating activity that offers real fun and the opportunity to experience a fairly unique sport in some incredibly stunning scenery, whilst learning some amazing new skills to be used and applied in a group based environment that develops self-confidence. The cost of the visit will be , with the price based on a party of 32 students. We understand that the cost of this course is quite substantial, but the course has been advertised as early as possible to allow the maximum time for parents and students to save/pay for this visit. The cost is extremely competitive compared to other school ski visits, in light of the fact that we will be flying, rather than travelling by coach; have 5 hours ski instruction compared to only 4 that many schools offer and we will have 4 instructors, making instruction 1:8, compared to the normal 1:12. Included in the price: Return travel to hotel in resort from Appleby Grammar School (coach transfers and flights). 7 nights full board hotel accommodation (Equity Club Olympic). 5 hours tuition daily, by qualified English speaking ESF (Ecole du ski Francais) instructors (30 hours total). Serre Chevalier Lift Pass for 6 days skiing. Serre Chevalier s ski area includes 250km of pistes and good skiing for all abilities at the foot of Le Parc l Ecrins. 6 Days Hire of skis, boots, poles and helmets. Comprehensive insurance ( excess). There will be a full programme of evening activities, including those such as bum boarding, ice skating, bowling, quizzes, meal in local restaurant. (The exact activities will be confirmed nearer the date). Ski travel firm representation in resort- The ski company we are organising the ski course with is Equity. Hoodies- As with this year, I have negotiated with the ski company to provide hoodies as part of the ski course package.

2 Not included. Pocket money. Specialist clothing and ski wear-students will need Ski Jacket, Sallopettes, Gloves and Goggles as a minimum. Dry Ski Slope sessions for beginners (approximately 30.00). Educational Benefits of the Appleby Grammar School Ski Course Provides our students with the opportunity to learn a completely new skill, in a new environment and in a different culture. Learning and improving a new skill, practiced regularly over a sustained period. Students get 5 hours of expert tuition per day for 6 days. Appleby Grammar School staff assist with the ski classes and ski with the students during their lessons. This has three main advantages to the students. Firstly there is somebody else to help pick up the inevitable fallers, which saves a remarkable amount of time, enabling the ski instructor to spend more time teaching. Secondly, both staff and students alike enjoy skiing together and getting to know each other outside the classroom environment. More crucially there is a teacher present, who can explain to the students why they are being asked to do an exercise/drill. As a result, we have regularly been praised as a school for the dramatic progress our students make during their week. Open to all. Success relies on acquiring the correct technique rather than physical strength and can be very rewarding to learn. It is not unusual for young people who have shown little aptitude for traditional PE in school, to develop an enthusiasm for skiing by taking part in one of our school ski courses. Skiing ability is used as part of GCSE and AS/A Level PE. If there is any student either taking of GCSE and AS/A Level PE or even potentially taking of GCSE and AS/A Level PE, then a video is made of them skiing to support the practical element of these courses. Personal and social development in a residential setting and experience of unfamiliar surroundings. For many of the students this is the first time they will have been abroad / stayed in a hotel without their parents. We run the visit with an emphasis on us all being part of a team, with everyone expected to take responsibility for its smooth running. In our experience the students have been a credit to the school, supporting each other and extending a hand when we ALL fall over. Our students have been widely praised by both hotel staff and the ski school. Cultural and linguistic benefits of travelling to a foreign country. Students have many opportunities to practice their French language skills in resort, particularly with the ski instructors, who despite being able to speak fluent English, have a flair for encouraging everyone to converse in French. Opportunity to get involved in a healthy physical outdoor activity. 6 days of skiing, in the great outdoors, at altitude, is an extremely healthy and exhilarating sport. Ski Preparation. To help students familiarise themselves with the demands of skiing, we hope to organise a visit to a dry ski slope prior to the course. Fitness. To maximise the experience that students will gain from this course, it is important that students are physically fit before going on the course, as skiing is a very energetic activity performed at altitude.

3 Passport. Your child will need to have their own up to date passport and to book a place on the visit, we will need a copy of the information page in the passport to ensure names/ details are accurate for the travel arrangements. Parents Evening. A parents evening will be held in the autumn term to brief parents further about the details of the course. Please return the following to AGS Student Reception by Wednesday 8 March at the latest, to request a place on the ski course for 2018: Completed consent form Photocopy of the students information page from their passport deposit which will be non-refundable (cheques can be made payable to Appleby Grammar School) Completed What Level of skier are you form. Further Payments Second Instalments of which will be non-refundable per paying member are due by Wednesday 26 April Third instalments of which will be non-refundable per paying member are due by Wednesday 28 June The outstanding balance to be paid no later than Wednesday 18 October Please make a note of these dates in your diary and on calendars to ensure payment deadlines are met. You will have the opportunity to pay for the visit in full or in more than one instalment if you prefer. Parents may also be able to join the visit. There will be an adult supplement of which covers the extra cost of lift passes and other surcharges imposed by the travel company (making the total adult price ). In addition, all adults accompanying the school ski visit will need to be DBS checked, (which costs approximately for volunteers). School can help organise this for you. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, depending on Behaviour and Attendance. Behaviour and Attendance We endeavour to ensure that the students really benefit from the ski course and in the past excellent behaviour and working relationships between staff and students have occurred. However, in view of the party leaders responsibilities in loco-parentis, it is imperative that staff can rely on the students responsible behaviour and selfdiscipline at all times. Therefore any student with a previously unacceptable behaviour pattern will not be considered. In addition any student whose behaviour falls below standard between now and departure may jeopardise their place on the course. Students participating in their examination years will need to be up to date with their school and coursework. Failure to do so may mean exclusion from the ski course. In addition, students must have good school attendance to be permitted to go on this course. I am confident that any students who go on this visit will have a tremendous week of skiing and a great experience on the French slopes.

4 I have today given a Ski Course presentation to the whole school. If you would like any further information, or indeed would like to see the powerpoint that I have shown the students, please do not hesitate to contact me at school. Yours sincerely Mr Ian Noble Ski Party Leader Enc

5 APPLEBY GRAMMAR SCHOOL School Ski Course, 27 January 3 February 2018: Serre Chevalier, French Alps Name of Student: Form: CONSENT FORM Having read the information letter, I wish my son/daughter to be considered for a place to take part in the ski course. I confirm that I will be responsible for all charges arising in connection with the course and I authorise Mr I Noble, Party Leader, to sign the booking form on my behalf. I consider that my son/daughter is physically fit and capable of full participation in the activities and give my consent to any emergency medical/dental treatment which he/she may require within the duration of the course, and I agree to meet any costs necessarily incurred as a result of such emergency treatment if those costs are not covered by insurance. I understand that the school staff in charge of the party will take all reasonable care of the students. I also agree to take financial responsibility for any damage caused by the named student during the duration of the ski course. It is understood that whilst every endeavour will be made to safeguard personal effects, luggage and clothing of the members of the party, the organisers shall not, in any event, be responsible for any loss or damage that might occur. I also support the Party Leader s view of the importance of good behaviour, self-discipline and responsible behaviour at all times. I understand there may be occasions (whilst not skiing) when my son/daughter may be unsupervised. I have enclosed 100 as a non-refundable deposit (unless covered by travel insurance) Photocopy of information (name/date of birth/address etc) page of my son s/ daughter s passport Completed What Level of skier are you form. * (Please delete where applicable) My son/daughter does not suffer from any medical condition requiring regular treatment. * My son/daughter suffers from requiring regular treatment. * Details: Signature: (Parent/Carer) Date: Please return to Student Reception (FAO Mr I Noble) by Wednesday 8 March at the latest