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Between the 27th and the 29th of January 2025, we took 41 excited students from years 8 to 10 to the Opal Coast region of France. Despite a bad storm the night before, our ferry crossing was thankfully plain sailing and we arrived in France to be greeted by glorious sunshine!
Our first stop was the Étaples military cemetery. This Commonwealth war graves cemetery commemorates over 11, 500 lives lost in World War 1 and World War 2. The students enjoyed learning about the history of this area and took some wonderful photos of this breathtaking site.
Our second stop was the beautiful seaside town of Le Touquet, nicknamed “the garden of the English channel” and the “Pearl of the Opal Coast”. The students enjoyed walking around the town and beach and made use of their French in the local shops and cafes.
Next we travelled to the wonderful Hôtel du Moulin aux Draps, where we stayed for two nights. We were very well looked after by the hotel staff, who organised some excellent games and activities for the students and spoke to them in French only. It was wonderful to hear our students practice and improve their French speaking skills.
On the second day we spent the morning in the old town of Boulogne, where students completed a town trail challenge, which was very successful. Then we spent the afternoon with our French partner school- Ensemble Scolaire Jean Bosco. Students had a fantastic time meeting and participating in fun activities with French students of the same age. They also got the opportunity to tour the school and see how very different the French school system is to the English school system. Students exchanged contact details and many of our students are still in touch with their new French friends. Gone are the days of pen pals as you can now send a Snapchat message instantaneously to France!!
Our second stop was the beautiful seaside town of Le Touquet, nicknamed “the garden of the English channel” and the “Pearl of the Opal Coast”. The students enjoyed walking around the town and beach and made use of their French in the local shops and cafes.
Next we travelled to the wonderful Hôtel du Moulin aux Draps, where we stayed for two nights. We were very well looked after by the hotel staff, who organised some excellent games and activities for the students and spoke to them in French only. It was wonderful to hear our students practice and improve their French speaking skills.
On the second day we spent the morning in the old town of Boulogne, where students completed a town trail challenge, which was very successful. Then we spent the afternoon with our French partner school- Ensemble Scolaire Jean Bosco. Students had a fantastic time meeting and participating in fun activities with French students of the same age. They also got the opportunity to tour the school and see how very different the French school system is to the English school system. Students exchanged contact details and many of our students are still in touch with their new French friends. Gone are the days of pen pals as you can now send a Snapchat message instantaneously to France!!
On our final day we went to a local Boulangerie where students were told in French how traditional French bread and croissants were made. They had the opportunity to participate in this interactive workshop and enjoyed tasting the delicious goods on offer.
The trip was very successful. Some students wanted us to return to the French school this summer but due to a busy schedule we have booked a return trip for 26th-28th Jan 2026. Details will be shared with parents after the Easter holidays if you wish to book your child on this very rewarding trip.
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