In July 2018 Year 8 stayed at Chateau Baffy in the hamlet of Colombiers-sur-Seuilles, Normandy. The pupils were in groups of four in their bedroom, all with en-suite facilities and we enjoyed a high quality and varied menu.  We all had an amazing time and the pupils were able to use their French in a variety of situations.  

We visited the Bayeux Tapestry, followed by a visit to the local market and trail around the town. They had great fun, practising their French and haggling prices with the stallholders. We then learnt about the area’s pivotal role in WWII.  Starting with the 360 degree cinema at Arromanches, we then explored the town and its seafront, better known as Gold Beach - one of the main landing points for the British and Commonwealth forces on D Day June 1994.  Within a matter of days it had been transformed into the Mulberry harbour, enabling the British troops to support the Allied invasion of Normandy 

Later, on the trip we made bread French style at the Boulangerie Co-pains, following the recipe in French to make our own sour dough French stick.  Our trip highlight was the visit to Mont St Michel, walking across the viaduct and up the winding medieval street with its views across the quick-sands to the World Heritage Monastery, then practising our French in the shops as we made our way back to le Mont. 

It was an unforgettable experience for pupils and teachers alike and we are very much looking forward to this year’s trip, June 2019!