Thirty-five Year 7 pupils recently returned from an exciting four-day educational visit to Paris, where they enjoyed a packed programme of cultural, historical and language-based activities.

After crossing the English Channel, pupils began their French adventure with a visit to Nausicaá, Europe's largest aquarium, before travelling on to Paris.

The following days were filled with memorable experiences. Pupils explored the fascinating world of chocolate at Choco-Story, where they learnt about the history of chocolate before taking part in an interactive workshop. They also enjoyed a relaxing cruise along the River Seine, offering spectacular views of some of Paris' most famous landmarks.

One of the highlights of the trip was climbing the 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Pupils were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the French capital and gained a greater appreciation of the city's history and architecture.

A particular favourite was the bakery workshop, where pupils worked alongside Bruno, a professional French baker, to make traditional French bread. What made this experience especially valuable was that Bruno delivered all of his instructions and demonstrations entirely in French. Pupils quickly realised how much classroom language they could understand and were encouraged to listen carefully, respond to questions and follow authentic spoken French in a real-life setting. It was a fantastic opportunity to develop their confidence and see the practical benefits of learning a foreign language.

No visit to Paris would be complete without a day at Disneyland Paris. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed exploring the parks, experiencing the attractions and spending time with their friends, creating memories that will undoubtedly stay with them for years to come.

Travelling abroad encouraged them to develop important life skills, including organisation, teamwork, problem-solving and confidence in unfamiliar surroundings. The pupils embraced every opportunity, whether sampling French cuisine, practising their language skills or discovering the rich culture and history of Paris. The trip was an outstanding success, and it was a pleasure to see how enthusiastically the pupils engaged with every activity.

Mr Freddy Seguin