Cowes Enterprise College partnered with Collège Jacques Prévert in Verson, Normandy for an exchange trip earlier this year.
In March, a group of Cowes Enterprise College students visited Normandy and stayed at the homes of students from Collège Jacques Prévert. Their first trip was to Mont St Michel, one of France’s many UNESCO world heritage sites. Students climbed to the top of the abbey and had a guided tour from one of the teachers from the host school who was an expert in the history of the mount.
This was followed by a guided tour of the bay in front of the Mont St Michel from a certified guide, during which the students were shown 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.
Cowes Enterprise College students continued their adventure on day 3 by visiting the Bayeux tapestry, the old town of Bayeux, and the amazing cathedral, along with France’s smallest house.
On day 4, 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 exhibition, a stunning aquarium, and had the opportunity to tour a decommissioned submarine.
Day 5 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 crêpes. The students also visited the University of Caen to look at a very detailed model of the city of Rome, one of only 2 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 6 and 7 were spent with their correspondents’ families, immersing themselves in French culture.
Cowes Enterprise College was delighted to welcome students from Collège Jacques Prévert in May, in their turn to host the French students. In addition to staying with the Cowes Enterprise College host families, the students visited some iconic Isle of Wight attractions such as Osborne House, The Needles, Alum Bay, and Tapnell Farm. They also took a trip to the mainland to visit London and enjoyed a flight on the London Eye, a guided tour, and shopping in Covent Garden.
Cowes Enterprise College Principal, Rachel Kitley, said:
“I’m delighted to hear that the French exchange trip was such a success for our students and those from Collège Jacques Prévert. 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 all students involved engaging with the culture, history, and language of another country, and we hope that this experience will have a lasting impact on their lives.”
