Dear Parents,

Our French trip was more than full of unexpected events but our pupils certainly enjoyed their trip to Calais.

Our travellers showed a lot of patience on the coach.  Weather conditions and a traffic jam did not dampen their excitement and anticipation! 

On our arrival, we decided to go straight to Cite Europe for a French lunch, where our pupils were able to practise their language skills, ordering their food and paying for their own meal.  Matthew and Sehar even practiced their Spanish with the assistant asking for “Pollo” and saying “gracias”!  All our students enjoyed their “dejeuner a la francaise”!!

We took an hour for lunch, but it was too long for Kieran….As teachers sat down to eat, Kieran came and said “Ma’am, Year 10 are ready to go”!!  Kieran was obviously very keen to start speaking in French!

Leaving the restaurant, the shopping centre was full of the Christmas spirit and some of the pupils bought a lot of presents for their lucky parents – I will not tell you what they bought!

I had the real pleasure to shop with our Year 7 and I was really impressed with them.  They were efficient in dealing with the short amount of time in their hands and they bought some French “vetements” and other souvenirs.  It was really satisfying seeing them try to speak with their best French.

Year 11 couldn’t resist the French “chocolates” in “escargots” shape and the deliciously sweet “sirop de grenadine”.

Very few felt tired despite the long day, but we have one very tall student who elegantly fell asleep, mouth open, but no pictures will be revealed!!

Overall, our students made all the teachers feel very proud by demonstrating such excellent behaviour.  As a native French speaker I was particularly impressed by their spoken French and I am now looking forward to organising further trips for them – well done everyone!

I am particularly grateful to Mrs Willis and Mrs Willmore who gave up their free time to come to Calais with us, and Mr Willmore for accompanying our students.  I want also to thank Mrs Howland for her guidance throughout the organisation and the outstanding efficiency of our school office staff: merci Carolyn et Donna!