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JANUARY 2014

This time last year, I seem to remember we were knee deep in snow, so it’s nice this year to be able to get outside and enjoy all of the activities you can read about in this edition of the newsletter. It’s a big week for QEGS rugby with big 1st XV and U15 cup games. They have done us proud and sit alongside only Warwick, RGS High Wycombe and Trinity Croydon to have both teams in the last 16, not least when you remember there are several hundred schools who enter across the country. The hockey is looking good too with some great talent at the top end and strong teams coming through the ranks. Those of you who, like me, set their internal clocks by the beginning of the cricket season, will be pining for the smell of freshly cut grass – only 3 months to go – and in the meantime the senior squad have a tour to Dubai to look forward to!

In amongst all this music, outward bound, sport and QED mentioned here, you will be relieved to hear that the boys are still working hard too! Whilst I always view exam league tables with a pinch of NaCl, I was pleased last week to see us appear in the DfE’s top 50 for last year’s A2s. I was just as pleased to see that eight of our Year 13 boys (10% of the cohort) have won offers to Oxford and Cambridge. Congratulations to them and to all the boys mentioned in despatches this month.

Mr Craig

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RUGBY

On Saturday 11th January we played Harrogate GS at home. The U12s won 31-5, U13s won 51-0 and U14s in a match where nearly 40 QEGS players took to the field as most of the boys going on tour played, lost 31 - 20. Our U15s won 50 - 7. Away, a good contest and played in difficult conditions, the 1st XV did well to win 12-10 having been behind 7-3 at half-time. On Sunday 12th the 1st XV played in the 6th round of the NatWest Cup against Pocklington. Based on previous form this was always going to be a close game and would come down to the performance on the day. After a good start, and with the game very close we were 7-6 down with two well taken penalties from Alex Keaney keeping us in the game, however, after poor defensive kicks put us under pressure, leading to the opposition scoring a try, we worked hard to stay in touch but our errors gave their very effective backs and back row the opportunity to make it 13- 6 at half-time. However, we were confident that we could turn this around—our forwards "upped" their game and we were able to play in their half, putting them under pressure with intelligent kicking and strong running rugby in their defensive third. Inevitably, this pressure and after some good phases of play which led to two excellent tries with two good finishes from Connor Field and Marcus Brookes and a late penalty from Tom Allott meant they needed two scores to win and after a frantic last five minutes we ran out winners 21-13. We now have both teams in the last 16, a feat rarely achieved by many schools in the country!

.

Alex Keaney shows great footwork to initiate a counter from their kick

James Morgan works tirelessly with and without the ball.

Connor Field breaks through James Morgan – TB’s choice as ‘Man

of the Match’ – is in support AGAIN!

Dan Baker runs strongly

with Connor Field & Scott

MacGregor in support

QEGS 21 POCKLINGTON 13

1ST XV MAKE THE LAST 16 IN NATIONAL CUP!

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Sports News Continued...

RUGBY

Congratulations to Elliot Ward who has been selected for the North of England U16s Rugby Squad. A great

achievement, well done!

HOCKEY

QEGS U16s played in the National Indoor Finals on January 10th & 11th at Whitgift School in Croydon. The boys competed well in some close games, but failed to progress beyond the group stages. However, the school are immensely proud of the boys as, reaching the finals, places the school in the top ten schools in the country.

Squad:

Sean Mahoney Ralph Toon Luke Gueli

The 1st XI drew 5-5 with Ampleforth in the National Schools Cup but were eliminated after losing on penalty flicks.

We are pleased to report that Guy Mills has been selected for England U18s and Sean Mahoney Scotland U16s, well done to both of them!

BADMINTON The QEGS badminton KS3 and KS4 teams ventured to Minsthorpe Community College on Wednesday 22nd

January for one of their first matches of the season. The top 4 players in each key stage were selected, along with

a reserve for each team who also got a chance to rotate and play in the match.

Pitted against another 7 schools from the local area, the competition was split

into 2 rounds. Our Badminton coach, Zainal Muhammad, along with Mrs

Smith cheered the teams from the side-lines. Due to tight timings of the day,

all group rounds were played to only 5 points with no settings, which meant

there was no room for error when playing and very tense mini-games!

