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

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."