The 2024 Year 9 France/Belgium Trip was the educational experience of our school careers. Not only did it develop our cultural knowledge but cultivated our proficiency in many areas of the curriculum (such as French, History, Geography and problem-solving skills from Maths). The excursion, organised by Mrs Samworth and Miss Gray, was a 4 day tour that was both leisurely and educational.
On day one we travelled over to France and Belgium by coach. After we arrived, we went to Passchendaele Museum where we learnt about the third battles of Ypres; we went around the mock trench systems which was very interesting. After visiting Passchendaele, we went to Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial where two students found relatives and the school left a wreath in memory. We also went to Langemark the German cemetery; we found the mass grave shocking.
On day two in the morning, we visited the Wellington Quarry and went through some of the quarry on a guided tour, we also visited the supermarket to have a go at speaking some French which was very enjoyable. In the afternoon we visited Thiepval memorial. It was a very moving experience as it commemorated those who died but were never found. It was slightly heartwarming though to see those whose names had been removed as their body was found and given a proper grave and burial.
The Last Post was an interesting experience as it was both sombre to remember the dead but also pleasant to know that every single soldier that died in the war would be remembered.
On day three of the France Belgium trip, we went to a snail farm and Le Touquet. At the snail farm we learnt about the different parts of snails and how they are farmed, practised our French and even got to try a snail at the end. We were also allowed to buy items from the gift shop. After the snail farm, we drove to Le Touquet. At the beach, everyone enjoyed their lunch - supplied by the hostel - and the warm weather. After around an hour, the students set off in groups to do a small scavenger hunt around Le Touquet which took them around the majority of the town. Students were also given money to buy ice creams and souvenirs from shops around the town.
Once back at the hostel, we had a nice meal and some time in our rooms. After a bit of time to ourselves we met with friends for entertainment like playing games and watching the football.
On day four, we went into Ypres and the chocolate shop. We walked into town and were given an hour to go around shops and stalls. Then we met in the town centre for a group picture and then went to the chocolate shop. We spent the rest of the day enjoying our journey back with our friends and teachers with the occasional stop to break up the journey.
Ada 9W