Both KS3 and KS4 teams made it to the final, but unfortunately, despite some

excellent play, the KS4 team lost out to Outwood Grange Academy. The KS3

team however won decisively in their round, thus becoming champions for Wakefield to proceed to the West

Yorkshire rounds at Garforth in the future. Well done to both teams!

GOLF Congratulations to George Heath (9PM) who has been invited to join the Yorkshire Squad as part of the Elite Regional Golf Development Group after a full weekend of trials. He will now take part in 20+ training sessions and gym work at Leeds Met as part of his preparation which will hopefully lead to selection in forthcoming County Fixtures.

Aidan Hopkinson (C) James Higgins William Copley

Nabeal Khan Newman Caddies William Gibson

Tom House Jason Allen Alex Parker

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QEGS SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Nov: 97, 42, 16

Dec: 51, 51, 95

There were two winners - Mr Mark Stuckey and Mr Simon Feeney.

If you would like to join the 100 Club scheme please contact Mrs Adams

robertandkatie@btinternet.com

2014 CRICKET TOUR - DUBAI

The pre-season cricket tour is just a few weeks away. We will be taking 22 boys from Years 11, 12

and 13 to Dubai from 10th - 20th April. The boys will make up two teams who will play four

matches each during their stay, as well as sampling the delights that Dubai has to offer!

If you would like to place an advert in the Tour Brochure, please contact Matt Archer at school

(tel: 01924 373943). The cost of a full page is currently £100.

...SPORTSMAN’S DINNER….

The 27th Sportsman’s Annual Dinner will be held in the QE Hall on Friday 7th March. The

guest speaker this year will be former England cricketer, Matthew Hoggard (MBE) who will

also will be supported by a professional comedian and a table of special guests. If you

don’t want to miss out on what promises to be a fabulous evening, please contact Mr Ian

Wolfenden on tel: 01924 373943 as there are still some places available.

LADIES LUNCH—PLEASE SEE FLYER ATTACHED

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1. Congratulations to the following boys who were successful in last term’s practical and

theory music exams:

Associated Board Exam Dates this term: Practical exams - 17th and 18th March Jazz Exams - 3rd - 15th March Theory Exams - 5th March 5.00pm

Grade 2

Sam Meredith Hugo Sinclair Karthik Sivaganesh Nikos Tokos Vuyo Makoni

Music Theory Cello Keyboard Guitar Rockschool Guitar

Pass with Distinction Pass with Merit Pass with Merit Pass with Merit Pass with Distinction

Grade 3 Sebastian Lister Ethan Reeves

Jazz Alto Sax Music Theory

Pass with Distinction Pass with Merit

Grade 4 Barnaby Drew Jun Kim James Stead Elliot Wainwright Will Harding

Trombone Piano Trumpet Violin Trombone

Pass Pass with Distinction Pass with Merit Pass Pass with Distinction

Grade 5 Samy Ismaiel Peter Papworth Adarsh Vani Amol Vani

Trumpet Guitar Violin Trombone

Pass Pass Pass Pass

Grade 6 Joshua Gardiner

Baritone

Pass with Merit

Grade 7 Andrew Gair Yeshurun Tanna

Trumpet Piano

Pass with Merit Pass with Merit

Grade 8 Jacob Cooper Nicholas Jones Jean Nel Joe Overend

Trombone Tenor Saxophone Piano Trumpet

Pass with Distinction Pass with Merit Pass with Merit Pass with Distinction

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Music News Continued…...

Forthcoming Events

‘Mantabile’ performance

Fresh from their performances at the BBC’s Children in Need and the Christmas Concert, the Senior Boys’ vocal group ‘Mantabile’, under new director Mr Varley, embark on their first performance of 2014 when they appear with WGHS singing Group ‘Major Minors’ and the excellent Hepworth Brass Band at St Paul’s Hall, Huddersfield on Sunday 9th February.

St Paul’s Hall, Huddersfield

Sunday 9th February, 7pm

Tickets £8, Family Tickets £16, Concessions £6

Available from Kirklees Box Office (01484 223200/www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls)

and Wm Sykes & Sons Estate Agents, Holmfirth

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Music News Continued….

