What a trip! Twenty-one of our Year 10 and 11 students experienced an amazing four-day adventure in Paris this December. And they came home with more than memories and photographs – they have also returned with a newfound confidence in their French skills.
Highlights from the City of Light
The adventure began with a magical first evening watching the sunset at the Eiffel Tower – the perfect introduction to Paris! From there, the group visited the iconic Louvre museum (yes, they saw the Mona Lisa!), enjoyed a Bateaux-Mouches cruise down the River Seine, and browsed the beautiful Christmas market at Champs de Mars.
Over the weekend, students explored the historic heart of Paris around Notre-Dame and wandered through the artistic Left Bank. At the Musée d’Orsay, they stood in front of masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir – seeing these famous paintings in person rather than in a textbook made all the difference.
The bohemian hilltop neighbourhood of Montmartre was another highlight. Students walked through winding streets to discover the stunning Sacré-Cœur basilica and the artists’ square at Place du Tertre. They found the famous pink house that appears in countless paintings, spotted work by iconic Parisian street artists Miss-Tic and Invader, saw the café from the film Amélie, and finished their tour at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
Why These Trips Matter
The trip was expertly organised by Mrs Burkill, our Teacher of French, who was joined by Miss Cooper (attendance officer and hospitality & catering teacher) and Miss Hugill (art teacher).
Mrs Burkill shared why experiences like this are so important: “Taking students abroad changes everything. Suddenly French isn’t just something in a textbook – it’s ordering food in a café, asking for directions, chatting to locals. You see students’ confidence grow overnight. For many of our young people, this is their first time abroad. Watching them navigate a foreign city, stand in front of world-famous artwork, and realise they really can speak another language broadens their minds and opens up possibilities they hadn’t imagined. These experiences stay with them for life and inspire them to keep learning.”
We couldn’t agree more. Foreign trips are such a vital part of what we do here at Wensleydale School, giving our students the chance to put their learning into practice in real-world settings and to experience art, history and culture first-hand in ways that go far beyond the classroom.
We’re very proud of our students for embracing this opportunity and representing the school so wonderfully. Here’s to many more adventures ahead!
