On Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th February, the French Department was delighted to welcome fifty students and four teachers from our partner school, Institution St Jean in Douai, Northern France. Douai holds a special place in the history of St Edmund’s, as it is the town where the school began in 1568 with the establishment of the Collège des Grands Anglais. Having been warmly hosted by our colleagues in Douai over the past three years, it was wonderful to welcome them back to St Ed’s.
Throughout the visit, our French GCSE and A Level students enjoyed excellent opportunities to connect with their peers from France. Together they took part in discussions on topics ranging from music and social media to integration and multiculturalism, joined in language‑based games, and – of course – exchanged plenty of contact details!
Our visitors also immersed themselves in wider school life. They carried out titration experiments in Science with Miss Parks, enjoyed an introduction to Chinese with Miss Meng, and explored their dramatic side with Mrs Garwood through a series of lively drama games. They engaged in presentations and discussions in History and produced striking charcoal portraits in the Art Department. They also received an introduction to CCF and had great fun with some of our Grammar cadets on the flight simulators and during team‑building activities.
A particular highlight was a traditional English afternoon tea in the Ref, complete with homemade scones baked by our Head of German, Mrs Gardner, a classic Victoria sponge, and cups of tea enjoyed in true British style.
We are already looking forward to our biennial visit to Douai in December this year. Further details will be shared by Head of French, Mrs Harvey‑Keenan, after the half-term holiday.