Biennial Music Competition

Auditions in a variety of categories are already underway for the Biennial Music Competition.

The winners’ evening on Thursday 3rd April will see the winners of the senior classes battle it

out with performances to become the QEGS Musician of the Year. The evening will also see

cups awarded for Junior and Intermediate musicians, most original performance and

certificates for every participant. More details to follow.

Instrumental Parents’ Evening - Wednesday 5th March

Invitations to discuss your son’s instrumental progress with his teacher have already gone out.

Please note that your returns need to be sent back to school by February 7th so that suitable

appointments can be allocated.

After two very enjoyable Christmas Concerts, we bade a fond farewell to the very popular Mr Lenihan

who took up his place as Director of Music at Ackworth School after four and a half hugely successful

years with the QEGS music department.

We are delighted to welcome Mr Robert Varley who joins us from New College, Pontefract and who

is, in only a short time, proving to be an excellent addition to the music department.

Mr Waters

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CAREERS.. ..CAREERS

UNIVERSITY SUCCESS! The Careers department would like to say congratulations to the following boys who have had offers from Oxford and Cambridge:

CAMBRIDGE OXFORD Ben Hanson Harry Newcombe David Cadman Rory Bramley Kane Colston Joe Blythe Melvin Fung Andrew Gair

This number represents almost 10% of our Year 13 cohort and 50% of those who applied. We are immensely proud of their achievement and also the other Year 13’s who have worked hard to secure offers from their chosen universities. Well done!

Mr Pesterfield

WGSF CAREERS CONVENTION WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH 2014

WGHS HARTLEY PAVILION - 1.00-6.00pm

We have 30 exhibitors from a wide range of career areas attending this event, all available to offer guidance and answer any questions you or your son may have regarding future careers and universities. We have also enlisted the help of two Careers Advisors for a more personal one-to-one service.

Girls and boys from Years 9 –13 will be given the opportunity to attend the convention during the school day, but from 4.00-6.00pm, all students and parents are welcome to attend. More information about the convention will be sent home in due course. pm

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on 5th March.

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QED : the great QEGS adventure It is amazing to think we are half-way through the first year of QED. This time last year there was a half thought-out dream and now we look back and take pride in what has been achieved. 96 activities were offered, over 80 were popular enough to run in one form or another over the 5 sessions, 52 staff have contributed and 700 boys are taking part!

The range of opportunities is testament to the interests of the staff who have set up and organised the plethora of activities. I can’t thank the staff enough for throwing themselves into activities which have needed leading and making it a positive experience for the boys, most of whom take part in 5 varied and unconventional activities. One of the great benefits is the mixing of boys across the age range with the older boys taking leadership roles. Boys now look out for those on their activity when walking down the corridor, adding to the sense of community that is QEGS.

Senior games has run side by side on Wednesday afternoon and, as I write, the 1st XV are training for the next round of the Nat West trophy. Hockey has started; the Year 10s are getting a taste of training with the 1st team squad, which will benefit them in years to come. We are running cricket nets this “Q” enabling boys to get a head start for the cricket season. The Year 7s have a special programme which is aimed at giving them a balance between a range of sports and an insight into school life they wouldn’t necessarily see in their first year.

Setting up QED was a creative challenge but running it is logistically demanding requiring a fair number of last minute changes in the evolving first year. However we are already planning next year’s QED! There will be space for new activities so staff have already put their collective thinking caps on. We are engaging the boys in this process too; each form has had the opportunity to discuss and vote on their favourite potential new activities. There are some interesting ideas and the most suitable will be added to the brochure for QED 2014-15.

