Department:
Unknown
Year Group:
Key Stage 3
Venue Region:
Belgium
Town:
Ypres
Summary:
This was our second time in Bruges and fourth on the Battlefields. Everything went really well. It was pretty much stress-free and the staff enjoyed it as much as the students, who behaved really well.
An extra day is really worth it if at all possible.
An extra day is really worth it if at all possible.
Tour Operator:
NST
The staff are very helpful and accommodating to all the changes we had to make. Just had one misunderstanding regarding the cost of the canal trip in Bruges - as it is pay on the day it was not included in their costing although we had asked for it to be inculded in the itinerary, so make sure you get all the details straight before you set your final price for the parents. We will definitely use NST again.
Venue:
Ypres and Bruges
We stayed in a little village called Lo, but visted Bruges and Ypres. Bruges is a beautiful old town and the best way to see it is on a canal cruise - around $5.60. The town square is a great meeting/gethering place with fast food available. The Belfry is worth the climb. For those with a head for heights it is fun, for those who are a little nervous ior day they don't like heights, it is worth the effort. all are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of the city and beyond and it is great to help students overcome their fears.
Ypres is another beautiful city. The In Flanders Field museum is well worth a visit and great value at £1.50. There is quite a lot to read, but there is a fantastic audio visual section which is very powerful and moving. For light relief a visit to one of the many chocolate shops is always appreciated by the students and staff. Some of them offer "special deals" for the students which may seem a little expensive, but which work out cheaper that if they bought the items individually. As a thank you to the staff for bringing in the business they give a bag of free chocolate!
Ypres is another beautiful city. The In Flanders Field museum is well worth a visit and great value at £1.50. There is quite a lot to read, but there is a fantastic audio visual section which is very powerful and moving. For light relief a visit to one of the many chocolate shops is always appreciated by the students and staff. Some of them offer "special deals" for the students which may seem a little expensive, but which work out cheaper that if they bought the items individually. As a thank you to the staff for bringing in the business they give a bag of free chocolate!
Accommodation:
The Old Abbey
Very friendly, welcoming staff. Excellent food which included wine for the staff table and smoked salmon starter! It's a lovely old building set in nice grounds - room for kids to run about and let off steam. The rooms were very nice and clean a
Transport:
Wertbus
Our driver, Geoff, was very friendly, knowledgable and tolerant of the students' exuberance. The bus was very clean and comforable and the interior was climate controlled which was an added bonus. We watched DVD's and Geoff joined in on the return journey as we watched and sang a long to Mama Mia.
Benefit:
The students gained a lot from the trip. It obviously helped them to actually see the things and places they had talked about it class, but it also put a human face to it all. Some became quite emotional at times as they thought about the conditions, the age of so many and the huge numbers of soldiers that died. Many of them were moved by the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate and one student was very happy to find a great-grandfather's name on the wall.
Plus points:
The Old Abbey Hotel, In Flanders Field Museum, guided tour of Beaumont Hamel. Hill 62 is always a favourite with the students as they can run through the trenches and tunnels. Free: all the cemetaries and memorials.
Overall:
Comments