Amsterdam 2019 School Trip - Explore Jewish Culture & History

1. Amsterdam 2019 • Please sign in and present your child’s passport and EHIC to Mr Barrett.

2. Amsterdam 2019 Exploring the history and culture of a European city through the experiences of Jewish communities

3. Team Thamesmead • Mr S. Barrett (Trip Leader, Coach A Leader) • Mrs A. Bell • Miss B. Edmondson-Jones • Mrs H. Mazhar • Mrs I. Padgett • Mrs P. Tweedie • Dr T.P. Watts

4. Departure • We are now leaving early due to ensure that we get to Dover on time. • We need to begin loading the bus at 5.00am for a prompt 5.30am departure. • The bus will be a quiet bus until 8am to give those that want to an opportunity to rest. • The trip is a nut free environment. • Please be courteous to the neighbouring properties. • Remember we are only going for 4 days!

5. Wednesday evening • When we arrive at the hotel, then we will arrange the rooms and have a short introductory welcome. • This will be a chance for students to unpack and have a evening meal. • On the evening we have booked a canal cruise. • Students are advised to bring layers of clothes and appropriate outside clothes. • Follow all the instructions and don’t stand on the benches.

6. Thursday • In the morning Coach A will visit Anne Frank’s house, whilst Coach B will go the Jewish Historical Museum and then swap over in the afternoon. Anne Frank is perhaps the most famous of Amsterdam’s tourist attractions. • In the afternoon we are visiting the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. • This houses the national collection of art, including “The Night Watch”, Rembrandt’s masterpiece.

7. Friday • The Jewish Historical Museum is a great experience. Students will go around a synagogue as well as look around the traditions and history of the Jewish communities in Amsterdam. • We will be enjoying a visit to the Clara Maria Cheese Farm and Clog Factory, where the students will learn all about cheese-making and making clogs from tree to shelf. Tourism is very important in the Netherlands, providing work and income.

8. Saturday • On route home, we will arrive for a guided tour of Camp Vught. The Camp is now a national memorial located on part of the former SS camp. There is a memorial centre and museum and reconstructed buildings.

9. A & O Hostel • The A & O Hostel is a 3 star hotel. • Ensuite facilities and towels are provided. • Rooms are very tidy with adequate wardrobe space for a three day visit. • The rooms have 4-6 bed, including bunk beds. • Rooms will be allocated before we leave. • There is free wi-fi in the hotel. • There is a TV in each room.

10. Room mates • Remember we will be in a hotel with other guests and be considerate, especially with levels of noise and doors. • Rooms should be kept tidy so there are no accidents or nothing goes missing. Any valuables should be out of sight. • Remember to allow enough time for everyone to get ready. • Check your room upon arrival and report any damage. • A tidy room means happy room mates.

11. Food • The hotel is full board. • Continental breakfast will be served each morning and a packed lunch will be provided. • An evening meal will be served Saturday through to Monday. • The hotel can accommodate most dietary requirements. • Food can be made off-site, in a nut-free environment, packed and brought to the hotel. • In addition there are snack machines and bar food available.

12. Around Amsterdam • It is important when walking around Amsterdam that you stay in your groups. • Remember to be aware of the traffic. This includes cars, but also bicycles that use different cycle lanes. • Listen to the instructions of your teacher at all times. • We want to arrive at our destinations and begin our visits promptly, so we are always in the safest place.

13. Places of interest • Remember we are ambassadors of our school and your behaviour will make an impression upon local people. • There are also expectations about how you should behave in the various museums. This includes putting bags in lockers. • There are restrictions on photography and use of mobile phones. • There is additional security in the Jewish Quarter. Do not be surprised if you have to go through two sets of doors.

14. Mobile phones • Your child is responsible for any valuables they take and any charges that they might incur when travelling in Europe. • When in Amsterdam and visiting places of interests all phones should be on silent and put away securely. • Phones should not be used for making calls, messaging or social media whilst we are out. • Mobile phones can only be used in your hotel room. • If anyone is upset or homesick, speak to a teacher first.

15. Returning • Students will need money for an evening meal on the Saturday. Sterling or euros can be used to buy food on the ferry. • We will ask your child to phone once we are within half-an-hour of the school. • The coaches will need to access the school grounds and Mr Barrett will have a key.

16. And finally … • This is a Humanities and Arts school trip and you will be learning as well as enjoying yourself and appreciating a different city and culture. • You will need to bring some pens, pencils and colouring pencils for the trip. • This can be usefully put in a day bag (not necessarily your school bag) along with sandwiches and a drink.

17. Amsterdam 2019 ‘A memorable visit’