In the very early hours of the last day of half term, 35 very excited Year 6 girls and their equally excited teachers boarded a coach to set off for France. The girls were well prepared for their long awaited trip, having practised their French conversation with Mrs Maughan.
The journey south flew by and, before we knew it, we were emerging from the tunnel into the French countryside. We arrived at the Hotel de Moulin aux Draps, which nestles into a lush green valley outside the little market town of Desvres, in glorious sunshine and were quickly settled into our rooms and ready for a tour of the hotel grounds.
The first evening meal of delicious French specialties set the tone for the week and the girls’ speaking confidence blossomed. Very soon they were asking politely for more bread, water or cutlery in French.
The week flew by in a flurry of activities - the girls made bread, milked goats, and crafted their own clay tiles. They also expanded their taste buds, trying a variety of cuisines including escargot and cheese, and enjoyed a tasty trip to a chocolaterie. Visits to Nausicaa Aquarium in Boulogne, Le Touquet market and the beach were definitely highlight of the trip. Their visit to Etaples military cemetery and La Coupole held added poignancy and the girls showed huge respect for the fallen soldiers.
Everywhere they went, the girls were complimented on their manners and engagement in the activities; they worked and played brilliantly as a team and were a pleasure to take away.
Mrs Morris-Yousaf and Mrs Taylor
