PUPILS at Grays Convent School welcomed pupils from Normandy (France) from the 6th to the 13th March. The Convent has started an exchange with College Jean Monnet in Ouistreham 4 years ago. 21 pupils from the Convent took part in the exchange and met their pen friends for the first time on Tuesday 6th March. It is the first part of the exchange which will go to Normandy in June. French pupils enjoyed taking part in some lessons with their pen friends, numerous visits to London and a joint educational visit to the Tower of London where both French and English pupils worked on a common project on William the Conqueror which will be followed by a visit to Bayeux Tapestry while we will go to Normandy in June.
French pen friends also spent the weekend with their English families where loads of activities were organised. Grace in year 8 said “I enjoyed spending time on the weekend to go out and show her different things in England”.
Mrs Richier, Ms Noel and Mrs Fricoux from College Jean Monnet said “All the Normans had a lovely time with their pen friends from Grays Convent School. The English families made this week very special. Many thanks to everyone for being so friendly and helpful. We are looking forward to having you in June in Normandy.”
Miss Dubois who organises the exchange in Grays Convent said “It has been an excellent experience for both French and English pupils to practise a foreign language but also to embrace another culture.”
Pupils from Grays Convent will leave Grays on the 7th June 2012 to Normandy where they will meet again their pen friends, learn more about the Norman Conquest and visit the D-Day Landings beaches.
Miss Brister, the Headteacher, said: ”We take every opportunity to enable pupils to learn new language skills including a chance to learn Mandarin and Italian. The Normandy Exchange is an example of our commitment to broadening pupils’ horizons.
Many thanks to all the parents who took our guests from Normandy into the heart of their families.”
