Yet again Year 7 made another purposeful and thoroughly enjoyable visit to Maison Claire Fontaine in the heart of the spectacular Burgundy countryside in September. Each day Year 7 ‘lived French’ as they entered into the different activities as well as following lessons in French.
These activities included completing a questionnaire on the beautiful town of Vézelay with its historic basilica of St. Marie Madeleine; local people, as well as unsuspecting tourists, were engaged in conversation: “De quelle nationalité êtes-vous?” for example!
The small and pretty town of Avallon was visited on Wednesday, the children found out where various shops were and the use of prepositions was one of the key challenges besides visiting a ‘pharmacie’ and ordering train tickets at the ‘gare’.
The children also did lots of practical activities. They went to the circus and had a go at some difficult tricks such as trapeze, juggling, balancing on the big ball and walking the tight rope. They also enjoyed an archery session and used their creativity to make a mosaic.
On the last day the pupils went to the market in Vermenton, bought food (as well as some souvenirs) and, on their return to the centre, the children transformed into budding chefs as they prepared their own lunch: both the quality and the presentation of the food were judged, standards were very high!
A delicious meal was also enjoyed at a chic restaurant where the children had to order their three course dinner, not to mention the ‘escargots’ that were bravely tried along with the ‘gougère au fromage’!; What more perfect preparation could they receive as a launch into their Common Entrance and scholarship courses! A wonderful time was had by all!
Read more about our fantastic French lessons here.
Parents: see the full photo-gallery. You will need the password given to you by Mrs Sleep.
