Year 9 Tall Ships Event

Last modified 10.02.12

Dear Parent/Carer,
I am writing to tell you that the time has finally come to ask for nominations from staff for the Year 9 event of a lifetime!

We have been telling our students for some time now of the incredible five days we spend aboard two 70' yachts with twenty-two Year 9 students each year, sun blazing down, a gentle breeze tugging at the sails, and miles away from the cares of everyday life.  The students who came with us two years ago still talk of the event, describing the incredible opportunity as 'The Best Ever!'

Our 'Voyage of a Lifetime' this year will take place between June 9th – 13th and is planned to be the highlight of a year where we have celebrated success.

Under the watchful eye of a member of BGN staff, the experienced Tall Ship's crew will help the students to be responsible for all aspects of life on deck.  Chores are rotated each day, and a fair amount of time is available to simply watch the world go by and chat to friends.  The ability to be a team player is a necessity.

During the next week, staff will be asked to nominate students for the following reasons:

•    Through making an outstanding contribution in sport
•    Through making significant improvements in their academic work or maintaining constant high standards
•    Frequently contributing significantly to the life of the school
•    Being particularly supportive of other students

Many of last year’s final selection demonstrated a number of these characteristics.
Since the lucky participants will be expected to take an active part in financing their trip, we would expect them to be able to present their ideas as to how they will undertake fundraising activities. We specifically do not want parents to finance the voyage but would ask that you help them with their ideas.

Once the nominations have been made, we will contact the lucky students and ask for their parent's permission to allow them to participate.  Presuming that more than 22 students will want to take part, the Year 9 tutor team will meet with Miss Smith, Deputy Head to make the final choices.
Parents and successful students will be invited to a meeting on Tuesday 21st February
We cannot guarantee the sunshine, but we can guarantee the experience.  We are really looking forward to making this 'The Voyage of a Lifetime' for the students.

Yours sincerely  

Mrs J Hart                    Mrs P Herridge
Organisers