Year 10 Trip to France

On Monday 10th May, the French department had the pleasure of taking 40 Year 10 students on a 4-day residential trip to Normandy.

We stayed in the beautiful setting of Le Château du Baffy in Colombiers-sur-Seulles. The chateau’s location, 15 minutes from D-Day landing beaches, made it a strategic point during World War 2. The Germans initially occupied the chateau as one of their headquarters. Following D-Day, it was then used by various alliances, including French priests, soldiers of different nationalities, and refugees, as well as a site for the Maquis, the French Resistance movement.

During our visits, we enjoyed visits to the picturesque towns of Honfleur, Bayeux and Deauville. We were so impressed with all the students throughout the trip, especially when they conducted surveys with passersby in French on the beach in Deauville. They really made the most of being able to practise reading, listening and speaking in French and it was an absolute joy to see their confidence flourish and to spend time with them.

Other activities included a trip to the market in Deauville and in Bayeux, a visit of the stunning Bayeux cathedral, a very informative visit to the Arromanches D-Day 360 cinema and museum, a “boulangerie task where many students sampled delicious French delicacies” and a campfire with hot chocolate, marshmallows and lots of singing!

This is the third year that the French department has run this trip. It was a great success and we are already busy planning next year’s itinerary.

Here’s what some of the students have written about the trip:

I had a very enjoyable time on the French trip. My favourite part was going to the markets and exploring the picturesque towns. Additionally, visiting the Bayeux Cathedral and seeing the architecture was amazing. I also found the 360 cinema and museum very interesting and it was great to learn more about D-Day. The teachers were very nice and helpful, especially our group leader Madame Clarke. Thank you – NP

I really enjoyed this trip. I liked the accommodation a lot. It was a very beautiful place and the rooms were very nice. My favourite day was the second day where we visited Deauville and a supermarket where we had tasks and free time. I also enjoyed learning about the history of D-Day. It was really interesting. I loved this trip so much and 100% go on it again. Bea Caudle

My favourite part of the trip was exploring Deauville. We were originally nervous about speaking French to the people for the survey but it ended up being so much fun and we were pushed out of our comfort zone. We also had the best time wandering around the towns and sitting in cafes. The vibes at the accommodation were very high and life long memories were definitely made!

I had a lovely time on the Normandie trip. It was an amazing experience which built my confidence in speaking French while being fun, active, engaging and interesting. It was rich in culture and experience providing really fun memories. My favourite memory from the trip was visiting the cathedral and the town of Bayeux where we explored the markets and bought little gifts and treats while practicing our French with French people gaining real life experience. I would highly recommend the trip to someone who enjoys the language, and it promises great fun with friends. -Evie

On the trip I liked when we went to Deauville because I liked going to all the little shops and the town was very nice and cute so I could get some good pictures. The little pop up shops in Deauville was really cute and I mainly liked the aesthetic of the town as I got some cute pictures. I also liked the 360 cinema as I found it interesting and after the movie about D-DAY i got a hat and I really like my hat. I also really liked how on the last night me and my friends all bonded and we had the best time laughing, I’m very glad for this trip and I found it very exciting. from Mia

I had the best time on the trip and learnt lots of new things. I enjoyed going to Honfleur to break up the journey and visit a new place. My favourite part was going to Deauville and being on the beach. Also practicing my French was really helpful and allowed me to practice my pronunciation. I enjoyed all my free time and being able to visit the different markets and see new places. Everyone was so nice and welcoming it made the trip very enjoyable and so much fun. R

I thought that the accommodation was really good and I enjoyed the food. My favourite day was the second day, where we went to the market and talked to the French people at the beach. It was really interesting to go to the supermarket and see how different it was compared to England. I really enjoyed this trip, it has been one of my favourites so far and I will cherish the memories I made on this trip. Natalia Tsamili

My most favourite day of the trip was the second when we went to Deauville. The survey turned out to be a great experience which we were all nervous for and doing it on the beach was very enjoyable but going into the market and town of Deauville was the most exciting part. It was beautiful and there were lots of things to do there. Also Carrefour is one of my favourite shops abroad and I had lots of fun buying food and presents for my family. The trip was altogether really fun and the teachers helped make that happen. We had an amazing group leader as well as teachers and that helped to make this one of the best trips. I also had lots and lots of fun with my friends especially at the accommodation -Deshna

During my time on the French trip, I really enjoyed the activities we did like going to the beach and exploring the towns. Specifically, I liked talking to the French people by the beach, despite going in feeling nervous. I liked the fact that I had to test my French and my social skills and build up my confidence. I loved being with my friends, talking, and getting to know people I wasn’t as close with before. From M