Mr Tingle

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

QED 64 - MOTORCYCLING

QED off-road motorcycling takes place at Bumpy Motorcycle Training Centre in Birstall with trained instructors, including a recent British Trials Bike champion. Smaller boys have learnt to ride semi-automatic bikes whilst the majority have ridden 5 speed bikes with a clutch, which means not only are they now capable of riding any type of motorcycle but they have also developed transferable skills that will aid their learning when taking car driving lessons in the future. The training has consisted of about 3 weeks learning basic skills (like starting, stopping, changing gear and not falling off!) on a tarmac area, subsequently moving on to a muddy, bumpy bendy track where the boys can quickly forget their new-found skills and dump themselves into the mud on a regular basis. As the saying goes, if you don’t fall off then you’re not trying hard enough! Not surprisingly this exciting, dirty, wet activity has been a very popular QED option and the boys who have taken part so far have enjoyed it enormously.

http://youtu.be/lzRBzkTgmcw; http://youtu.be/ZgfbANtYqz0 ; http://youtu.be/UKSYgghOsdI

Mr Fascione

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QED 94 - ‘WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE’

The boys who opted for QED 94 have enjoyed

their visits to the West Yorkshire Archives in

Wakefield where they have been able to explore

the different types of historical records that are

kept there. They have studied local maps and

census returns from 1871 and 1881 showing the

family of one of our past headmasters.

QED 14 ‘BUSHCRAFT’ The third Bushcraft QED is well under

way and our students have become

experts at shelter building and building

their own fires in the bush.

Mrs Sheard

QED 1 ‘aQoustic unpluggED’

For those budding Acoustic guitarists, QED 1 is the perfect choice. QED 1 starts on Wednesday 5th March and boys who have signed up for this option are asked to send suggestions of the songs they might like to learn to Mr McWilliam.

Therese Robinson

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ART FEST QED YEAR 7

In the ‘Art Fest’ QED, Year 7 are learning to create and make 3D letters.

The boys mould them out of card and then cover them with PVA glue and tissue paper to make them sturdy.

Using inspirational artists such as Picasso, Braque and Gris, boys will then start to develop designs and patters to place over their letters.

They will then learn how to paint and blend colours to make their mini works of art more personal.

Mrs Williamson

QED - 21 Cookery for Life

Week 3 - Tandoori Chicken Burgers

First we washed and chopped the potato to make the wedges, and then poured oil on them and seasoned them with chilli flakes. Then we put them in the oven for 40 minutes. Meanwhile we coated our chicken in a mix of spices; cumin, curry powder, ground coriander and turmeric to give it a spicy kick. We put oil in a frying pan and heated it until it was hot. When it was hot we placed our chicken in the pan until it was cooked. Whilst we were waiting we chopped up some salad ingredients like tomatoes and lettuce. When the wedges and chicken were done we sliced our bread buns and put the chicken and salad inside. We finally placed a good dollop of mango chutney on top of the chicken and served with our potato wedges. If anyone would like to have ago, here’s the recipe: 1 Chicken Breast 1 Sesame Seed Burger Bun 1 Lettuce Leaf , 2 Slices of Tomato Mango Chutney, 1 Potato Chilli Flakes, 1tsp Cumin, Curry Powder, 1tsp Ground Coriander and 1/4 tsp Turmeric Salt & Pepper

Alexander Skinner 8KF

Oliver Rees’

Burger

QED 71 - QEGS Newsroom

The very first edition of QEGS News, produced in the QED Newsroom went to press recently and the boys involved should be very proud of their efforts. Special mention must go to Josh Wharton in Year 11, responsible for the design of the newspaper layout, who put in several hours of his own time to ensure the final product looked so impressive.

During the seven week QED schedule we were fortunate to be helped by a number of outside speakers, including Jayne Dowle (Times journalist and Yorkshire Post columnist), Danny Lockwood (Editor of The Press in Dewsbury), Keith Hampshire (former Digital Services Manager with the Yorkshire Post) and Kiran Stacey (Westminster correspondent of the Financial Times). We are very grateful for the input they were able to give us and the boys benefitted hugely from their knowledge and experience.

The next set of budding journalists are now busy researching and writing stories for the second edition, which should be completed by early March. As can be seen from these photo-graphs, they are currently working very hard on articles on a wide range of topics, both from inside the school community and the wider world. It promises to be a very interesting read!

