Trips

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Commenius Project Trip to Turkey 5 - 11 October 2009

October 09

After a very early start from school (0345) we set off for Heathrow airport with six Sixth Formers and two members of staff. Turkish Airlines carried us safely and efficiently to Istanbul, having flown over countless international borders en route. Istanbul was relatively cool with cloudy and slightly drizzly conditions. After a short wait we were on our way to Gaziantep, courtesy of Onur Air this time. The flight was 20 minutes late departing yet it managed to land 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The landscape gradually coming into view as we descended through the ever thinning cloud was of a parched undulating landscape. Its predominant colour was that of pale straw with patches of dark green where trees punctuated the parched ground. Rocky outcrops of white or pink stone (limestone perhaps) were everywhere. In contrast to the tiny airport, Gaziantep city was sprawling with Mediterranean-style building, mostly in need of repair, ruined castle in the centre and countless (perhaps hundreds) of minarets. Our hotel was comfortable and we were glad to find the air conditioning working well. We arrived in bright sunshine and very pleasant temperatures indeed. Later in the evening, when we ventured out to do some shopping, we discovered that it was wonderfully warm, even at night time. Our first evening included a special supper with our Turkish hosts and a special birthday cake for our Head Girl.

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Comenius Project Meeting in Finland

April 09

Tuesday 17th March - Sunday 22nd March 2009

Six pupils and three members of staff attended the second international Comenius project meeting in Finland, in Oulunsalo. We were guests of the Pitkakangas school parents and teachers whom we thank deeply for their splendid hospitality and warmth.

Activities included presentations and songs in the enormous sports hall, visits to a saw mill and a log house factory, cross-country skiing and a visit to a forest education centre, shopping and sightseeing around Oulu, and a visit to Helsinki harbour and cathedral.

For more detailed information follow the project blog at www.comeniustrees.blogspot.com and click on the link below for more images.

A wonderful and uplifting time was had by all.

The next project meeting in Turkey is scheduled to begin on 5th October 2009.

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Ski Trip 2007

February 08

This year's ski trip to Tignes was well supported by pupils and parents alike. A large party of 80 ventured to France in the hope of excellent snow and good skiing conditions. The usual early start (4am) didn't dampen spirits and the main group managed to successfully meet up at Grenoble airport with a smaller group of 16 who had left earlier from Stanstead airport. We took off in high spirits for the spectacular 4 hour coach journey into the mountains. Anyone who was not fortunate enough to be party to this journey need only recall the bus trip in "The Italian Job" to understand a little of the experience.
When we arrived at the resort, snow was in abundance and we were whisked up to lunch whilst cases our were relayed to our rooms. Mr Holmes drew the short straw as, much to the rest of the group's amusement, he had to share a room with me - but we had the last laugh as our room was one of the few that wasn't disturbed by snow ploughs at 5am each morning!
The first day of skiing was a real challenge as the snow kept falling and the slopes hadn't been "pisted". Skiing knee deep in snow with little visability made for an adventurous start; however, as the week went on, the snow stopped and the piste-bashers got to work; creating excellent skiing conditions. Although the sun came out most days, thermals were certainly required and some of the children and even some adults really felt the cold.
The apres ski events all went well with most parents joining in the bowling. Despite alot of bluff and blunder from the parents, I had little trouble retaining top spot on the lanes. Unfortunately we brought the dreaded sickness/flu bug along with us and many of us sufffered as a result. At least, that was the excuse given by those parents who couldn't get out of bed in the morning. On the whole, the children were excellent on the trip and were very well behaved, despite a very tiring week (which is more than can be said for certain parents, who shall not have the opportunity to cheat at Pictionary or Charades again!) Thanks to all involved for making this a most memorable occasion.
Ian Leatham

Second Form French Trip to Stella-Plage, 17-19 May 2007

June 07

In May, 29 members of the 2^nd Form (Year 4), aged 8 or 9, accompanied by four teachers, took part in the annual French trip. They spent three days/two nights based in a Village de Vacances in the small seaside resort of Stella-Plage, near Le Touquet. Activites included visits to the large sealife centre, Nausicaä?, a boulangerie, a chocolaterie, a swimming complex, a large hypermarket, a theme park and a typical French restaurant for a soirée-crêpes. The pupils put into practice some of the French they have been learning back at St. Andrew’s and coped with using euros for their pocket money. An exciting and happy time was had by all!

Many thanks to Mr Thomas, Mr Howard, Mrs Verrall and Mrs Le Roux

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Winter Ski Trip

December 06

One of our parents, Mr Jeremy Fry, has kindly submitted a brief account of our memorable trip to the French Alps in December:-

"Tignes, a long time favorite with the skiing cognoscenti high in the French Alps, hosted a party from St. Andrews's School in December 2006. The 48 pupils were ably supported by a small team of teachers and parents. An eventful, but otherwise relaxing, journey to the resort ensured the pupils arrived in peak condition. Rooms were occupied, skis and boots collected, reveille and breakfast organised. The first day's skiing eagerly anticipated.

Six wonderful days skiing followed - Europe was in the grip of a snow famine but for St. Andrews school high up in Tignes - this was not a problem.

Improvements in technique were made and progression was fast - but only with the pupils. The teachers and parents were struggling to keep up with pace both on and off the piste!

Après ski events, organised by the party leader, Mr Leatham, ensured any last remnants of physical or mental energy were duly sapped ahead of bedtime. The blue ribbon bum-boarding event, with high speed thrills and spills, received the widest plaudits.

The final night was snow-filled and celebratory - badges proclaiming attainment and success were provided by the respective group instructors, in a ceremony befitting the winter Olympics. Well done St. Andrews's!

Our final day was spent travelling, with tales of success and endeavour in every conversation. The pupil's families were waiting our return at school and we were warmly greeted. With a last goodbye the St. Andrew's school ski group 2006 finally disbanded - well at least until the next time."

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