Cholet Exchange 2012 | Highcliffe School

Cholet Exchange 2012

Visit the year 9 Blog to keep up with the students' activities.


The group arrived safely after the original ferry was cancelled due to high winds.  Students were welcomed warmly by the families.


Sunday 17th June
On Sunday we met at a local beauty spot for a brilliant ice breaker - a family picnic with everyone joining in.


Monday 18th June - School visit & Lac de Ribou picnic
Our day started with a tour of the Collège Trémolières led by Mme Pétré.  The school is undergoing massive rebuilding and renovation.  One third is building site, one third is temporary hut accommodation but one third is impressive new accommodation, even if the colour scheme was a bit of a shock at first!

 



We then had a very pleasant walk, together with the French partners, to the lac de Ribou.  Along the way students chatted and got to know each other and the weather was ideal for the walk – fine, but not the blazing sun of previous years.  After a picnic the students were divided into mixed teams of French and English students and an orienteering game ensued.  This was great fun and amazingly competitive.  Students taught each other to sing the national Anthem & the Marseillaise, recite the names of English and French Prime Ministers and name famous geographical features of the other’s country.



They even created pyramids, performed circus tricks and then charged around looking for the next clue.  The winners were duly applauded, but above all the ice had been well and truly broken.




Tuesday 19th June -Day trip to Paris
It was a very early start today, but soon we were approaching speeds of 300 kph in the TGV on the way to Paris.  The first stop – La Tour Eiffel of course!  We walked up to the second stage and enjoyed magnificent views of the capital.



After a brief picnic lunch we were off again on the sightseeing boat trip with the Bateaux Parisiens. The Louvre, Notre Dame, Place de La Concorde and the Musée d’Orsay just a few of the many impressive sights along the river Seine.
A photo opportunity at the Arc de Triomphe preceded a more leisurely tour of the Sacré Coeur and offered time for the students to stroll through the Place du Tertre and purchase some presents for the folks at home!



Did we have time for one more stop? – bien sûr!  We even managed to gate-crash a service in the famous Notre Dame de Paris before collapsing tired but contented in the TGV for the return journey home and the news the England had won their match in the Euros and now top their group.  France surprisingly lost, but also progressed, so that was good for the ‘entente cordiale’!




Wednesday 20th June - Morning in school - Afternoon free with families and penfriends
The students spent the morning alongside their partners in lessons and experienced everything from Sport and Maths to Art and English.



In the afternoon, after a visit to “McDo” (very French!) they had the choice of swimming or
skating in the superb Glisséo complex.


Thursday 21st June - Nantes and the Fête de la Musique
Today we drove northwards to the river Loire and the historic city of Nantes, which is the 6th largest in France.  We visited the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, shopped for souvenirs in the old town near the cathedral and finally had a ride on an elephant!  This is one of the exceptional creations of two artists who have brought the old Nantes shipyards back to life.



The elephant is an enormous robotic beast with enough room for the whole group and several others to ride on through the old dock area. From time to time it roars and sprays the unwary passers-by in true elephantine fashion.  Great fun!
Back in Cholet we were treated to the Fête de la Musique, when in Cholet alone there were over 30 different bands and several hundred musicians entertaining the crowds in the streets and in the main square.



We particularly liked a French band who did mostly British tribute numbers, including tracks by the Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Who.  Great entertainment and less muddy than the IOW festival, so we understand!


Friday 22nd June - The Puy du Fou          
“The best theme park in the world” according to “the Connexion” an English language newspaper in France.  “The Themed Entertainment Association jury said that it was a unique destination in the world with its spectacular themed shows.”



We went with our French partners for our last day and great fun was had by all.  We managed to see all 5 major shows and it was hard to pick a favourite – perhaps the Vikings attacking a French settlement, the Ball of the Phantom Birds or the Gladiators.


Saturday 23rd June - Departure
Sadly it was time to say goodbye to our new friends and their families.  We had really become a part of their lives for a week.



There was just time for one last photo with them all together and then there were many tears as we had to almost drag our students onto the coach for the journey to Cherbourg and from there by fast ferry to Portsmouth.  Don‘t worry – they’ll be here in England in October for the return visit!


 

 


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