School News
At the beach
Making our own croissants
Boys' French trip 29th May -1st June
News posted: 19-06-2009
All aboard! Kenny the driver was eager to be off as we met at midnight on the Thursday of our half-term holiday. An early morning ferry journey in the sunshine saw us arrive in France in time for a picnic on the beach at Wimereux. We then had time to visit a bunker remaining from Hitler's 'Atlantic Wall' defences, as part of our quest to discover how this corner of France was affected by the two world wars. At our accommodation, the PGL centre at Hardelot, the staff were ready to supervise football, table tennis and badminton in the grounds, before dinner and a walk to the beach to run off some more energy! Saturday began with a visit to the baker's where everyone had the chance to practise their croissant-making skills and to eat delicious 'pain au chocolat'. After a picnic lunch we headed off to the 'cristallerie 'at Arques where we had a noisy visit (earplugs provided) to see how glass is made. A visit to the sale tent enabled many boys to buy some souvenirs for home. That evening we enjoyed an ice-cream parlour visit in Hardelot. Sunday saw us underground at La Coupole, the German V2 rocket base from WW2, a modern and fascinating museum, with excellent slide-shows and exhibits. The town trail in Le Touquet followed. All our year 10 boys did the trail on their own in French, without getting lost, and were able to interview shop-keepers on the way. Finally, boys were able gain an understanding of the numbers killed in WW1 and to appreciate the calm and beauty of the moving British Cemetery at Etaples. Perhaps the highlight of the trip for many was the chance to taste snails and frogs' legs on the last night, followed by a games evening. Our PGL staff managed to cover many of us in flour, water or yoghurt! Thanks to Mrs Murray, Mrs Garside, Mr Dalziel and Mr Bakht for taking such an enjoyable trip!
