Year 8 Trip to France 2022
Last Friday, Year 8 students travelled to France, where they visited Berk Beach, Go Ape, used their French in the local market and stayed at the beautiful 17th Century Chateau Du Broutel. Mrs Pilkington, Head of French reports on the trip for us.
Mrs Pilkington, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Teacher of French and Sport.
The Junior French trip set off for France at the unsocial hour of 6.00am last Friday. The students were buzzing and showed no sign of tiredness. The journey went smoothly, we arrived at the château adorned in furry monkeys which had been purchased on the ferry.
Once in residence, the students had a wonderful first night doing the château Olympics and treasure hunt. We carried on until 10.45pm playing frisbee, volleyball, cricket or just chatting in the grounds.
The next day was an early rise, starting with room inspection (surprisingly good!) followed by mayonnaise making and the market. After a good lunch the group continued on to the cow farm which was interesting but due to 35 degree heat the butter would not turn. However, we made it in the end and everyone enjoyed the bread with freshly made butter.
A welcome relief was Berk beach, the students enjoyed a happy time frolicking around in the sand being cooled by the onshore breeze. Next was more games at the château and further games with staff leading the activities. Another 10.45pm bedtime, still no signs of fatigue!
Sunday, we made our way to Go Ape. Here the students showed excellent team working skills, helping each other in moments of doubt. The course was testing and the zip wires definitely set some hearts racing. On then to Amiens to go ice skating, here the students excelled and their tenacity and resilience shone through. Many hit the deck but always got back up and carried on.
Another evening of fun back at the château and then the students packed for home.
On the last day we left promptly without event. All rooms were immaculate, wow! On the way home we went to the sweet shop just to top up our sugar levels. Here the students listened carefully and translated brilliantly what was being said in the sweet manufacturing process explanation. The owner was very enthusiastic to say how impressed he was with the students’ engagement and how beautifully behaved they were – the staff were super impressed as well.
A trip to the supermarket followed, multiple baguettes, litres of water as well as tasty presents were bought. The journey home was swift despite passport control, allowing the group to arrive back at 7.45pm.
It was a fantastic trip, and I would like to thank the students because they were a delight, and the staff because they did not have any down time each day from 7.00am to 1.30am and yet, kept smiling and being enthusiastic throughout. They are all superstars!
