From 18 - 29 June 2023, eleven learners from Grade 10 and Grade 11 took part in the 12 days language and cultural trip to Paris, France. The idea is to combine intensive French classes with the discovery of Paris.

To implement this project, DHPS French teacher, Madame Camille Detavernier worked with the French language institute Pierre Overall, who organised guest families and the French lessons. This combo allowed the learners to experience the French way of life with its advantages (living in a big city, access to the culture, easy public transport, etc.) but also to discover the challenges (small flats, many people, public transport crowded). It is also, of course, an extra opportunity to speak French with the family, in a real life setting and outside of the classroom context. A qualified French teacher gave them lessons (3 hours per day). It was an intensive programme orientated to improve the speaking skills. The main aim is to give the learners more confidence with the French language.
The learners had lessons during the day, were dedicated to discover Paris and its surrounding. Madame Detavernier gave them a good overview of the French capital, its architecture and history, and a great mix of culture and entertainment. On the programme were e.g. a boat cruise on the Seine to see the main buildings; going to the top of the Eiffel Tower; a visit at the Louvre Museum with its star, the Mona Lisa; an evening to celebrate “La fête de la musique” with the Parisians; an interesting exhibition about climate change and the solutions at the Cite des Sciences; a fun full day at DisneyLand; discover the King’s way of life at Versailles; a walk in Montmartre who was a village outside of Paris before to be added to the capital; a relaxing day at a dam because the city is intense; learn more about modern art at Centre Pompidou Museum; a strange visit in the Catacombs, a kind of underground cemetery; let’s not forget some shopping time because, come on, it is Paris!

The programme was intense as the aim was to make the best out of it. The learners really enjoyed and benefitted from this experience: “It is a once in a lifetime-experience!”, “It is a dream come true”, “I enjoyed speaking French”, “I learnt more French” mentioned some of them; and we got very positive feedback from the teacher who said “I loved teaching them! It was a very motivated and enthusiastic group, they were involved and participated in all activities.”

Madame Detavernier said, “I am very pleased I, with the support of the school, could offer this opportunity again. All the work and the stress is at the end worth it when you see the happiness in your learners’ eyes.”
A big thank you for making this dream come true and enabling our learners to experience the French language and way of life up close.