CEC Students Embrace French Culture and History on Exchange Trip

In March, a group of Cowes Enterprise College students embarked on an exciting French exchange trip full of adventure and cultural experiences.

They arrived in France safely and spent the first day meeting their French host families. There was some nervousness initially, but everyone went off with big smiles on their faces.

On day two, students met their French friends at a partner school in Verson and took a coach to Mont St Michel, one of France’s many UNESCO world heritage sites. They climbed to the top of the abbey and had a mini guided tour from Patrick, one of the teachers from the host school who was an expert in the history of the mount.

After a picnic lunch, they were lucky enough to have a guided tour of the bay in front of the Mont St Michel from Bertrand, a certified guide. Bertrand showed them how to make quicksand and how to get themselves out of trouble if stuck in the sand. They also learned all about the movement of the sands and silt and the history of the salt march lamb.

Cowes Enterprise College students continued their adventure on day three by visiting the Bayeux tapestry, the old town of Bayeux, and the amazing cathedral, along with France’s smallest house. In the evening, they showed their competitive sides by playing many rounds of Lazergame.

On day four, the group had a maritime-focused visit to La Cité De La Mer in Cherbourg, in keeping with Cowes Enterprise College’s Maritime Futures curriculum. They saw a Titanic exposition, a stunning aquarium, and had the opportunity to tour a decommissioned submarine.

Day five was spent enjoying the city of Caen, the principal town of the region of Normandie, packed full of history. They set off on a short tour of the city, looking at some of the fascinating architecture on offer. They then spent a few minutes in the “Marché des fossés Saint Julien” where they put their French to good use by buying some souvenirs and crèpes. The students also visited the university of Caen to look at a very detailed model of the city of Rome, one of only two left in the world. After a great lunch at the university canteen, they headed back towards the town to see the old castle and the amazing “Abbaye aux hommes” where the remains of William the Conqueror are buried.

Days six and seven were spent with their correspondents’ families, immersing themselves in French culture.

On day eight, the group returned to England, filled with unforgettable memories of their fantastic French exchange trip.

Cowes Enterprise College Principal, Rachel Kitley, said:

“I’m delighted to hear that the French exchange trip was such a success for our students. Cowes Enterprise College is committed to providing a broad and balanced education, and we are thrilled to be able to offer opportunities like this to educate our students outside of the classroom. It’s wonderful to see our students engaging with the culture, history, and language of another country, and we hope that this experience will have a lasting impact on their lives.”

Cowes Enterprise College are looking forward to welcoming the French students to the Isle of Wight in May.