Teachers resources » Newsletter - January 2009 » November 2008
A trip to France should be all about speaking French as well as having fun, and at the Chateau we aim towards 100% immersion. Unlike some in our marketplace, we employ exclusively French native speakers, and all activities are delivered in the local language: pupils who may be self conscious speaking within the classroom often find that the parcours de sante brings out a new found confidence! All of our animateurs are trained not only to deliver the adventurous activities to the rigorous UK safety standards, but to pitch and adapt the French to the individual group, encouraging students to use the vocabulary and language appropriately, and wherever possible. (read more)
Meal times are hugely important in France and at the Chateau we make them special too. All groups have dedicated dining tables within one of our rooms, larger groups have a room to themselves; 3 course meals are served with a full meal presentation by our 'animateurs' focussing on relevant vocabulary. Food is local traditional French fare, with some more familiar items for less adventurous pupils. We expect meal times to be un-rushed and full of conversation (preferably in French) and encourage all to sit back and enjoy. Menus are varied, and of course we cater for specific dietary and medical needs. (read more)
New for 2009, our latest accommodation block, Pavilion de Normandy, is currently being 'topped out' and will be ready for the first guests in early summer 2009. Along with state-of-the-art student rooms and adjoining en suite teachers facilities, this new building also encompasses brand new dining facilities.
Our portfolio of loyal clients is dominated by leading schools, many of whom have travelled since our company's inception. Travelling year on year, we have built up wonderful relationships with the party leaders, and their feedback allows us to hone our products and courses, fine tuning them each year. We are not constrained by a big and cumbersome organisation as are some in France; we can be flexible and create a unique platform meeting the needs of Common Entrance requirements, GCSE and A level. Additionally, many schools use the Chateau for an Autumn Term trip when there are large numbers of new entrants to a year group. As well as being fun and great for team building and cohesion, the language input also consolidates previous exposure to French providing an ideal stepping stone for future learning. (read more)
Of course, our main focus is to enhance your pupils French ability; their confidence, vocabulary and grammar. However, our courses have extraordinarily strong cross curricular links too, reinforcing the benefit of the trip in other areas of your students education. PE and PHSE, History, Art, Science are integral to the trip, and the experience of being abroad with a peer group is itself a learning opportunity. In these competitive times, our courses are a viable alternative to 'single emphasis' trips and when promoting a trip to parents, it is great to be able to identify so many other layers to the course, demonstrating excellent value for money.
Many schools travel with us following a recommendation, but we still believe that it is only by seeing a venue for yourself that you can tell if it is appropriate for your group. We operate an 'Open House' policy and encourage teachers to try to visit before they make a financial commitment to their first trip. We are delighted to accommodate you and your family, to show you around and to talk you through a provisional programme. You'll really get a feel for the place, and of course, have a 'heads up' before you arrive with your pupils! Simply call us to make the arrangements!