6 October 2004

Dear Parents

As part of the GCSE and A Level Visual Arts course, it is important for students to experience at first hand the great masters of Art. Following the huge success of the Amsterdam trip, the Art Department is pleased to offer the opportunity for your son or daughter to visit Berlin, a city full of history and visual arts.

Since reunification Berlin has become a magnet for artists and many of the cities world-class collections have been reformed. The result is a culturally diverse, dynamic and exciting capital at the forefront of European youth culture.

The 3 day, 2 night Berlin tour will leave the college at approximately 6am on Saturday 2nd April 2005 and return approximately 11.45pm Monday 4th April 2005. On this tour we will be visiting the Neue National Gallery, the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum of Contemporary Art, Guggenheim and the Bracke Museum featuring German artists who have had a decisive impact on 20th century art. We also plan to visit the Berlin Wall and Documentation Centre, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie museum, situated a few metres from where the famous checkpoint once stood.

The cost of the excursion is £242, this includes flights, transfers to and from the college to Heathrow Airport, accommodation at the Generator Youth Centre on a bed and breakfast basis, travel insurance, gallery and museum entrance fees. Students will be required to bring sufficient money for public transport within the city, lunch and evening meals as well as spending money. Students are advised to bring a packed lunch for the first day to save on costs.

Students will require their own passport valid 6 months after travel and a current E111 (obtained at the post office and a parent must complete details, sign and return for validation).

Further information including a Parent and Student Information Evening will be held closer to the event.

If you would like your son or daughter to attend, please complete the below permission slip and return with a £50 reservation fee (cheques payable to Bicester Community College). There are only 40 places available and reservation fees are due by the 15th November unless sold out.

Subsequent payments are as follows

Or if you wish, you may pay the full or part of the remaining amount with the reservation fee.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience Art in a major European centre and we will ensure it will be an enriching and enlightening experience for all participants and we look forward to your response.

Yours Sincerely,

Lynley Kennett

BERLIN ART AND CULTURAL TOUR 2005

I give permission for ......................................................................(student’s name)

......................... (form) permission to attend the GCSE and A Level Art Trip to Berlin 2005. I enclose a reservation fee £50. Cheques payable to Bicester Community College.

Signed: .......................................................... Name..........................................................