ATA Exchanges

Children in Years 5 and 6 had a wonderful time in France for a week at the end of June. They had many opportunities to speak French and learn about the way of life over there, discovering all the differences and all the similarities with their life in England. Interacting with local children, it was clear that essentially children are children no matter what their background. Whether playing sport together or a game of chess, Guess Who, Monopoly, or singing a song, they are all the same and after initial nerves on all sides, they morphed into one standard of child behaviour, laughing, joking and just enjoying the present with each other. A meal with a local family helped this further and by the time of the Crepe Party on Thursday evening, it was as if they had known each other for longer than just three days. 

We were all fascinated by the French way of life, from drinking hot chocolate out of a ‘cereal’ bowl at breakfast and eating long multi-course lunches in school to the general laid back approach to all aspects of life. Children in France go home at lunchtime on Wednesdays and have two months summer holiday. The atmosphere in their school, Vincent Auriol, was relaxed and had a very similar ethos to our own. They luckily don’t have to deal with Ofsted and new governmental drives on the scale that we do. 

The French children spend more time learning English than we do learning another language. It was also interesting to note how their classrooms are simply set out in a traditional style with desks in rows, a chalk board at the front and plain walls with few displays. Children were very polite and friendly like our children at Abbotskerswell. It felt like there was a primary focus on children’s well-being rather than whipping them on to achieve ever higher standards. 

We have made plans with the school to link more projects for the coming year such as shared texts, shared subjects and further email and skype. The French children and their parents are keen to visit us next July so we will be working towards this as well as a return visit by us in the following year.

In addition to learning about the French way of life and eating pastries, the children also explored the significant links between Devon and Normandy. As you probably know, there is a very active twinning association between Abbotskerswell and Pres d’Auge but the links go further. William the Conqueror was born in Normandy and settled lands all around Abbotskerswell on his victorious lords. We explored his stunning castle in Falaise and studied the story of his invasion when we visited Bayeux. We also studied parts of William’s Domesday Book to understand the value of the land around Abbotskerswell. Our History Group, led by Felicity House, prepared us well for this with their work on Totnes Castle amongst other topics. 

Our visit to Normandy also focussed on the World War II links as we visited some of the significant sites which followed on well from our visit to Slapton last year where the allied invasion force trained and practiced. The children were moved to silence and reflection by the scenes at the enormous cemeteries. At one of the British cemeteries they searched out graves with surnames the same as theirs.

They were very inquisitive and curious to know about the human tragedy and pointless loss of life between old foes, now good friends. I think the children have created some lasting memories, made new European friends, improved their self-esteem and confidence, have broadened their horizons and have become better French speakers. You can see some more pictures by clicking on the Flickr icon at the top of our website.

Many, many thanks to Jan Ray and Jeff Walker who helped make this trip safe, fun and very special. 

Tim Hughes, Headmaster