23 November 2004

Dear Parent

As you know, we will be holding two enrichment days in December for all students (except those with mock exams).  Some of Year 8 are going on the trip to Germany, but your child has not chosen to do so and we are writing now with details of the alternative activities taking place in school.

We are delighted to be able to tell you that we have booked a visit from a professional theatre company called La Compagnie Tête-à-Tête for Wednesday 15 December.  They will come to college to perform a play called “Le Château”.  The play will be in French and I want to stress that it is designed for those who have only learned a little French, that it will be very visual and great fun!  The company perform in schools all over the country and are well known for making their productions accessible to students.

In order to cover the cost of the performance we need to ask you for a contribution of £3.60.  If you would like more information do have a look at the company’s website:  www.compagnie-tete-a-tete.com.

On 16 December we are delighted to be able to take students to visit an authentic German Christmas Market, which is to be held in the Centre MK in Milton Keynes.  This will provide students with an excellent opportunity to extend their knowledge of German culture and vocabulary.  The day will furthermore enable students to develop their English literacy skills, focusing on the key skills of producing texts for a specific purpose and audience, as students will also write a newspaper-style report on their visit.

Transport to the Centre MK will be by coach – we will depart at 9.15 am and return at around lunchtime.  Students do not need to wear school uniform, and may of course bring money to purchase items at the market, although this is brought entirely at their own risk, as are any other items they choose to take with them.  Students will be overseen by staff throughout the day, but may be away from direct staff supervision in groups for short periods of time.  They will not, of course, be allowed to go anywhere on their own.

The cost of the trip is £3.00 to cover transport costs – therefore the combined cost for these activities is £6.60.  Cheques should be made payable to Bicester Community College.  We would be grateful if these and a signed permission slip could be submitted to one of us as soon as possible, and by 1 December at the latest.  All students not involved in the trip to Germany and not going to Woodlands are expected to take part.  If you have any queries about either activity, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours faithfully

Mrs Grace Buck                                                            Mrs Hazel Young