Wirral Grammar School

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Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

School News & Features

Year 7 Trip to France 2010

Posted on: 25.06.2010

The 2010 Wirral Grammar Boys expedition to Northern France eventually set off during the sun-kissed afternoon of Thursday 17th June, and as parents waved off both coaches from the school car park, over 100 Year 7 boys and 10 members of staff looked forward to several days of culture, linguistic experimentation and copious amounts of smelly feet!

The coach journey to Portsmouth passed by without incident and before long we were boarding the cross-channel ferry for an overnight sailing to Caen. As dawn broke and we neared land it was probably a good thing that this was a Languages/Art trip and not Geography as one of the boys enquired of his mate......."is this New Zealand or France?".....was this going to be a trip to remember for all the wrong reasons? Time would tell it's own story!

Once back on the coach we headed for Bayeux to view the famous tapestry and cathedral before letting the boys loose armed with a range of tasks and some pocket money to purchase souvenirs. The visit also included a trip to the Bayeux War Cemetery, the largest Second World War cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers in France. This proved to be a moving experience which provided an opportunity for the boys to reflect on the loss of life of young men not much older than themselves.

Two hours later we arrived at our base, the picturesque Chateau Beaumont. After a tour and a safety talk the boys unpacked and headed to the dining room for a hearty chicken pie meal followed by a chance to watch England's epic World Cup encounter with Algeria!

Following a good nights sleep and a continental brerakfast the boys were divided into 2 groups for a full day of enterprising and cultural activities that included archery, zip wire, swimming and a range of initiative taks set in the grounds of the Chateau. The other half day included a visit to Fougeres, a medieval stronghold which contains one of only three belfries in Brittany.

The evening of day 2 had a real French focus. At dinner the boys were served Frog's Legs and Snails and the meal was followed by a staff and student Fancy Dress Competition where the boys excelled themselves with their costumes which included spookily realistic portrayals of Sebastian Chabal, Napolean Bonaparte and a superb Inspector Clouseau by eventual winner Jordan Holden!

Day 3 was spent at Le Mont St Michel, an impressive structure and now a World Heritage Site with cultural, historical and architectural significance. We climbed up to the Abbey and then gave the boys some free time to buy last minute gifts for family and friends.

After dinner the centre staff organised a French themed quiz and we then held our very own 'Oscar' ceremony with boys and staff receiving certificates for their efforts and achievements throughout the visit.

On the final day we awoke early for a 4 hour journey to Parc Asterix on the outskirts of Paris. The boys spent the whole day at the park enjoying the thrills and spills of the white knuckle rides and a range of tamer attractions for those of a nervous disposition (Mr Hinde!).

A shorter trip across 'La Manche' from Calais to Dover ensued and two coaches laden with tired and fragrantly challenged passengers arrived back at school to reflect on what had been an extremely enjoyable trip.

Mr Tony Boustead (Community Learning Manager)