Mr S. Wood

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QED 73 ROBOT GAMES On Wednesday, QED 73 travelled to the National STEM Centre in York to compete in a VEX Robot Games Competition. Having only spent 5 QED sessions preparing their robots, it was intended as a ‘fact-finding mission’ for future QEDs. The first part of the competition involves two teams working together in an alliance against a second alliance with a view to scoring points by moving small coloured plastic ‘bucky balls’ and larger beach balls into scoring zones in the arena. Each round lasts for 2 minutes. After a number of rounds, a rank order is produced and then teams go to each other and negotiate alliances for the knock-out rounds. At this stage the QEGS teams had surprisingly found themselves ranked 1, 2 and 5 – due to much hard work, frantic re-engineering and reprogramming. As the knock-out rounds progressed the ‘old enemy’ were beaten in the semi-finals and in the final, three out of four QEGS teams were involved. The final outcome resulted in the imaginatively named teams 9441 coming second and 9441B and 9441C winning the final. They now qualify for the National Final next year in Birmingham and the International Final - if they are successful - is in California!!! The robots and their handlers were presented with a trophy in assembly – very well done to all.

Mr Holt

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The VEX Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is the largest and fastest growing middle and high school robotics

program globally with more than 7,300 teams from 25 countries playing in over 400 tournaments worldwide. Each year, an exciting engineering challenge is

presented in the form of a game. Students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, build innovative robots and compete year-round in a variety of

matches. In addition to learning valuable engineering skills, students gain life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, communication, collaboration, project

management, and critical thinking. The VEX Robotics Competition prepares students to become future innovators with 95% of participants reporting an increased

interest in STEM subject areas and pursuing STEM related careers.

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£1000 closer to purchasing Holme Valley Mountain Rescue headquarters

Boys from QEGS have presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team to help the charity’s quest in purchasing new headquarters.

The amount was raised through a non-uniform day which had the boys donning an impressive collection of novelty festive jumpers before the Christmas break.

The Holme Valley Mountain Rescue is made up of a team of 43 unpaid volunteers who are on call 24/7, 365 days a year and they are responsible for the southern half of West Yorkshire. In the unfortunate event of a call-out, the team cover various terrains, from the rugged open moorland of the South Pennines and the north of the Peak District to built-up urban areas. The team also work closely with the police when a missing person is reported, they support Government agencies/emergency services in floods and heavy snowfall and they provide rescue cover for the Holme Moss Fell Race, Holme Valley Scouts and the Huddersfield Examiner Challenge.

Helen Sheard, one of the teaching staff at QEGS, has been a member of the Mountain Rescue Team for the last 15 years and the school wanted to do their bit to help the team raise money for a Headquarters building. The school really admires the work that they do. We have many students and families living in the area covered by the team which means that it is a charity close to our hearts.

A lot of our students also take part in a wide range of outdoor activities on Wednesday afternoons as part of our new QED initiative and many of these are based in the HVMRT’s area. We hope, as a school, that we will never need the services of the Mountain Rescue Team, but it is good to know that they are there.

The Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team relies entirely on public contributions to help with the cost of rent and equipment and now trying to find a new headquarters before 2015. Their current location at Emergency House in Marsden would be ideal and the hope is for them to raise enough to remain there.

The boys at QEGS Senior School had great fun raising the money and look forward to other fundraising events to help the Rescue Team.

Mrs Helen Sheard ‘’The Mountain Rescue Team is working very hard to raise the money required to buy the Fire Station building in Marsden. We are very grateful to all the people who are helping us towards this goal and I am particularly pleased that our students at QEGS feel that this is a worthwhile cause. They have raised an amazing amount”.

Mrs Sheard

Donations can still be made.

Please visit the website:

holmevalleymrt.org.uk

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OUTDOOR PURSUITS

Ecuador Expedition 2015

Year 9 Morocco Expedition

Ski 2014

.

Stars and Scarborough

Outdoor Pursuits Books in LRC

Climbing at Huddersfield Wall

Do you live in Kirklees?

Would you like your son to participate in this free after-school activity?

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YEAR 7 & 8 CURRY NIGHT

The Year 7 and 8 boys who, along with their parents and staff attended the Curry Night had a wonderful

evening. We were all looked after brilliantly by Hashim and the team. The food, as last year, was plentiful

and delicious, with several guests making 3 or more visits to the buffet. The evening was a fun social event

to allow parents to put faces to new names in new classes at a new school. From the smiles and the

laughter throughout the evening this goal was definitely achieved. We look forward to meeting more new

faces at this event next year and to seeing you all at the Quiz Night at the end of January.

