Activities
Below is a list of activities and outdoor sessions available at the Château. They all provide a perfect situation for students to feel at ease using the French language, and include the learning/practice of verbs, actions, directions, instructions and vocabulary relevant to the immediate environment. They enjoy the activities so much they do not realise just how much they are learning
As far as possible all sessions are conducted in French, unless otherwise requested and depending on the age and French level of the student. All safety points will also be covered in English if necessary. Most sessions are followed up with a worksheet applicable to the students’ level. All safety equipment is supplied by the centre (e.g. helmets, harness) and sessions are run by our fully qualified and experienced staff.
Escalade (climbing)
Climbing sessions take place on the Château’s own climbing wall and is suitable for students of any age. After the issue of equipment and explanation of the safety procedures the students will climb various "routes" on the wall. They will use commands in French to each other and will learn and/or practice the parts of the body.
Exercises d'initiative (Initiative Exercises)
On location in the Château forest, tasks are set for each group to encourage the students to work together both mentally and physically. These team-building and problem-solving activities are challenging, fun and require good communication skills and a lot of team spirit.
Kayak/Radeaux (Kayak/Raftbuilding)
The kayaking is held on our small lake at the Château. Simple instructions are done in French and the students will master various skills in a very safe and fun environment. Students should be confident in water, but do not need to be excellent swimmers. Raft building is often tied together with "Kayak" and is a team building exercise, where the students get the task of making their own raft with some ropes and barrels and a lot of patience.
Course d’Orientation (Orienteering)
The students will be taught map reading in French using orienteering games and courses in The Chateau grounds. As well as using French language for features, directions and map symbols the team orienteering challenges will involve other French language quizzes as well as finding the control markers.
Parcours de Sante (Assault Course)
This very popular session is held on our purpose built assault course in the Château grounds. All explanation is done in French and each pupil repeats each statement/action before being allowed to do each obstacle. Ideal for practising popular verbs and the use of prepositions. Usually rather wet and muddy, the students enjoy finishing off the session with a run against the clock, whilst hearing and speaking French at all times.
Tir a l'arc (Archery)
Archery is conducted on the Château’s own archery range, where the students get a chance to be Robin Hood. After the obligatory safety talk and explanation of the equipment, the students shoot the arrows onto targets, an excellent opportunity to practice French numbers (scores) and directions. All this followed by a balloon shooting competition!
V.T.T (Mountain Biking)
Vélo tout terrain is excellent for the use of directions; tout droit, tourne à gauche etc. After the obligatory safety talk and issue of equipment, the students participate in a biking session involving a country route to a local café. Here they get the opportunity to practice their French by ordering and paying for a drink. Parts of the bike are explained in French as well as commands, directions, road safety etc.
Escrime (Fencing)
The Escrime takes place at the Chateau both indoors and outdoors and is an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to learn French in a safe and fun environment, as well as learning about the safety and the equipment. This activity also encourages the students to practices new phrases in French as well as Escrime itself being a fast and exciting sport.
Fabrication du Pain (Bread Making)
Suitable for all ages Break making is not just the a case of making bread it’s also a golden opportunity to practice your singing talents, students will be guided from the very beginning with simple French instruction and use of there journals. From the measuring of the flour to the kneading of the bread this activity will keep there enthusiasm going throughout and the chance to taste the fruits of there hard work as there bread is baked in time for there evening meal.
Mini beast Safari (Nature Trail)
With almost 100 acres off outstanding natural woodland and its very own river, this activity provides an unspoiled insight into French wild life and small creatures within the safety of the Chateau grounds. From dipping into the river to reveal small creatures to laying a white blanket under a bush and shaking the branches, to searching through the meadows with your magnifying glass. With the use of specially designed identification cards this gives students of all ages and abilities, to learn about the countryside and the names of many different creatures, thus expanding there knowledge of French. No creatures are hurt during this activity and returned to there natural habitat.
Photogramme (Photography)
In conjunction with Safari miniature this activity is designed to enhance the students knowledge of French whilst also enabling them to capture an image from there activity be it a leaf or a flower or there very own design, with our own dark room we can transport the image onto paper for the students to take away with them.
Circus skills
L'activité "Cirque" permet aux enfants de découvrir les Arts du cirque tant sur le plan artistique que technique : les enfants sont initiés au jonglage, au diabolo et autres instruments de manière ludique et pédagogique : le français parlé au cours de la séance est très varié et repose sur l'apprentissage des différents noms d'instruments (baton, balles, diabolo...), des verbes d'action (marcher, se déplacer...), les directions (à gauche, à droite, en haut, en bas...), les couleurs (orange, rouge, vert...), les chiffres(un, deux, trois...) ...: une toute nouvelle activité au Château qui remporte déja un vive succès près de nos groupes!
Aéroballe (Aeroball) 
Aeroball is a fun, totally unique sport! The trampoline-basketball-volleyball game is suitable for all ages and is played in two 2-man teams. Simple instructions are given in French and the students will have the chance to learn/practice the vocabulary for the body parts. It’s also a great opportunity to practice the numbers (scoring and counting down the end of the match). Aeroball is quickly becoming a favourite activity for students and teachers alike!