Arnold in the US

It is almost becoming a tradition for Arnold to invade America at February half term. Two trips, the Sixth Form Ski holiday and the Geography field trip, are now fairly permanent fixtures in the school calendar.

Head of Sixth Form Mr Allan McKeown explains, "A party of 31 will be leaving on Friday 13th February for the trip to Killington, Vermont. There has been a huge amount of snow in the resort in the last month which has beaten all their previous records, so all the runs and lifts are open and ready for the our skiers and snowboarders. The group is a mix of total beginners in both skiing and snowboarding right through to advanced level. We like to go to Killington because it offers the biggest ski area on the east coast of the US and there will be plenty for everyone as there are over 190 runs, although I don't think many will be taking on the infamous Devil's Fiddle run!

The trip will be based in the nearby town of Rutland staying in the Holiday Inn with its swimming pool and various hot tubs which will be welcome after a hard day on the piste. In the evenings we will be having the annual ten pin bowling challenge as well as taking part in some ice skating at the home of the infamous Rutland Racoons ice hockey team.

The trip also includes a city visit to Boston which allows time for an enjoyable tour of the city, as well as some shopping!"

Shopping is also something that will be on the mind of the Geographers who are visiting New York, but for an entirely different reason.  Head of Geography Mr Kendall Lee explains the reason for the trip; "New York is one of the retail capitals of the world, so when you have to study it as part of the GCSE course why not go to the best place? Apart from doing shopper surveys we will be taking the opportunity to look at town planning, influences on development, and climate, because it is sure to be cold! We might to be able to fit in a bit of our own retail therapy as well!

There is no doubt that experience tells us that pupils certainly remember such trips and it can help them to see the bigger picture at times, which is very useful when studying for the exam."

As you know we are very proud of our extra-curricular activities at Arnold, and I have no doubt that the students on these two trips will remember them for a long time.

So, if you are in New York between 12th -17th February, or you know someone who is, and they would like to meet up with our students, please get in touch. There is no one better than a ‘local' to tell you how it really is.

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Date: Sunday 08/02/2009

  • Arnold in the US
  • Arnold in the US