Merci beaucoup!

A huge thank you to all the pupils who took part in the Exchange. It has been an absolute pleasure to spend the last week in your company. We were delighted to receive so many positive comments from members of the public and of course your host families. It made us even more proud to be your teachers! Thank you also to all of the parents (English and French) who supported this project and to our host school "Collège Sainte-Hélène" in Gramat. 

We look forward to welcoming you all onto the Paris trip in Year 11.

With love and best wishes,

Mrs Newton, Mr Pyatt, Mrs Jones & Miss Roadnight xxxx

Homeward bound

We've made it through security with only about 10 bottles of water and a can of squirty cream confiscated! (How many times did we tell them!?!) 

Our flight is on time, so we look forward to seeing you at 14:25 in Southampton. Don't forget the 'Welcome home banners'! 

Tuesday - Gouffre de Padirac & Martel

Seeking subterranean refuge from the sunshine, we descended 103 metres into the abyss at Padirac, where we were punted by gondoliers to begin our exploration into the underground world. We marvelled at the shapes of the stalagmites and the stalactites, allowing our minds to wander into a world of cauliflower, broccoli, plates, pancakes and even the local road network.

Some of us were more energetic then others, opting to take the 568 steps to the surface rather than the lift.

Having picnicked in a beautiful park, we embarked on our afternoon overground adventure. In Martel, a steam train took us past picturesque views and through spooky dark tunnels on a round trip back to the medieval village, famous for its seven towers.

After a short reenactment of "Supermarket Sweep" (for those of you old enough to remember it!) at the local Leclerc, all the staff (including the driver) were delighted to receive edible gifts from some of our generous girls.  

We then returned to the school, where we joined our French partners for copious amounts of pizza courtesy of our hosts. Pizza was followed by dessert, and dessert was followed by a few tears as pupils said goodbye to some of the many friends that they had made on the exchange. 

All that remains now is to pack those cases ......

Monday - Quercyland Water Park

The day began with romance on the terrace, jubilation as we hammered the 8 year olds 6-2 on the pitch and excited tales of a weekend well spent.

Saturday's stories included shopping, sleepovers, swimming, sunsets, haystacks and plenty of ice cream!

Sunday saw people kayaking, visiting Reptile Land, having pizza parties and hiking to see some stunning sites.

After a quick photo shoot with our partners for the local newspaper, we had a quick tour of the school, before being formally welcomed by Madame Roux, the new headteacher, who offered us some refreshments. Many thanks to Darsham, who gave the vote of thanks in French.

Given the sunshine, it was time to head to the water park. Drinks, baguettes, homemade salads, pizzas and ice creams were devoured and demolished with great delight - it was a wonder we could even float!

Energy was in abundance as we tried out the bouncy castles, the water slides, the football pitch and the pools. What a responsible group too - suncream was slapped on and T-shirts worn in the afternoon sun.

A tired but happy crew crowded onto the coach at the end of the day ready for a fun evening with their families. 

A selection of other photos from the week

Watching the football match.

Outside the town hall in Gramat.

Modelling the market square in Gramat.

At the Monkey Forest.

Spot the odd-one-out!

Friday - La Roque Gageac & Sarlat

Rematch postponed owing to weather conditions! 

Having taken the scenic route to La Roque Gageac, we rushed to the farmers' market to sample some of the local produce - strawberries were a particular favourite! 

Several crêpes later, we embarked on an hour's river cruise on an ancient gabarre, where we enjoyed signs of troglodytic dwellings, châteaux, the medieval bridge and also an ancient lepers' hospital! 

A welcome breeze drew the voyage to a close, and midday found us tucking into a meal of croque-monsieur, chips and salad, followed by ice cream at Le Palmier restaurant.

Having toured the town of Sarlat, taking in the ancient cathedral and the sarcophagi, we are now taking the time to sample the local ice creams and to indulge in a little souvenir shopping!

When we get back this evening, the pupils will be heading off for a weekend of adventure with their French families. We're looking forward to hearing all the stories on Monday morning.

Bon week-end xx 

Thursday - Monkey Forest & Rocamadour

This morning started disastrously - we lost 3-1 to the French in a pre-school football match! Tomorrow we seek revenge against the 8 year olds!

 

We spent what would have been break-time eating our baguettes and other delicious French cuisine in the Forêt des Singes. We found a shady spot to shelter from the 27 degree heat at 11am! Seamus and Sid were our favourite monkeys, along with Nandos, who were all so cute and very polite when eating our popcorn. 

Having hiked our way from the Monkey Forest, we now find ourselves in Rocamadour, a magnificent pilgrimage edifice built into the side of the cliffs. 

Slushies, ice cream and sun cream are very much the order of the day as we bask in temperatures in the mid-thirties!

 

The pupils are now completing the Photo Treasure Hunt and hopefully buying you a present! Que la vie est belle!  

