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Visit to Compiegne, France
27 June – 1 July 2011
At 6am on the 27th June, 9 year 4 pupils from Cauldwell Lower accompanied by Mrs Hilliard met at Goldington Green Lower to travel by coach to France. Other participating schools were Hazeldene and Ravensden Lower schools.
We travelled to Dover and there was great excitement when the ferry port and sea was seen for the first time. We went out on deck and were able to see France as we approached the coast.
We visited the market at Senlis – the children were happy to try out their French making small purchases. We also went to Pierrefonds where the TV series ‘Merlin’ was filmed.
Despite the 2 and a half hour journey each way to get to Paris the children were unanimous in it being the highlight of the week. Their first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower through the coach window resulted in an explosion of excitement!! All from Cauldwell climbed the stairs to the 2nd level with great excitement. We took photos and looked for landmarks.We also went on the Bateau bus.
On Thursday we went into Compiegne – the children were able to order and pay for their own drinks at a café. We also visited Chantilly and a hypermarket where they made final purchases.
En route home on Friday we stopped at Vimy Ridge to look at the trenches and the huge memorial – the children were interested and respectful.
This was a marvellous opportunity for our children, memories of which will stay with them all their lives. They were able to experience a different culture, to try out their French language, to become a little more independent (no one was upset due to homesickness), to make new friends from other schools. They are all still full of excitement about their experiences and pleased to share them with anyone who will listen!
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