What a joy to take such a great bunch of young people over to France after a long wait due to Covid! Fourteen Year 10, 12 and 13 students headed to France to stay with their French partners on the return leg of our exchange.

On our way to Perros-Guirec, we watched a short and poignant film about WW2 near the D-Day beaches. We discovered the Bayeux Tapestry and its story, before heading to Saint Malo where we had a moreish Breton specialty: a butter and sugar cake called Kouign-amann.

On our second day, we went to the market and ate in a crêperie in sunny Lannion. In the afternoon, we enjoyed playing on the beach and discovering Perros-Guirec.

Friday was our day at school: we took part in lessons, experienced canteen food, had a lesson of Breton language and a fun and energetic Breton dance workshop.

At the weekend, the students were busy with families and did a wide variety of activities. Many had signed up to experience French life and culture, but also to get out of their comfort zone and grow more confident as linguists and as people. When we met them again on Monday morning, they had all achieved their objectives. They were amazing and can be so proud of themselves!

It all came too quickly to an end, but on our way back to the UK we had time to climb up the steep hill of Mont Saint Michel, visit the abbey and have one last picnic together.

Everywhere, people commended our group – fun, polite, open minded and tolerant youngsters, who enjoy discovering new cultures and horizons. Thank you to the fabulous British families who showed so much support when the French students were here too.

I can’t wait to go back, and for others to follow in this year’s students’ footsteps.

Madame Moss