QUIZ NIGHT

The Quiz Night preparations are fully underway and I’m sure with our new Quiz Master, Mr Lambert, the

evening will be a great success.

Please note the price for students has been reduced to £5 and anyone who has already paid

£8 will receive a refund on the night.

Still time to get your teams in, please contact the School Office before Wednesday 29th Janu-

ary.

ANTIQUES, CRAFTS & COLLECTORS FAIR

This year’s Antiques, Crafts & Collectors Fair takes place at school on Saturday 1st March. Last year was a very successful event and we anticipate this year will be also. There are a wide variety of stalls selling books, clothes, memorabilia, collectables, jewellery, china and furniture. In addition there is free parking, and home-made refreshments. Admission is £2.00 and concessions £1.00. Please come along and support this great event.

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June 21st 2014

Jubilee Hall

12 – 4pm

£35

Inspirational Female SpeakER

If anyone would like to sponsor the event or can offer a donation

towards our luxury hamper

please contact Debbie Wilson on 07889 288358 thank you

Wakefield Grammar School

Foundation

Ladies Luncheon

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Dates for your Diary

January

Fri 31st - PA Quiz Night

February

Wed 5th - Y10 Parents’ Evening

Wed 12th - Y10 Vaccinations

Thur 13th - Y9 Parents’ Evening

Fri 14th - Half Term

Mon 24th - Return to school

Thur 27th - U14s Rugby Tour (Return 2

March)

March

Sat 1st - PA Antiques Fair

Wed 5th - Careers Convention

Thur 6th - Y8 Parents’ Evening

Fri 7th - Sportsman's Dinner

Wed 12th - Y13 Parents’ Evening

Thur 13th - Depart for Pingree

Tue 18th - Y12 Parents’ Evening

BREAST CANCER CHARITY WEEK

Form 9PM have organised a week of events (3-7th February) to raise money for Breast

Cancer. Various activities are planned including ‘Being a Teacher for a Day’, stalls at

break time, a bike ride, fun activities and staff sponsoring Mr Mason to wear beachwear

and flip-flops for a day. This promises to be a great week, raising money for a very

worthwhile cause—look out for a full report in the next Newsletter.

Mr Mason

This club provides pupils in Year 7 the opportunity to develop their mathematical skills through problem

- solving activities and games.

The club will meet most Mondays on

at 1:30 in Room 26.

Mr Grieve

Year 7 Mathematics Club

Absence Reporting

Please report all absences to school as

early as possible. If your son is

arriving late into school, please

remind him to sign in at the office.

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Details of Potential Trip Date Approx

Yr 7 Yr 8 Yr 9 Yr 10 Yr 11 Yr 12 Yr 13 2014 Cost £

Rugby January £10 x x x

RGS High Wycombe

Rugby - U14 Northern Ireland Tour 27 February - 2 March

£300 x

Pingree Exchange UK 13-24 March £750 x x

(Return visit)

Ski Trip 11-19 April £930 x x x x

D of E - Dalesbridge 1 10-13th April £180 x x x x

D of E - Dalesbridge 2 13-16th April £180 x x x x

Rugby - Rosslyn Park/Sedbergh Easter £100 X x x x

Dubai Cricket Tour 10-20 April £1,800 x x x

D of E Bronze - Silverwood 10-11th May 0 x

D of E - Silver - Malham 29 June - 2nd July

£60 x

D of E - Dalesbridge 3 July 7 - 10th £180 x x x x

D of E Gold - Howes August 17th - 21st £60 x x

Fishing Trip July £280 x x x x x x x

Condover Hall September 25-27 £135 X

History - Western Front Battlefields 18-24 October TBC x x

Business Studies Trip to USA 25-Oct £1,170 x x

D of E Bronze and Silver - Silverwood September 26-28 £0 x x

Geography - Morocco Expedition October TBC x

Nice 19-26 October

TBC x x

FORTHCOMING

TRIPS GRID