Year 5 and 6 Residential Trip

DAY 1, 17th May 2010

 The smiles on our faces say it all, really!

The journey seemed to fly by and, before we knew it, we were watching the White Cliffs fade away, accompanied by Miss Holden's 'beautiful' ode to Vera Lynn.

After an hour of gentle meandering through the French countryside, we arrived at Le Chateau du Broutel, in the small town of Rue, where we were greeted most warmly by the Chateau's staff.

As we (the teachers) type, the children continue to throw themselves into the various activities that make up the 'Chateau Olympics'...wellington boot throwing (as well as the traditional eating and wearing, as hats???), human-bridge making, piggy-back races and all sorts of tiring events.

All teachers would like to reassure the parents that the children are relaxed, happy and already making the most of their residential trip in sunny France; they all wish you lots of love...and send you a wave. We are looking forward to: the chocolate factory, the goat farm and our tour of Rue - ice-creams! Watch this space...

DAY 2, 18th May 2010

After a really good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we all set off bright and early on the coach for the chocolate factory.

After sampling some delicious handmade chocolates, purchases of all shapes, sizes and colours were made from the gift shop.

We were then whizzed off through tiny, windy roads to the goat farm, where we were greeted (through Hector, our translator) by the farmer's wife. All the children had the opportunity to stroke a twelve-week old foal, the goats and a large number of rabbits! The highlight of our visit was holding a new born kid.

Inside the farmhouse, we were shown the process of how goat milk is turned into cheese over four days. Then it was tasting time! Finally, the children bought some delicious cheese or waffles - one of madam's specialities.

 We had lunch back at the Chateau before we were taken on a tour of the historic town of Rue by the Chateau staff.

The children's efforts in a quiz that took them all over town and prompted them to speak lots of French, was rewarded with a much-needed icecream.

We start tomorrow with another trip; this time it's to Parc Asterix. Very exciting.

DAY 3, 19th May 2010

Well, what a very early start and a very late finish to our wonderful and sunny day at Parc Asterix.

After a thrill-seeking time for all, we are now tucked up in bed and looking forward to a French market experience in the morning; our sandcastle competition in the afternoon; and, finally, the disco, to complete yet another action-packed day here at the Chateau.

 DAY 4, 20th May 2010

After a lovely night's sleep and a late breakfast of croissants and fruit, we headed off to the nearest large town of Abbeville. Once there, we set off on a mission to 'bag a bargain'! Practising their French, the children: jewellery, sweets, toys, fruit, accessories and more croissants!

Then it was lunch back the Chateau...for "the best lunch so far" - jacket potatoes, tuna and cheese.

We spent the afternoon at the beach in Berck, where the children made a variety sand-sculptures. We were very impressed with their creativity and team work skills.

For their final evening at the Chateau, the children 'danced the night away' at the disco.

However, the trip isn't over yet; we still have one of Europe's best aquarium to look forward to on our way back to Manchester.