04 September 2015
A cross-curricular visit to Edinburgh on Friday, 11th September, covering physics, geography, biology and religious studies has been organised for Year 9. While there we shall be visiting Dynamic Earth and Holyrood Palace.
Our Dynamic Earth is the only centre of its kind in the UK dedicated to telling the story of planet Earth, there are excellent exhibitions on the origins of the Universe and life on Earth; many aspects of human and physical geography are also covered such as earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciations and climate change. Whilst there, pupils will participate in a glaciation workshop; learning about ice cores, the science of climate investigation and handling specimens to discover some interesting facts about ice.
In complete contrast to Dynamic Earth and its high technology, we will also be visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Holyrood Palace has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century, and is a setting for state occasions and official entertaining.
Pupils will be transported to Edinburgh by train, the service we have booked will leave Darlington railway station at 8:06am. Pupils need to be at Darlington Railway Station no later than 7.45am. However, there will be a member of staff at the station from 7.30am. The return train journey arrives in Darlington at approximately 6.25pm.
Lunch will be provided. Children may bring further supplies if they wish but no chewing gum, and drinks must be in a re-sealable plastic bottle only. Pupils may bring pocket money (£15 maximum) to buy souvenirs, time permitting. Pupils are to wear their normal school uniform, they should also bring their school waterproof coat as we will be walking to Dynamic Earth from Edinburgh Waverley station. Please ensure if your child suffers from asthma or severe allergic reactions their inhaler/medication/epipen is with them, if they do not have them, they will be unable to go on the trip.
The cost of the trip will be £38 which will be added to your spring term account. The trip will be subject to the conditions as set out in the Parent Contract, and will be covered by the school’s insurance policy. A full risk assessment has been undertaken by the group leader. Miss Ince, a qualified first aider will be accompanying the trip. Personal items such as, personal stereos, iPods or cameras are not allowed. The school cannot be held responsible for the care of these items if any pupil brings them, and insurance will not cover them. We endeavour to take photographs on as many school trips as possible, please visit our website, Facebook and twitter pages to view a selection of photographs.
If you have any questions regarding this trip please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mrs S Lindsay-Symington
Head of Biology