In March, 17 of our Year 9 and 10 pupils took part in a memorable French Exchange, welcoming their partners from our exchange partner school in Lyon for a week of cultural and linguistic immersion. The exchange provided a fantastic opportunity for our pupils not only to practise their language skills in a meaningful context but also to build friendships and broaden their outlook.
During the week, the group enjoyed a variety of enriching activities. A highlight was a group excursion to Windsor Castle, where the pupils shared a fascinating day exploring British history and culture together. The French pupils also enjoyed trips to the Harry Potter Studios and central London, giving them a taste of British heritage and the capital’s famous landmarks.
At school, the French pupils participated in a number of cultural workshops and lessons, gaining insight into life at Emanuel and the British school system. Our pupils took great pride in showcasing their daily routines, school traditions and co-curricular life.
The exchange was not only a valuable linguistic experience for our pupils but also helped them develop confidence, independence, and intercultural understanding.
We look forward to the second leg of the exchange in May, when our pupils will travel to Lyon and experience life in a French school and host families. These kinds of exchanges are truly transformative for young people, helping them become open-minded, resilient, and curious members of society.
-Miss Upton, Teacher of French
