In the early hours last Thursday (June 12), 73 Year 5 children excitedly boarded the ferry in Dover for their annual trip to École primaire publique du Parc in La Chapelle d’Armentieres near Lille.
The school has visited penfriends in the small twinned village for the last 30 years and has enjoyed their return visits later in the year.
Children and adults enjoyed lunch under the shade of the trees, practicing their French by ordering a croissant in the bakery, getting to know each other in French and English in the classroom and then some fantastic multi-lingual outdoor games.
The day was rounded off with a food swap – traditional English scones and jam for French pastries.
The children sent Christmas cards and letters to each other throughout the year so it was a lovely chance to finally meet face to face.
Headteacher Louise Wilson said: “We had the most wonderful adventure travelling to this beautiful village to meet our penfriends. It really didn’t matter that the children weren’t fluent in each other’s languages – they found a way to communicate brilliantly and some real friendships have been made.
“We are hoping to welcome the children back to Birchington one day to show off our lovely village.”
Brilliant scheme – well done all for organising and taking part. You can’t miss those Brits in their Hi Vis though. What must the French think of us with our health and safety that extends to kids wearing these on a school trip? They’re already in yellow uniforms.