Tuesday 14 October 2014









French exchange Kieran

It was very nice being in lessons on the first day because we learnt a lot about french culture and food. The tour of the school was very interesting because we were able to see how different a modern school is compared to ours. French lessons must be much better to teach and easier, because the facilities are much better. However there is a major weakness in biology, because somehow the students don't learn about the dangers of smoking. However, the facilities are debatably overused as students are at school for 9 hours a day, meaning the their attitude towards learning is hindered due to such long periods of time. 
On the second day, we enjoyed a visit to Strasbourg, learning all about the famous cathedral and the town's history. 

Friday 10 October 2014

Strasbourg

We met at eight to take the coach to Strasbourg. The journey was uneventful except for the chorus of "Are we there yet?" which was deliberately chosen to drive me mad.
We had a look at the impressive cathedral and I recommended to Sajid and Patrick that they try and see the astronomical clock which I knew they would both find interesting. We walked through to La Petite France which is full of timbered houses which are typical of Alsace. Everyone split up with the pupils going off in a big group - McDonald's was mentioned, but by the French rather than our pupils. 
When we met up again Jasmine had a lovely new umbrella hat to protect her from the rain.
In the afternoon we went to the Conseil d'Europe and had a talk about what the organisation does and we were able to see the main meeting room and ask questions about the work that took place. The guide asked if anyone played the piano as when a representative from each country stops being president of the council they give a present and there was a beautiful piano that they could play. Ben said he did but needed a bit of encouragement to play. It was in the central mezzanine area which connected the whole building. Ben sat down to play and when he stopped we realised that he had reduced the guide to tears, so impressed was she with his playing. It took a lot of courage to do an impromptu 3 minute recital in front of strangers and he played beautifully.

Lycée Jean Zay

We all met at the cantine at 8 o'clock to have a breakfast of croissants, rolls, cereal and coffee or chocolate. The two groups stayed fairly separate with the exception of Sajid who sat with five of the French pupils. The two deputies and the head came to see us and the head took photos, including one of everyone jumping in the air much to our consternation.
The French went off to lessons while we went to the CDI to write about our first impressions. Madame Lalloz was impressed with the levels of French of all the pupils and I have to say it was the most productive group I've ever taken. Patrick got particular praise for using the perfect subjunctive correctly with no help which she said most French pupils wouldn't be able to do. 
There was a tour of the new lycée and Ruby was able to show Ben the correct way to hold a baby when we were in the social care rooms as he seemed to be struggling. We were also impressed by the 3D printers that we saw in technology. All the pupils remarked on how bare the walls were but the brand new building is impressive.
Then it was in to lessons and pupils enjoyed taking part in maths (they understood nothing) and English amongst other things. Billy, Patrick and Luke had to talk about their hero to the English class which was quite nerve racking. 
A lot of pupils are in the cantina at lunchtime and we met Florian who was on the last exchange last year. He had a chat with Isobel and some of the others and reminded us of the slang that our group taught the French last year.
In the afternoon we were more split up with some of our group being able to go home early as their partners' teacher was absent - a novel experience for our side. Some were their till five because their partner finished at the normal time.

Day one

The day we travelled passed virtually without incident. Everyone was in plenty of time for the train, which was just as well when we realised Luke had forgotten his passport, despite the constant reminders I had given for fear of just such an eventuality. Having just left, his poor mum had to redo the whole trip, this time with his passport.
All the train journeys went smoothly and I even managed the steps at the Gare de l'Est with my huge case despite Heather telling everyone that I nearly fell down them last year and to watch out for a catastrophe as it is nearly as big as I am.
The highlight of the journey had to be when Billy foiled a crime. Having had no coins to use the toilets in the Gare de l'Est and with the train just announced, Billy hovered outside the toilet in the carriage, which was permanently locked. We thought maybe it was locked while we were still in the station but, when the guard came past and saw Billy's predicament, it was clear that he was unaware of any issues. Two of the guards broke the door to discover two men crammed into a tiny cubicle; Billy had prevented two fare dodgers from getting away with their plan and was the hero of the group!
As predicted,  with half an hour to go, there was lot of last minute practice of useful French phrases and  Luke questioned his sanity in having chosen to take part. They did all leave with their partner's families without too many tears when it came time to split up.

Thursday 9 October 2014

Billy's guy julieen is ill so Billy's been put with Maxine Luke's partner. Billy has been in lessons with Maxine, Tom, Patrick and Luke. #topbanter #bantersquad

Wednesday 8 October 2014

#bantersquad

Lads on tour! Been here 3 hours and billy has already solved a crime,lad #peak
Top banter from the squad. #ydk 
it's been an absolutely bonkers time. All the kids have been pretty mental too,we never stop talking!!!!! It has all been too good to be true, I just hope we can continue having luxury high quality banter!!!