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Written by Mr Kada Faïda, teacher of French and Spanish:
We are delighted to reflect on our first-ever French Immersion Trip to the beautiful city of Nice, France, which took place from Sunday 23 June to Thursday 27 June 2024. Organised by the Language Department, this unique experience was offered to 20 pupils in the Fourth Form, marking an enriching end to the Summer Term.
The trip was designed to enhance both language skills and cultural awareness for our GCSE-level French students, and we are pleased to report that it achieved exactly that. The extended exposure to the French language and culture has provided invaluable preparation for the pupils as they approach their upcoming exams.
Each morning, students attended tailored French lessons delivered by experienced native French-speaking teachers at our reputable partner language school. These lessons, carefully aligned with our curriculum, allowed students to deepen their understanding and fluency in a real-world context. At the conclusion of their lessons, each student received a Certification Letter confirming that they had achieved up to a B1 level in French on the European scale (CEFR). This Intermediate level designation certifies them as “independent speakers,” a significant milestone in their language learning journey.
Staying in pairs with carefully selected host families, students were fully immersed in the French language, practising their skills in everyday situations. This immersion, combined with the cultural activities, has significantly boosted their confidence and language abilities.
The trip's itinerary was rich with cultural experiences. Highlights included a guided tour of both old and modern Nice, where students explored charming streets and the vibrant Mediterranean market, as well as a leisurely stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Dining at a variety of venues, from a traditional French boulangerie to an Algerian restaurant, allowed for meaningful discussions about the historical and cultural links between France and North Africa.
A particularly memorable visit was to Grasse, the capital of perfume, where students toured the Fragonard factory. They learnt how perfume has been traditionally created and discovered how France became the world’s capital of perfume in the Middle Ages.
This inaugural trip to Nice was a tremendous success, providing our students with not only improved language skills but also a deeper appreciation for French culture. We are looking forward to continuing working with our wonderful partners soon and to offering more immersive experiences for our students on future trips.
