A group of King’s Ely Senior students who are studying GCSE and A-Level French enjoyed a residential trip during half term.
The excursion saw students in Years 11 and 13, our Head of French, Brigitte Bousquet, and Louis Pinier, our French Language Assistant, heading to Nice from November 3rd-7th.
Madame Bousquet said: “Our students embraced the experience fully from day one, sending messages in French about how welcoming and friendly their host families were. November 4th started with three hours of intensive French at International House Nice. After a picnic in the local park, we walked to Musée Masséna to learn more about the history of Nice. This was followed by a guided tour of the city. The day ended with a stop in a local café, where students enjoyed hot chocolates and chips!
“On November 5th, after more French lessons and a picnic on the beach, we visited the impressive flower market and made our way to Castle Hill Nice Cote d’Azur, France, which was instrumental in many military battles until Louis XIV decided to destroy it.
“After a bit of free time for some shopping, we went to the cinema to watch the latest Lukas Dhont film, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival this year. This was a very inspiring movie which ticked a lot of boxes as far as PSHE is concerned, and of course it was en français!
“November 6th was spent in Monaco visiting the Oceanographic Museum, Monaco and the Prince’s car collection, and enjoying some magnificent architecture on the Rocher. Our trip ended on November 7th with three extra hours of French, a visit to a confiserie to look at their production line, and some last-minute shopping and time with host families.
“Throughout the trip, students made every effort to speak French all the time, even amongst themselves. They were a true credit to the school through their impeccable behaviour, punctuality and positive can-do attitude. This made for a very enjoyable trip for all. The French Department is already busy planning next year’s study trip to La Rochelle!”
Thank you to all our host families and to Madame Bousquet and Monsieur Pinier for taking time out of their half term to organise and lead the trip!