Home-time!

Having met their French families, the pupils have all headed off into the sunshine to experience their first evening of French family life. 

We have arrived!

We've arrived in France, on time! The airport look like a B&Q with no shelves, but the sun is shining, so it's all good! 

We've made it through security!

Mission 1 accomplished! 

41 people through security (with only one iPhone left behind!) Time to relax! 

French Exchange: second leg

It's almost time for the second leg of our Exchange. We look forward to seeing you all at the airport on Wednesday morning (by 8:45 at the latest). Don't forget your passport!

The weather forecast looks really good, but please remember the dress code when you're packing, and don't forget that you'll still need a jumper, as it's always cold first thing in the morning. Sun cream is also a must, as are sensible shoes (no flip-flops, please).

Below is a reminder of our itinerary:

Wednesday 3rd June	·         All pupils to be at the airport with luggage by 8:45 ·         Depart from Southampton Airport at 10:45 (BE3645) ·         Arrive in Bergerac at 13:25 (French time) ·         Coach to Gramat ·         Arrive in Gramat at 17:00 (approx.)
Thursday 4th June	·         Walking tour of town of Gramat ·         Visit to La Forêt des Singes (Monkey Forest) ·         Picnic lunch ·         Visit to Rocamadour (a pilgrimage village built into the cliff face): tour of the village ·         Free-time to shop and explore + complete Photo Treasure Hunt ·         Return to school for 16:45
Friday 5th June	·         Welcome meeting with the Headteacher ·         Visit to La Roque Gageac for a boat cruise on the Dordogne ·         Lunch at a local restaurant ·         Visit to the town of Sarlat: walking tour of the town, followed by time to shop and explore ·         Return to Gramat for 18:00
Saturday 6th June Sunday 7th June	·         With families
Monday 8th June	·         Guided tour of the school ·         Visit to Quercyland (water park) ·         Return to Gramat for 18:00
Tuesday 9th June	·         Visit to the Gouffre de Padirac, with a boat ride along the underground river ·         Picnic lunch ·         Visit to the village of Martel: walking tour of the town, followed by a trip on the tourist train along the cliff-face ·         Return to Gramat for 16:45 ·         Exchange group farewell gathering in school canteen at 19:00
Wednesday 10th June	·         Depart school at 9:00 ·         Travel to Bergerac Airport ·         Flight departure at 13:50 (French time) (BE3646) ·         Arrive at Southampton Airport at 14:25 (English time) ·         Please collect your child from the airport

Merci beaucoup!

A huge THANK YOU to all pupils and parents who helped to make the first leg of the Exchange such an amazing success! The French group had a wonderful time and I appreciate how hard everyone worked to make the trip run so smoothly. Have a lovely Easter break!

Mrs Newton xxx

It's nearly time!

Welcome to the French Exchange blog. It's just a few short weeks until our French visitors arrive. Here is a copy of the programme for their visit:

Wednesday 25th March	·         Arrive at Southampton Airport at 13:05 (Flight number: BE3646) ·         Travel to Thornden School ·         Meet partners in the canteen at 14:50 ·         Leave Thornden School with partners
Thursday 26th March	·         Meet in Thornden Hall for a demo of sound & lighting system ·         Tour of the school at 9:00 ·         Depart Thornden School at 9:30 ·         Arrive in Portsmouth at 10:15 ·         Visit to The Victory and the Royal Naval Museum ·         Packed lunch at the Royal Naval Dockyard ·         Visit to the Spinnaker Tower at 14:00 ·         Return to Thornden School for 16:45 (approx.)
Friday 27th March	·         Meet in school canteen ·         Depart Thornden School at 8:30 ·         Arrive in London at 10:00 ·         Walking tour of key attractions ·         Packed lunch ·         Shopping time ·         Visit to Madame Tussaud’s at 16:00 ·         Return to Thornden School for 20:00 (approx.)
Saturday 28th March Sunday 29th March	·         With families
Monday 30th March	·         Meet in school canteen ·         Depart Thornden School at 8:30 ·         Arrive in Brighton at 10:30 ·         Photo stop at the Brighton Pavilion ·         Visit to the Brighton Sea Life Centre ·         Lunch at Harry Ramsden’s restaurant ·         Visit to the Pier + shopping time in The Laines ·         Return to Thornden School for 18:00 (approx.)
Tuesday 31st March	·         Meet in school canteen ·         Depart Thornden School at 8:30 ·         Arrive in Oxford at 10:00 ·         Walking tour of the city, including a visit to the Ashmolean Museum ·         Packed lunch ·         Shopping time in Oxford ·         Return to Thornden School for 17:30 (approx.)
Wednesday 1st April	·         Meet in Thornden School car pack with suitcases ·         Packed lunch required ·         Depart Thornden School by 8:30 (meet on the tennis courts)