A Cross-Curricular Journey to Northern France

In December 2025, just before the end of the winter term, a group of students from Years 10, 11 and 13 set off for a festive visit to Northern France. The trip was a cross-curricular collaboration, bringing together our GCSE French linguists and Travel and Tourism students from both Key Stage 4 and the Sixth Form.

Language and Culture in the Heart of Lille

The journey began with an early start at school, but the spirits were high as we crossed the channel. Our first major stop was the centre of Lille for the famous Christmas Market. Surrounded by festive lights and traditional wooden chalets, the town provided a perfect backdrop for our linguists to put their skills to the test.

Students spent the afternoon exploring the stalls and speaking with local vendors to buy gifts and sample French treats. It was great to hear our students discussing the differences between authentic French baguettes and the ones they find at home in Woodley. For many, the highlight was the chance to practice their conversational French in a real-world setting, building the confidence that is so important for their upcoming GCSE exams.

Culinary Bravery at the Chateau

After a busy afternoon in Lille, we travelled to our accommodation at a traditional French manor. Evening meals on these trips are always an event, and this year was no exception. While most enjoyed a familiar dinner of fish and chips, the evening also called for a bit of culinary bravery.

A number of students and staff took the opportunity to try snails for the first time. It has become something of a rite of passage for Bulmershe students visiting France. It was wonderful to see them approaching new experiences with such a positive and adventurous attitude.

World-Class Tourism at Nausicaá

The following day was spent at Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer, which is the largest aquarium in Europe. This was a particular highlight for our Travel and Tourism students. They were able to observe how a world-class visitor attraction operates on a grand scale, from the logistics of the interactive exhibits to the management of the massive shark tanks and sea lion displays.

Before heading back to the ferry, we made a final stop at a large French supermarket. This gave the students one last chance to use their language skills and stock up on French delicacies (mostly more baguettes!) to take home to their families.

A Credit to the School

Throughout the two-day trip, our students showed great maturity and curiosity. They were excellent ambassadors for The Bulmershe School, whether they were navigating a busy market or exploring the deep-sea exhibits at the aquarium.

These trips are so valuable because they allow students to see a different way of life up close. Some had full conversations in French, others experienced a professional tourism environment in action and everyone returned home with stories to share. We are very grateful to the staff who organised the visit and ensured it was such a positive experience for everyone involved.