In July, some of our Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable trip to France, packed with culture, adventure, and, of course, croissants!

The journey began bright and early as we left school to catch our ferry to France. Excitement filled the air—and so did the delicious smell of fresh croissants, as pupils enjoyed their very first French breakfast. Our first stop was the renowned Nausicaá Sea Centre in Boulogne-sur-Mer, where students marvelled at an incredible array of marine life, from colourful fish to huge rays.

By the time we arrived at our hotel in Paris, everyone was ready for dinner and a well-earned rest in preparation for what would be a very busy second day.

Tuesday kicked off with a full French breakfast—including waffles topped with Nutella—before we headed to a traditional French market. There, pupils took part in a guided tour where they learned about the importance of food in French culture, picked up some useful vocabulary, and got a real taste of authentic Parisian life.

Next, we visited the Choco-Story museum, where pupils participated in a hands-on chocolate workshop, creating their own chocolate pieces. Creativity (and chocolate) flowed freely! After a tour of the museum, we enjoyed a picnic by the Trocadéro with a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a scenic river cruise along the Seine. Students spotted many iconic landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral.

But the day wasn’t over yet. We made our way to the top of the Montparnasse Tower, where the rooftop terrace offered breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Dinner that evening was a chance to try flamiche alsacienne (also known as flammekueche), followed by a gentle walk through the Jardin du Louvre and a perfect photo opportunity with the Olympic Cauldron.

Wednesday was a day of magic at Disneyland Paris! Excitement was high as students explored the park and made the most of the rides, attractions, and atmosphere. In late afternoon, we stopped by a local French supermarket for some souvenir shopping. In the evening we had our much-anticipated annual French Quiz—testing pupils’ knowledge of landmarks, famous French figures, brands, and culture.

On our final day, we said goodbye to Paris and headed north, stopping at a traditional bakery. There, the baker delivered a demonstration entirely in French, explaining how to bake bread from scratch. Our students impressed us with how well they understood and engaged with the activity.

The trip was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to immerse themselves in French language and culture, build friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We are so proud of how enthusiastic, respectful, and curious they were throughout the journey—bravo! Year 7!

We are launching this year’s trip in the next few days so watch this space!