Northern House School
Isle of Tiree Trip July 2016
Sunday 3rd July 2016 (evening) until Friday 8th July 2016
Dear Parent / Carer,
We are all getting excited as this trip to the Isle of Tiree looms and it is now only 8 weeks away. We
have put together this information pack to help keep you informed.
Should this information prompt any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact
one of us. The staff who will be going on the trip are:
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Mr White
Mrs Farrell
Mr Price
Mr Smith
Mrs Webber
Please find enclosed:
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Medication form – please complete if medication is required
Emergency assessment / treatment – please can you complete this
Kit list
Itinerary outline
Useful links
Emergency contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you find this information useful.
Regards
Chris White
Deputy Headteacher
Permission for childminder to seek emergency
medical assistance/treatment
I give permission for any necessary emergency medical advice or
treatment to be sought for my child and expect to be contacted as soon as
possible in the event of an emergency.
Name of child
Date of birth
Emergency contact numbers:
Parent/Carer signature
Staff signature
Date:
Kit List
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6 pairs of pants
6 pairs of socks
1 or 2 pairs of shorts
1 or 2 pairs of tracksuit bottoms (quick-drying type in preference the sweatshirt material type if possible)
1 pair of other trousers - jeans or warm tracksuit bottoms for evenings or travelling in
1 or 2 sweatshirts, tracksuit tops or hoodies
1 set of pyjamas or night clothes
3 or 4 t-shirts
1 warm jacket or coat
1 waterproof jacket (could be the same as the warm jacket)
1 waterproof trousers (if available)
1 pair of old (or cheap) trainers which don't matter if they are ruined on the trip - Not football astro shoes as the
rubber is too hard and slippery on rock.
1 pair of normal trainers or shoes
1 sun hat / baseball cap (optional)
1 swimming trunks or shorts
Backpack for day trips out
2 towels
1 toothbrush
1 toothpaste
1 shower gel
Sun cream
Medication if required (ALL medication must be handed into Mrs Farrell and a signed consent form provided)
+ other toiletries required
1 torch (if available)
£25 maximum spending money (money must be handed to Mr Price for safe keeping)
Optional entertainment items:
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Book
Magazine
Puzzle book
1 DVD (must be age appropriate, no more mature than 12a certificate)
Cards or similar game
No jewellery - it will not be required, is likely to get lost or broken so leave it at home
Kit List Notes:
1) If you are unable to provide any of the essential items of the kit list please contact Mr White, Mrs Farrell, Mr Price, Mr
Smith or Mrs Webber. The school has a number of items of outdoor clothing such as waterproof outer wear etc and will be
more than happy to loan these to your child if necessary.
2) You may think that the clothing is not enough for the week long trip, but there are washing and drying facilities at our
accommodation and we will be happy to wash clothing as necessary.
Itinerary
Sunday 3rd July
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Pupils need to arrive at school between 8:30-8:45pm. You will need to transport your child to school.
9:15pm - vehicles leave for our Trip to Tiree
Monday 4th July
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7:15am - Calmac Ferry leaves Oban (Scotland mainland) to head to Tiree
9:55am - Ferry stops at Isle of Coll (we remain on the Ferry)
11:05am - Ferry arrives at Isle of Tiree
The Alan Stevenson House in Hynish is a 10-15min drive from the ferry terminal in Tiree
Once we have arrived we will update the website to let you know we are all safe and well
This first day will involve exploring the area close to Hynish and recovering from the journey
Tuesday 5th July
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Activities provided by Wild Diamond scheduled for 11am-1pm. Activities to be confirmed nearer the
time as some are weather dependent.
Lunch at the Alan Stevenson House
Afternoon beach and rock pool activities
Wednesday 6th July
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Activities to be supported by Tiree Fitness
Thursday 7th July
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Activities provided by Wild Diamond scheduled for 11am-1pm. Activities to be confirmed nearer the
time as some are weather dependent.
