Our Year 5 trip to Boulogne was one for the history books — and all in French, bien sûr! The children were fully immersed in the language and culture, starting with a boulangerie where they learned to make bread, though more flour ended up on them than in the dough. Then it was off to a goat farm where they attempted to milk goats while trying to remember how to say “goat” in French (la chèvre was soon forgotten as the goats scattered in all directions). At Nausicaá, Europe’s biggest aquarium, the children were amazed by the sharks, stingrays and sea lions. The snail farm was an adventure in itself. While some children nervously tasted their first-ever escargots, one child set a school record for the most snails on his face like a slimy French face mask.
But the real surprise came later when the teachers told the children they’d be going on a bat hunt. With excitement, they crept through the dark only to find themselves not in a cave, but in a surprise disco. Let’s just say that everyone was ready for the French macarena!
On the last day, we wrapped up the trip with a celebration for a child’s birthday. We surprised him with a cake and an enthusiastic rendition of “Joyeux Anniversaire” from the whole group.
The children’s excellent behaviour and level of French earned us compliments from the locals everywhere we went. After a whirlwind trip to the supermarket to pick up some délicatesses (and far too many packets of French biscuits), we piled back onto the coach, tired but proud of the French-speaking skills. It was the perfect way to end our final day before heading back, full of memories, new French phrases, and a newfound appreciation for snails and goats cheese!