15th May 2014

Dear Parents

Re: Year 10 GCSE History Visit to Orford and Framlingham Castle 30th June 2014 and Colchester Castle 1st July 2014

As part of the GCSE programme of study, students must complete one controlled assessment on History Around Us. For this, students will complete a piece of work based on castles, using Orford, Framlingham and Colchester as a focus.

The trip to Orford and Framlingham Castles will take place on Monday 30th June; we will be leaving school at 8:50am and returning to school at 4pm. Please note, that if a student catches a school bus, they will need to find alternative transport home.

The trip to Colchester Castle will take place on the 1st July. We leave school at 12:45pm and also return to school at 4pm. Students will be given a tour of the castle, including the foundations and the roof, as well as being given access to the brand new museum.

Please sign the attached reply slip and submit to the school office by Friday 6th June. Please also complete the attached medical information form.

These trips provide students with an excellent opportunity to experience local history first hand and to develop their knowledge and understanding.

The trip has been developed to support the GCSE controlled assessment requirements. Students will visit and complete fieldwork tasks. We will then travel back to Colchester where students complete a number of tasks based on the castle building. The trip is supported by a teaching unit investigating castle development. It is essential that students attend the trip in order to be able to successfully complete the GCSE controlled assessment task.

I have included with this letter some instructions and expectations for students, including some health and safety information.

If you have any questions concerning this trip, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Catherine Gray

Co-ordinator of History

Return slip to CGR

Students Name: ______Form:______

I give/ do not give permission for my son/daughter to attend the GCSE History Castles trip.

Please state how your son/daughter will be returning home, as both trips return after the school buses ______

Important information for students

GCSE History Controlled Assessment fieldwork

  • You will study how castles developed over time.
  • On this trip you will be expected to complete tasks relating to each castle so that you will understand the historical context of each site and compare with other sites of a similar type.
  • Take care of your worksheets as this research will form the basis of your controlled assessment write-up.

Behaviour expectations

  • Normal school rules apply for chewing gum and the use of mobiles phones and electronic equipment. You must not use electronic equipment, e.g. I Pods, when completing fieldwork tasks at the sites.
  • In order to ensure your safety you will be given various instructions throughout the day so it is really important that you listen carefully when asked.
  • The coach driver will explain safety procedures for the journey to and from the castles.
  • At the castle sites the ground will be uneven. The masonry is old and some parts are broken. It is important to stay away from particular areas when instructed to do so.

Things to bring:

  • Writing equipment. A pen is needed for note taking and a pencil and eraser are needed to produce diagrams.
  • A clip board if you have one. You are not expected to buy one for this trip.
  • You can bring a camera to take pictures but you will have to be responsible for any equipment that you bring with you.
  • A packed lunch. There will be nowhere to purchase lunch during the trip.
  • Suitable footwear and waterproof clothing. You do not have to wear school uniform but as we will be spending much of the day outdoors, dress appropriately for the trip.
  • £10 as a maximum amount to spend. You will be allowed to visit the castle gift shops.