Year 7 visit to Germany
As part of a planned Activities Week at the end of the summer term, every pupil in Year 7 is offered a place on a trip to Germany. This is an established visit, started 1994, to encourage pupils to practise their language skills and experience a different culture. There are a variety of activities throughout the week. Usually 5 coaches leave Dorking very early on a Monday morning to spend three full days in hotels along the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, returning on Friday evening.
We rely on the support of parents to help with supervision of such large numbers. They often volunteer a second time which is a good advert that everyone has a good time!
View Coach B's 2009 visit blog here
View Coach C's 2009 visit blog here
Specific Documentation
Download a copy of our Risk Assessment Form
Next visit
The next residential visit to Germany will take place from 12th - 16th July 2010
Year 8 visit to Normandy
Previously, up to 80 Year 8 pupils were given the opportunity to be involved in “Homestay” trips to France. This is a fantastic experience to stay with a family for a short time without the demands of an Exchange.
Sadly, not all young people get a similar experience and, in 2002, it was decided to change the visit and concentrate on Normandy. This has proved very successful and popular with up to 160 pupils putting their names forward. We try to take everyone who wants to participate.
We now have a cross-curricular visit to Calvados where we can sample the delights of French cuisine, learn about the D-Day Landings and the Bayeux Tapestry as well as practise conversations and role plays in French throughout the day. We hire a “holiday village” which gives us outdoor facilities for evening activities, as well as a classroom and recreation hall, all of which add to the enjoyment of the trip.
2009 visit to Normandy
Inclement weather and an early morning departure from Dorking did not deter the excitement and enthusiasm for 142 year 8 pupils, accompanied by 18 staff and parents, on their visit to Normandy.
Particularly poignant this year was the presence of veterans at Pegasus Bridge for the 65th anniversary of D-Day. This brought history to life and many of the pupils were honoured to be able to speak to them too.
It is always a pleasure to take an interested and well-behaved group on this cultural, historical and linguistic experience. Visits were made to the Bayeux Tapestry, Arromanches, a dairy and cider farm, a “chocolaterie” and a “biscuiterie”. Not least, everyone enjoyed planning their own picnic lunch and visiting a local market to buy the best produce. None of this would be possible without the support of TAS teaching and non-teaching staff and parents to whom I can only say “thank you
View 2009 Weblog here
Specific Documentation
Download a copy of our Risk Assessment Form
Next visit
The next residential visit to Normandy will take place from 14th - 18th June 2010