Lunch at the Alan Stevenson House
Afternoon beach and rock pool activities, visit to the gift shop
Campfire on the beach and awards ceremony
Friday 8th July
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Early start! Get packed up and clean and tidy the Alan Stevenson House
10:05am ferry departs from Tiree
11:00am ferry stops at Isle of Coll (we remain on the ferry)
2:10pm arrive in Oban
Arriving home – we will be expecting to get back to the Solihull region at approximately 9pm. We will
drop pupils off at their homes.
Useful links:
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http://www.hebrideantrust.org
https://www.calmac.co.uk/oban-coll-tiree-ferry-summer-timetable
http://www.wilddiamond.co.uk
http://www.tireefitness.co.uk
http://www.isleoftiree.com
http://www.chocolatesandcharms.co.uk
Emergency contacts:
During school hours 8:30am-4pm – 0121 748 9760
Out of school hours, Mr Scott can be contacted in the case of emergency situations only on the school
emergency mobile number that is only used during residential trips. He will then contact the school staff in
Tiree if required.
Emergency mobile number (Mr Scott) – 07468 698 769 (out of school hours)
We will be updating the school website on a daily basis to keep you updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I bring my mobile phone or other electronic device?
 No, it likely to cause distress if damaged or misplaced.
 It is also one of our school rules for all school activities
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What happens if I have a medical issue whilst on the trip?
 We have first aiders amongst our staff group
 We will have a spare car available
 There is a doctor’s surgery on the island
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What if my clothes get muddy or wet?
 There is a washing machine and tumble dryer in the Alan Stevenson House where
we are staying
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I am a bit picky when it comes to food, will there be stuff that I like?
 We will be having a set menu, but the staff at the house are very good with
additional requirements and happy to be as flexible as possible. We will be taking
an emergency tin of beans if all else fails!
 We have requested a sample menu to forward onto you to give you an idea. We
will do so once we receive it.
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What time will I have to go to bed?
 We will be outside in the sea air for much of the day, we expect everyone will get
tried. We will judge bedtime by how we all feel and what is planned for the next
day.
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I am nervous about showering with other people, will I have to?
 No, the showers are individual and can be locked by the user from inside.
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Can I bring sweets or snacks for journey?
 Yes, this is fine and might help some people for the journey, but please be sensible
about the amounts provided and content of the food.
 There is a shop (Co-op) on the island and we will do regular visits throughout the
week.
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I take medication, what should I do?
 We will be happy to help pupils with administering the medication.
 Could Parents/Carers please speak directly to Mrs Farrell (tel: 0121 748 9760) to
ensure the correct procedures have been followed.
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What if someone’s behaviour is causing a problem?
 Initially Mr White and the team will manage issues whilst on the trip without
worrying any other people unnecessarily.
 If it would be of help for pupils to speak to their parents/carers this can be
arranged.
 It may be necessary to transport someone home if their behaviour is causing a
health and safety risk to themselves or others.
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Will I be sleeping in the same room as other people?
 Pupils will be in bunk beds and a maximum of 3 other pupils in the room.
 Staff bedrooms will be on the same landings as the pupil rooms.
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What if I can’t swim and I’m a bit worried about the sea?
 Our risk assessment will not allow pupils to place themselves at any significant risk.
 We intend to take the pupils swimming before we go away to Tiree for our staff to
assess their swimming capabilities.
 If you are worried about playing in the sea, then some staff will paddle in the small
waves or play on the beach with you.
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Can I bring inflatable items to play with in the sea?
 No, the Coast Guard recommendation is that such items can prove dangerous in the
sea, due to currents and wind.
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I have heard there are sharks near Tiree, is this true?
 Yes, however, the sharks are Basking Sharks which only eat plankton and are not
dangerous to people.
 It will be an amazing experience for all us if we are able to see one.
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What other wildlife might I see?
 Grey Seals
 Sea otters
 Crabs
 Basking Sharks (not dangerous)
 Sea birds
 Hares
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What if the weather is too bad to do the activities?
 The water activities provided are mostly done on a loch (inland lake) so tricky sea
conditions will not affect us.