Year 6 relish immersive language experience in France

Ahead of the half term break, our intrepid King’s St Alban’s Year 6 travellers headed off across the channel to Normandy for an immersive language experience. Boarding the ferry from Portsmouth the cohort was full of excitement and enthusiasm (and perhaps a few nerves!) for a fun packed week. With a smooth sailing and a tasty meal, the children were fueled up and ready for some dancing and shopping before reaching St Malo.

It was a long day however, the children were delighted to arrive at their final destination, Chateau Baudonniere. After a good night sleep and of course, a delicious ‘petit dejeuner’ they were ready for action. Sporting their brightly coloured Leavers’ hoodies pupils were amazed by Mont St Michel. With plenty of time to explore, the teachers accompanying the trip were delighted to see the children putting into real life language practice their French role play lessons by ordering an ice-cream. Of course, they then demolished said ice-cream in seconds!

The following day, there were further opportunities to put their French language speaking skills into practice during a visit to a traditional French market where lots of negotiating resulted in some colourful and tasty treats. A sunny picnic rounded off the excursion for the day and it was back to the chateau for a spot of archery and aero ball.

The children were kept busy from dawn until dusk, making memories that will last a lifetime, smiling and laughing to their hearts content and ensuring they got a muddy as was physically possible! There was endless opportunities to build upon their team work skills and collaboration as they embraced each and every activity presented to them. There were also plenty of opportunities for them all to relax, the evening disco on night three being a particular hit – Year 6 mostly certainly know how to move on the dance floor! One evening, the pupils demonstrated a healthy competitive spirit in a sports tournament before tucking into a rewarding barbeque.

A trip to La Tapisserie de Bayeux proved rich in history and vibrant in colour whilst a visit to the British Cemetery in Bayeux provided a reflective moment before an impressive 360 cinema experience at Arromanches. The children approached all visits with respectful curiosity.

Before we knew it, it was time for the return leg of the journey. A early start ensured that the pupils made it back to the ferry terminal in plenty of time and a smooth sailing with an abundance of fresh air and fun times ensured that all pupils were delivered back to their parents in time for the half term break.