This Easter holiday saw the launch of the Lower V French exchange with the Lycee St Dominique in Béthune, near Lille, in the Pas de Calais region.  Aarti Sood provides an account of her French experience.

On Tuesday 10th March, 23 girls from the LV accompanied by Mrs Kean, Miss Robbins and Mrs Colclough set off on the Eurostar for Lille. After a few hours we arrived at the school in  Béthune.  We met our French Exchanges and were keen to try out our French although slightly nervous of the fact that we would have to speak French all week! 

Outside the Louvre

During the week, we went on several day trips including a visit to Lille and Paris. In Lille we had a guided tour of the beautiful town centre and went to the Palais des Beaux Arts.  On the Friday we went to Paris and glided down the Seine on a Bateau Mouche. We saw many of the famous buildings and monuments such as the Tour Eiffel, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. In the afternoon we climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe where we were able to see amazing views of the city and there was also time to shop on the Champs Elysées.

We spent the weekends with our exchange families. We all did different things such as going to the cinema, going bowling, going to theme parks, the beach, parties or shopping! Monday was our last full day and because they were on holiday, our French exchanges accompanied us to Nausicaa, a Sea life centre and La Coupole, a historical remembrance centre. 

On Tuesday 17th we had to say goodbye to our Exchanges and make the journey home.  It was an excellent trip and a great experience as we had to speak French most of the time and therefore learnt a lot.   

Aarti Sood LVI 

The Return Visit

 A most successful return visit of the French Exchange girls from Béthune took place from May 4th to May 11th.  They arrived in spring sunshine and were immediately caught up in the excitement of the charity Fair. Three girls even performed a French song in the talent contest!

The Return Visit

The weekend was spent with their host families and then they were offered a week of cultural visits in and around London.

Many tears were shed as the girls said “Au revoir” to their Exchange partners and made plans to meet again.