French language immersion at Château de la Baudonnière case study case study

Be 'that' teacher!

Chateau
Mr Ed Jones, MFL Teacher
“The Château trip is great for students to gain context about the language they are learning, to improve vocabulary and confidence in using new verbs and sentences. The school never struggles to get staff to work their holiday for a Château trip, which says it all really.”
KEY FACTS ABOUT THE TRIP
  • Dates: 31st May to 4th June
  • Château de la Baudonnière
  • Year 7
  • Group size 55 paying & 6 free placess

Ed Jones, MFL Teacher at Bishop’s Stortford College

"It was my thirteenth visit to the Château on a school trip because it is a unique place for students to practise their language skills, to improve their vocabulary and to gain confidence in using new verbs and sentences, whilst taking part in a range of activities and supported by a brilliant team of animateurs.

The facilities are amazing, including the Climbing Wall where students learn more vocabulary and grammar throughout the activity. If they want to get down, they have to say it in French. The Assault Course is a unique activity that you will only find at the Château !! The school initiates all new teachers in their first year at the Château to take part. The students love the chance to get very muddy and have fun whilst still learning French along the way. It’s also a great photo opportunity for the students to send home pictures to parents.

Breadmaking is a great indoor activity, developing French conversation and singing songs to learn new vocabulary. Archery and Aeroball are also great activities where students use their numeracy in French throughout the activity, constant learning whilst having fun!

We also undertake a number of off-site visits, including the French Market Mission at Vire, a great opportunity for students to gain confidence whilst practising different ways to communicate what they would like to say. The market is also a safe environment for students to practise their French and buy gifts for family and friends.

The school has also recently started visiting the Zoo de Champrepus. With boards in French and English, this is a lovely outdoor activity for the students, with lots of vocabulary which they may never have come across before.

All the activities and visits are supported by the Château's team of animateurs who really make the trip, as well as Darren and Lotta who are the Château ! It’s like a big family."

Dinner at Moulin2

What about the accommodation?

The accommodation is perfect for the group and teachers tend to get singles which is great but not expected every year!! We stayed in the Pavilion which is a newer building and great for the size of our group.

The food is always good and the catering staff understand that not all students can / will eat everything. They cater for all allergies and provide a variety of food so no one goes hungry!

The Château is also in a great location.

Climb

What were the Learning Outcomes from the trip?

The students gain so much confidence learning outside the classroom, including vocabulary, grammar and verbs. They gain context of the language and about the culture too.

We switched to the Château because the school found the Paris trip with another provider wasn’t bringing much educational value to the students, with no French improvement.

VST Team2 v4

Why do you choose Voyager & Château de la Baudonnière?

The Château must have a unique way of recruiting staff as the animateurs are second to none - they make the trip. They have so much energy and encouragement for the students and they make learning fun.

Carole and Gemma in the office are also great - always keeping the school informed and always offering the right advice.

What do the parents say?

”Thank you so much for all the time, energy (and no doubt patience!) you put into the French trip. Imogen loved every minute of it (especially the mud!!) - as well as it being a great learning environment it sounds like it was lots of fun and new friends were made along the way.

Many thanks again for giving up your precious holiday time - it’s much appreciated.”

What's included?

  • 6 free places based on 55 paying students
  • 5 days executive coach hire
  • Return western route channel crossings
  • 4 nights full board
  • Full time language immersion programme
  • Workbooks and support material
  • French lessons
Louise websize v2 ScaleWidthWzYwMF0

Get a quote for this trip ✅

Receive a no-obligation quote for your group from one of our educational travel experts.

Get a quote
Chateau inspection visit

Book an inspection visit

Join us on a subsidised visit to see the Château programme in action.

Enquire now

Why choose Voyager School Travel for your school trip?

You are in specialist hands

Our team use their teaching, language & destination experience to organise educational trips that are not only enriching but hassle-free. Read more →

Safety assured, bonded & accredited

As a member of the School Travel Forum & protected through ABTA & ATOL you can be sure of our high standards. Read more →

Trusted by teachers

Schools trust Voyager School Travel to organise the educational trips for over 32,000 passengers a year. Read more →

We deliver the educational elements

Signature educational experiences with our own language & activity instructors allow teachers to enjoy the trip too. Read more →

Stay at our own residential centres

Groups staying at our own residential centres in France will benefit from high quality learning, safety & service. Read more →

Our own overseas teams

Peace of mind knowing our French managers, instructors, coach drivers & support team will look after your every need. Read more →

For teachers who are serious about the educational outcomes of their school trip.

Contact us

Google Review Widget
;