Elbeuf Work Experience Trip a Success!

The 2013 Elbeuf Work Experience Trip was a resounding success with all participants representing the school excellently whilst abroad. Students delivered English language lessons to primary school students, spent time in the local secondary school (Lycée André Maurois) on Saturday morning, and settled into life with their French families. The last day consisted of a trip to Paris where Monet was viewed, la Seine was sailed and the Eiffel Tower was climbed. Not bad for a day trip! The weather held out too. Lucky given the snow and rain that had fallen the previous week. Well done to all participants for doing us proud. (The staff too had their work cut out as they spent the week driving around the French countryside visiting students. A sat nav came in very handy!) Miss Hardman, Miss Figueira and Jessica Paboudjian.

European Week of Languages

Today the MFL department led an assembly on why it is important to learn languages. As part of that assembly some of the students gave testimony as to why they enjoy learning languages and the Weald of Kent, describing also some of the benefits of the trips they have been on. Here is one student's account:

I first chose to go to France on the basis of how much my sister enjoyed it and the fact that I wanted to study A level French, despite not being very confident in speaking it. However, taking part in the French Work Experience has been very beneficial for my language speaking and understanding skills. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is passionate about languages, as it really builds your confidence in being able to speak a foreign language. The trip can also increase independence as you are constantly given the freedom to spend your own free time however you would like, instead of having a programme of activities like lower down in the school. I took my guitar with me and sang with the primary and nursery school children, teaching them songs such as Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes, which proved very popular. This was an incredible experience and taught me that there are so many ways to get over language barriers that don’t involve speaking the language, although studying French for 5 years did come in handy!

Just like everyone else on the exchange, I made a long-term friendship with my exchange partner Priscilia, as well as all of the other French partners that were involved in the visit. From going over in June, she has already come back to England once and I am returning to Elbeuf in October with a few others to see them again. This was a truly incredible experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

Nous sommes de retour!

The Elbeuf work experience trip (25 June - 1st July 2011) has had another successful year, providing students in year 11/12 the opportunity to teach English to primary school students in Elbeuf, near Rouen in France. They also spend their free time with very accommodating families and a day in Paris takes place on the Wednesday. Miss Hardman was very proud of how the girls conducted themselves in the work environment and many long term friendships have been developped. Student reviews to follow but here are some photos of the trip for a taster.


Mlle Hardman practising her French by buying tickets for the group to go up the Eiffel Tower!











One of the views from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Proof! We climbed 700 steps (including the top one!) to get to the second floor.

Our exchange school "le Lycée André Maurois".

Austausche, die wir immer in Erinnerung behalten

A week ago, five other students of AS German and I returned to England after spending a week in Wiesbaden. Whilst in Wiesbaden, we all had very different experiences, which were largely shaped by the type of work experience placement each of us had. Personally, I carried out my work experience in a museum, where I had the chance to learn all about tourism, the way the museum worked and the exhibits themselves, as well as completing a complex, philosophical translation concerning the relevance of women to the meaning of wisdom. In addition, I also assisted in the museum’s education department, which provided me with an opportunity to see how children acquire language and to improve my own basic vocabulary.

The other placements took place in a kindergarten, primary school, hotel, theatre and newspaper, where the tasks were varied but the hours short enough to allow us plenty of time to spend both with each other and our host families. During the weekend, we were all taken to Frankfurt as well as various other places, which was an excellent opportunity to visit a new place and get to know our exchange partners better. As a group, we visited the cinema, received a tour of the town and were treated to luxury cakes. The importance of foreign links was emphasised at a reception at the town hall, where we realised how privileged we were to have such an opportunity. For me, this was one of the highlights of the week, because I was invited to make a speech thanking all of those involved in the exchange, which I know I would never have had the ability to do a year ago.

Overall, we all agreed that our spoken language has improved considerably as a result of the exchange in a way that it would never have done by merely sitting in a classroom; we were exposed to many registers of speech and had to think quickly in numerous situations. In addition, the way of life allowed us to become more independent and confident whilst in a foreign country, and many of us have made friends and connections which will hopefully be a part of our futures.

Ich hoffe, dass viele andere Schüler in der Zukunft solche Möglichkeiten haben werden. Wir möchten noch einmal unserer fleißigen Lehrerin danken.

Bis zum nächsten Mal!

Teachers Learn New Things Too!

During the French Elbeuf exchange, I produced an invoice for the French partner school in order to settle accounts for the first part of the trip. Not knowing the exact title of the French finance office worker in the French school I used the general term: "financier" for the signatory section of the invoice. However, what I learned during the week is that the term "financier" can also mean a small cake! The same term for finacial person appeared on the gift that I received from the French teacher for allowing her to stay with me during the week. This proves that Teachers Learn New Things Too! Another reason why exchange trips are a good thing.

Miss Hardman

Elbeuf Exchange 17-25 mars 2011

We have just said "Au revoir" to our exchange partners from Elbeuf near Rouen in France. Student reviews of the trip to follow, but for now why not read the French teacher accounts of their stay here from the French school's website "Lycée André Maurois":

23rd March - Day in Tunbridge Wells

21st March - Day in London

22nd March - Day in school with partners

Mlle Hardman

Successful Videoconference - Elbeuf Work Experience Exchange

Today we held a successful videoconference between our students going on the French Elbeuf Work Experience Exchange and their partners. Students were introduced to their new partners for the first time on camera where a small exchange took place between them. Time was tight due to the time difference -we only had a 15 minute window! - however, we got through a lot of introductions and this brought life to the exchange earlier than it would have been physically possible. Well done to both sides!

