Year 7 Trip to France

The children from Year 7 enjoyed a very successful trip to France last week, full of opportunities for language improvement and cultural enrichment. An early start from Cheam and an efficient coach journey through the tunnel and down France meant that we reached Burgundy in good time. After introductions to the wonderful teachers at our site, the children settled in for an early night. The first evening also gave us a taste of one of the trip’s highlights: three courses of delicious traditional Burgundy cuisine for every lunch and supper!

The first few days of the trip were spent in language classes, during which immersion in French among native speakers greatly improved the children’s speaking and listening skills, as well as a variety of other activities. These included an adventure park, where the children spent the afternoon up in the trees and on zipwires, and a circus school: juggling and trapezes may require further practice!

Towards the end of the week, the attention of the children turned towards several trips to Avallon, a nearby town full of history. Here, the children learned the stories behind the impressive church and ramparts, and ordered a treat from a boulangerie. Having practised the language around shops, the children visited Avallon’s market on Saturday morning, where they both had the chance to purchase souvenirs and to source their final lunch.

Our hosts also provided one final induction into French culture on Saturday evening: escargots! Many of the children were happy to give this delicacy a go, though to some mixed reviews! Bleary eyes bundled into the bus early on Sunday, and a smooth journey meant we returned to Cheam by lunchtime. As tired faces departed, it was clear that a fantastic time was had by all. It was a very busy week, with the children making lots of happy memories and greatly improving their French.