The History Department plans to take pupils on a trip to the World War I Battlefields of Belgium and Northern France departing Thursday 23^rd June and returning Sunday 26^th June 2016. We hope to take around 45 pupils and the trip is open to all Year 10 pupils with priority given to those who intend to study History at GCSE.

The purpose of the trip is to mark the centenary of World War I by providing pupils with the opportunity to visit key battle sites and to understand the impact and legacy of World War I at first hand. The trip will primarily focus on the battlefields of the Ypres Salient and also on the significant role played by soldiers from Ulster at the Battle of the Somme.

Highlights will include:

• Guided Tour of Vimy Ridge and the tunnels
• Thiepval Memorial and the Ulster Tower
• The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate
• In Flanders Field Museum Ypres
• Tyne Cot British Cemetery and Langemark German Cemetery
• Hill 62 and Sanctuary Woods
• Bellewaerde Theme Park

The basic cost of the trip is £594 (depending on numbers). This includes flights and other transport, accommodation, meals, admissions, the services of a Battlefield Tour Guide and travel insurance using the School Tour Operator NST.

To secure a place on the trip, please return the Parental Authorisation Form to F77 by Wednesday 16^th September with adeposit (non-refundable) of £198 which goes directly to the travel company to secure flights and accommodation(cheques made payable to Banbridge Academy).

A sample itinerary and accommodation brochure for NST’s Chateau d’Ebblinghem can be viewed below. If you have any further queries or questions, please contact the school.

Chateau d’Ebblingham

Outline Itinerary