There is a flurry of activity with messages bouncing around the group who are travelling. Will there be blankets? Do I need to bring mosquito nets? Which is the best mosquito repellent? Will a trombone fit in the suitcase?

Having done this trip before it is easier to respond and there is less of a feeling of literally flying into the unknown. But some of the stresses remain the same, will we lose luggage or students at the airport? Have we catered for every eventuality? What might happen that we haven't considered? These are the questions that plague all staff travelling on trips with students whatever their age and wherever they are going - but somehow they seem bigger questions when you are going all the way to Kolkata!

You May want to follow us on this journey, which will begin with ensuring that 12 students and 3 members of staff all arrive to get on the bus to Heathrow in 2 1/2 weeks time.

Mattheison Music School - Strode College is coming soon