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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amsterdam 2019 ‘A memorable visit’