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!