Year 6 returned on Sunday night from the most fabulous week in France. They learnt so much about themselves (for many of them, the first time they have been away from home, alone, for so many days), strengthening bonds with their friends, and of course discovering France, learning lots of new vocabulary and practising their language skills.

From the get-go, the trip was a hit! Starting with the Farleigh parents and siblings who cheered the 75-strong group off from Portsmouth, waving Le Tricolore. The excited waving and squeals of delight from the pupils on the ferry probably brought a tear to the eye of one or two family members! 

The journey across ‘La Manche’ was followed by a scenic coach journey through rural Brittany, at the end of which was a delicious four-course meal at the Roz Armor with its panoramic view of the sea. Along with the morning 'Rendez-Vous Français' workshops, Year 6 undertook several other assignments designed to test their language skills. In their best French, they asked for a stamp, a postcard and a leaflet about the region, selected their picnic food and sang French songs.  

A trip to this beautiful corner of France would not be complete without the chance to discover the fashionable seaside resort of Dinard. There were few inhibitions with our intrepid explorers, as they confidently asked for their 'pique-nique' in the market, followed by a culinary competition. Then, they were off across the Rance estuary, by ferry, to explore the old corsair city of St Malo. More new experiences followed, with a visit to the world famous Mont Saint Michel, the 360 degree cinema at Arromanches, as well as a very moving visit to the British Cemetery where the children reflected on the events of 1944 and paused to pray for a solder they chose during their walk around the grounds. 

On the last evening in Normandy, the group enjoyed a sublime French dining experience in the charming L'Assiette Normande. Fittingly, the final day was in Lisieux where Fr Simon celebrated Mass.

We had so much fun on our week away: crazy golf, playing on the beach, swimming in the hotel pool, and enthusiastic teamwork for the annual picnic presentations and Sandcastle Competition. To cap it all, there were three birthdays to celebrate! Bon anniversaire Atticus, Ella et Max.

Vive la France et vive les Sixièmes!

Henri Kennard, Head of French & Head of Year 6

26th April 2023