This year saw the return of the S2 France trip for Dalbeattie High School but to a new location: Paris, the city of lights.
This was a first for the majority of the 43 pupils who spent a week exploring this beautiful city. The trip was organised through the company PGL who offered a tailor-made French language trip aimed at improving pupils’ spoken French whilst immersing them in French culture.
The first day saw pupils set out for their first language task – buying ingredients at the market in the nearby town, Brie Comte Robert, so they could take part in the préparez à manger module back at the accommodation, Château de Grande Romaine. Pupils were tasked with buying healthy ingredients whilst sticking to a budget and then assembling an attractive and tasty lunch.
The afternoon was filled with a trip to the Fromagerie Ganot, a local cheese factory, where pupils learned about the process of making the popular French cheese brie. They also had the opportunity to try some of the cheeses made on site.
On day two pupils ventured into Paris itself to visit the Sacré-Cœur and explore Montmartre. The Place du Tertre was a big hit with pupils where many a souvenir was bought. Many also used their French to treat themselves to ice cream and crêpes. In the afternoon, pupils were taken to a medieval town called Provins where they witnessed the Eagles of the Rampart show – a fascinating birds of prey spectacle.
The first full day in Paris was spent ascending the Eiffel Tower in the morning and descending the Seine in one of the Bateau Parisien in the afternoon. For many, this was the highlight of the trip.
Pupils also participated in a programme of evening activities led by the PGL staff. On the Tuesday night, pupils competed in a french quiz, on Wednesday night they made crêpes from scratch and on Thursday night, there was a disco. Pupils also had the chance to go swimming in the château’s outdoor swimming pool after dinner.
The pupils were exposed to lots of French throughout their time in Paris and a big part of this was facilitated by the French PGL activity leaders. It is fair to say that this was a successful first trip to Paris for the S2 cohort and one which it is hoped will become an annual event.
A huge thank you goes out to all parents and family who supported us throughout the organisation of the trip – it couldn’t have been done without them.
Now, to plan Paris 2025!