Students from Years 10 to 13, accompanied by five members of staff, have just returned from a wonderful five-day trip to Paris. They travelled by coach and ferry on Friday 20th February, expertly driven by a knowledgeable and good-humoured coach driver, Mervin.
On arrival, they met our French animateur, Faissal, who immediately made the students feel comfortable and immersed them straight away in the French language by speaking exclusively in French. He was highly complimentary about the students’ standard of French, and they enthusiastically embraced the challenge.

Our first day provided an ideal introduction to this charming and picturesque capital. The itinerary included a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, a picnic lunch in the sunshine at the Tuileries Gardens, a tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral for KS4 students, and a visit to the Opéra Garnier for KS5 students. The day concluded with free time along the Champs-Élysées and a trip to the Arc de Triomphe.

In the evening, after a varied and delicious dinner at the accommodation centre, students enthusiastically took part in an “All About France” quiz led by our animateur, eagerly showcasing their competitive spirit.

On Sunday, KS4 students showed great enthusiasm as they ascended the Eiffel Tower, travelling by lift to the third floor to take in the spectacular panoramic views of Paris. At the same time, KS5 students took part in an engaging behind-the-scenes tour of Le Grand Rex, Europe’s largest cinema, celebrated for its impressive Art Deco architecture.

Later, the entire group enjoyed some time shopping along Rue de Rivoli before making their way to Montmartre. KS4 students were struck by the magnificence of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the characterful atmosphere of Place du Tertre. Meanwhile, KS5 students were guided by Mme Gibson on a walking tour inspired by the film Amélie, visiting several of its iconic Montmartre filming locations.

The day ended on a high note, with students and staff gathering for a traditional French dinner at La Bonne Franquette, a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of Montmartre.

On the final day, KS4 students spent an exhilarating day at Disneyland Paris, enjoying attractions across both parks before rounding off their visit with dinner in Disney Village at a restaurant of their choice.

In contrast, KS5 students followed a bespoke culturally enriching programme, designed to complement the A level curriculum. They attended a university lecture at ULIP, participated in a guided tour of Notre-Dame, and dedicated time to volunteering at Soup St Eustache, a local soup kitchen, gaining meaningful insight into community life in Paris.

This trip gave students the invaluable opportunity to experience French language and culture in a truly immersive way at a pivotal stage in their academic journey, whether preparing for GCSE or A Level examinations. Staff were incredibly impressed by their resilience, enthusiasm, and positive attitude throughout — merci les filles!