News Archive

French trip

18 September 2008

On a Sunday, one week before the start of the academic year, an excited group of prospective Year 8 children met staff at Eastbourne Station for the French trip, which has become an annual event.

We had an interesting and safe journey via Eurostar, and the children must be commended on their knowledge of travelling and polite behaviour.  Upon arrival, we were shown to our accommodation and immersed immediately in the French language.  Quite a shock for some, but after a day or so, one pupil confided that he thought everyone had begun to understand!

Certainly hunger is a great motivator, and before anything could be eaten, each menu was presented in French and knowledge of the required vocabulary was tested.  The children became very adept at the sentence needed to ask for more!  At the end of every meal, there were clearing tasks to be done, and it was very evident that this group of children had been very well trained at home.  Manners were excellent and everything was efficiently cleared without grumbles.  

Other tasks were more congenial, and the children were heartily praised by the farmer in charge of the animals for their interest, knowledge and care.   

Every child took part in a full range of activities, all conducted in French, of course.  As an example, my own team began Monday with climbing – several children were brave enough to reach and ring the bell at the top!  In the afternoon, they learned the basics of fencing, looking quite the part.  So nimble were they on their feet that photos were difficult to take.  That evening they played a variety of fun outdoor games.

The next day, we all took a short coach journey to Villedieu market.  Although famous for its bell industry, most children were more drawn to scarves, jewellery and head umbrellas – the latter proving to be very useful as the weather worsened.  Our picnic had to be eaten back on site, but spirits remained high.

That afternoon, my group gathered items to create a couple of photographs, which they learned to develop.  There were some very creative and imaginative efforts.   This was followed by circus skills.  Although some had a little experience, everyone acquired new skills, which were then shown to the rest of the group in a little show.  The same evening, there was a treasure hunt, amid much excitement.  There must have been a winning group, but everyone felt a tremendous sense of achievement, even though not a snail could be found, and one had to be drawn on a hand, by enterprising competitors.  However, a fair few snails appeared as an extra dinner treat one evening, and were consumed with enthusiasm.

Midway through, and everyone was feeling confident.  My group, like others, revelled in the chance to become thoroughly wet and muddy on the fitness trail.  Later, they sang enthusiastically as they made bread. The results appeared that evening and most proved edible!  That day ended in a sports tournament of basketball and sand volleyball.

A new activity was introduced this year, by the name of aeroball. It is similar to basketball, but played on a trampoline and proved to be very popular. Luckily the rain held off, but my group had their canoeing activity in the hardest downpour of the week.   

That evening, dinner was an interesting affair, peopled as it was by many pupils in wonderful French disguise.  They were secretly judged and then sent off to a quiz which required knowledge of language used in the various activities and which was interspersed with various physical challenges.  Bursting balloons by sitting on them on a friend’s lap was one of the more memorable ones!

On the last day, there were initiative exercises, by which time a real team spirit was very much alive. It was followed by the second of two classroom lessons, in which my group solved a mystery.  On the final afternoon, we visited Mont St Michel, which struck awe in the eyes of the children as we approached. We had a very entertaining and original tour and then descended, buying souvenirs as we went.  

Our last evening was a talent show and disco.  Reluctant to share their talents at first, our pupils soon realised that they could give an excellent show.  Certificates were awarded for tidy dorms, fancy dress and dancers and musicians.  The children had forged friendships with the two other schools there, and it was heart-warming to see them arrange a group performance.

So, a memorable trip.  They were a wonderful group to be with, and the weather did not spoil a thing – apart from the journals, which the children had valiantly tried to fill in all week!  Back in the classroom, the benefits, both social and linguistic, are evident.  Bravo, les abeilles, les lapins, les grenouilles et les escargots!

Cherry Gray
Head of French