Our Y11 GCSE French students had the opportunity to enjoy a 4-day trio to the French capital, Paris, to see the sights, practice their French, and to reflect on the journey ahead of them as they hit the homeward stretch in their studies.
After an early hour departure, the group arrived at the Chateau de Grand Romaine, on the edge of the city, for their evening meal and were soon busy exploring the extensive site. The swimming pool, wide-ranging grounds, football, tennis and basketball courts, dining room, tuck shop and games room were all very popular.
The first full day saw a very busy day. The first excursion was down the Seine on a river cruise taking in the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and many more world famous sites. Next, we were dropped off for a walking tour taking in the Palais and Jardin de Luxembourg, the Forest Park, and the Pantheon. Following this, the group was then whisked off to La Sacre Coeur and climbed the steep steps to take in the site and the view, before having free time around Mont Matre. The journey back took longer than planned due to road closures caused by Gaza-related protests, and when we arrived back at the chateau it was straight into dinner, then for most games and chat on the football courts.
The second full day started with a climb to the top of L’Arc de Triomphe in the middle of the massive Paris roundabout known as Place de L’Etoil. Next we headed off on another lengthy walking tour which include free time shopping on the Champs Elysees, followed by Place de Concord, Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre. We then returned to base camp and a session in the heated outdoor swimming pool before dinner and more leisure time together afterwards.
The journey home included a drop in to a French hypermarket to get gifts for family and friends and the ferry journey across was replaced by the Channel Tunnel on the return to get us back to school in good time for the next school day.
Sophie Grigg, Assistant Headteacher, said: “The trip went fantastically well and the students were a credit to their families. The excursion is very much about focusing on the exams ahead and getting the mindsets secure so that priorities are clear and laid out. We have a strong Year 11 cohort and they have every chance of following this superb trip with a superb Results Day.”
