Year 6 Residential to Paris

This year saw the launch of our brand-new Year 6 residential trip to Paris, and what an incredible experience it was!

DESTINATION PARIS!

Our adventure began with a very early start on Monday morning, as we made our way to Dover to catch the ferry to Calais. The journey across the Channel was a highlight for many children, made even better by a delicious, freshly baked croissant from the ferry café! Once in France, we travelled down to Château du Grande Romaine, our PGL accommodation for the week. After unpacking, the children tucked into a well-earned dinner before taking part in a fun and competitive evening quiz.

EXPLORING BRIE AND FRENCH CULTURE

Tuesday saw us heading into the beautiful market town of Brie, where the children completed a town trail, solving clues and discovering hidden gems around the town. Of course, no visit to a French market would be complete without a little shopping, and many children came away with some rather large Eiffel Tower souvenirs – we imagine parents are now finding the ‘perfect’ place for these on their mantelpieces! The children also enjoyed a visit to a traditional boulangerie, where they practised their French skills while choosing delicious pastries and baguettes. In the afternoon, they returned to the château for a carousel of exciting PGL activities, including a scavenger hunt, an assault course challenge (while blindfolded!), and essential survival skills training.

That evening, they showed off their best moves at the much-anticipated disco, where even the teachers joined in with some retro dance routines!

A MAGICAL DAY AT DISNEYLAND PARIS Wednesday brought a sense of pure excitement as we set off for a day at Disneyland Paris! From the moment we arrived, the children (and staff!) were buzzing with energy. We started with some gentle warm-up rides before splitting into groups based on ride preferences. The Slinky Dog and Buzz Lightyear rides were particular favourites, while thrill-seekers braved the adrenaline-pumping Space Mountain and Avengers rides. A small group even managed to persuade Mr Oldroyd and Mrs Cook to take on The Tower of Terror – and let’s just say, the children found that watching my reactions became just as entertaining as the ride itself!

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS AND CRUISING THE SEINE Our final full day in France took us into the heart of Paris, where we climbed an impressive 328 steps to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower and another 674 to the second floor! The children showed real determination and were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Many were in awe, exclaiming, “This really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

After taking the perfect class photo in front of the Eiffel Tower at Trocadéro, we embarked on a scenic river cruise along the Seine. Floating past iconic landmarks, the children soaked in the magic of Paris from the water.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

As we returned home on Friday, we reflected on what a fantastic week it had been, whilst also playing some singalong songs on the coach. The children were an absolute credit to the school, demonstrating curiosity, resilience and kindness throughout. It was a joy to see their confidence grow, their friendships strengthen and their appreciation for a new culture flourish. I certainly felt very privileged to be a part of this team on their trip.

Year 6, you were outstanding – we are so proud of you! We cannot wait to do it all again next year.

Mrs Cook