A group of 27 Year 10 and 12 students were in France earlier this month completing the second round of a new exchange with Lycée Sainte-Marie in Cholet. The group, accompanied by Madame Khokher and Mr Fullerton, flew to Nantes in the West of France to be reunited with their exchange partners, who visited Gloucester in March. Pupils were immersed in French language and culture, experiencing a different way of life with their host families.

During the week, students had the chance to join lessons in France, ate lunch in the traditional cantine, and went on a number of visits. They visited the region’s capital Angers and enjoyed exploring the history of Cholet. A great day was also had at award-winning historical theme park Le Puy du Fou, where amongst battling gladiators and swooping eagles, they learnt about the lesser known Guerre de Vendée that took place in the aftermath of the French revolution.

Students spent the weekend being entertained by their host family, with beach and island visits, canoeing, go-karting and local festivals all on the agenda.

Both teachers and students were received with exceptional warmth and hospitality by our new French partner school, and the trip represented a hugely successful conclusion to what we hope to be the first exchange of many.

Mr Fullerton