Successful Videoconference with France!

On the 31/03/10 we held a successful videoconference between the French and English sides of our French work experience exchange. We set up 15 web cams on our side, with the students sharing in pairs, whilst the French side used one web cam interchanging the students as they took their place to speak. Time was tight given the only mutually convenient time was 8.30 am to 9.00am that morning. However, 10 of the students from the Weald of Kent Grammar School held conversations in French with their corresponding partners in France. The English students used the time to ask questions in French to the French students about their on coming stay in France in June. At first the students were nervous to take part and speak on camera, however, they were eventually encouraging us to use as much of the time as possible to allow as many students to take part. All in all a successful videoconference which we hope to follow up with another before June so the French side can practise their English.

This has been a very successful use of our recent purchase of 15 web cams for the MFL department and we hope to integrate their use into other exchanges across the department. Videoconferences provide authentic language experiences for our students to develop their confidence with languages.

JAPAN TRIP FEBRUARY 2010

Going to Japan was a surreal cultural experience. The sites in Japan are unique and spectacular, the Buddah was especially amazing. Having stayed in Tokyo, Miyajima and Kyoto we experienced the hospitality of the Japanese people everywhere we went. As a group we were welcomed into their society and took part in several traditions and routines. Japan was the best experience, especially staying with the host families as you could get a real feel for Japanese culture, which was very different to England. The fact that you have so many different shoes to wear in houses and hotels and also the food was a new, exciting experience. Going to Japan was a trip none of us will forget.

Year 11 GCSE group

Videoconference Preparations

In the languages dept we have been practising with Flashmeeting - and online videoconference tool - in order to link with our exchange partners inbetween visits. Miss Sheehan and Miss Figueira have both been getting to grips with it, and Miss Hardman has been also practising with a teacher in France involved with the Elbeuf work experience exchange. Plans are in place to test the technology between the English and French school sites, with the student videoconference planned prior to our visit to France in June.

Year 10 German Exchange, May 2009

Our Year 10 students went to stay with their German partners from the Beethoven Gymnasium, our German partner school in Bonn, in May this year. Luckily we had great weather most of the time so our excursions were really good. We went on a double-decker train from Bonn to Düsseldorf where we saw the really expensive shops as well as visiting the 21st century art museum.

Some students went with their families to Fantasialand which is one of the biggest theme parks in Germany and others went to Aqualand which is a huge water park.

Another day out was a trip down the river Rhine by coach to a picturesque village called Bacharach where we embarked on a cruise boat and sailed up river to the Marksburg castle. The picture shows a view from the castle battlements down on to the river. It is one of the few castles in Germany which has furniture and interior decoration. We saw the medieval kitchen, the bedroom complete with a very short bed with curtains (they believed you should not sleep lying down in case you did not wake up again) and a baby’s crib, cannons with their muzzles pointing down to the river, a herb garden and the torture chamber.

We went to the school one morning which was very different from Weald of Kent, not least because it started at 8am and finished at 1.15. On our last day we took the train again, this time to Cologne. Lots of us climbed to the top of the cathedral tower which was over 400 steps and from where, once we had got our breath back, we had a fantastic view over the city. We then had time to look around the shopping streets and spend the rest of our money.

The students had a great time with their partners and families and learned such a lot of German during their stay.

Work Experience in France - Student Feedback

Let me first start by saying that I never chose Weald of Kent aged eleven because it specialised in languages, but by the end of year ten I found that language was definitely something that I wanted to be a part of my future, and in comparison to other schools in our area Weald of Kent offers the most outstanding opportunities for language students. One of which is doing work experience in France.

Although the emphasis of ‘work experience’ is usually the aspect of ‘work’ I found that the entire ‘experience’ was what made the trip particularly rewarding. Working in France really offers a unique insight into a completely different way of life and gives a rare opportunity to really appreciate another culture. I found my colleagues more than enthusiastic to talk to me about the way things work in France and, having actually experienced it for myself, I now understand and appreciate it to a level far above and beyond just reading from a textbook. As I personally worked in two different placements, a town hall and a library, I was also able to experience as much as possible in a short space of time.

Needless to say, in terms of language I feel much improved and more than anything a lot more confident in my skills which I feel will do nothing but help me as I begin my A2 year of French.
Besides the language and cultural aspect of the trip, it was genuinely fun and even after five years at the same school we all found that we made lots of new friends and memories which are in many ways just as valuable as anything else. It was really one of those experiences that we just didn’t want to end.

I think the scariest thing about the work experience was actually being brave enough to go. This wasn’t helped by the fact that I was met with a look of horror and disbelief whenever I mentioned ‘France’ and ‘work experience’ in the same sentence. However, once I was there I felt completely supported by my colleagues, French family, friends and teachers. Everyone in the workplace seemed just as interested in “une anglaise” as I was in them and although I was sad to leave, I know that I made international connections that are invaluable for my future in languages. Alice yr 11 2009

In June 2009 I took part in one of the biggest challenges of my life so far. I spent a week in Elbeuf, France on work experience at a local primary school. Having decided not to carry on French after GCSE in year 10 along with the rest of the people on the exchange, I was pretty nervous, however I was thankful that I was paired up with an AS student.

As we walked across the playground for the first time, the children were all amazed. It was as if we were aliens. They pointed and whispered “L’Anglais”. This interest in us did not die down over the week though. You could guarantee that that at each break or lunch there would be a small (or large) group of group of children gathered round you, keen to try out their best English, asking who you’re going to eat lunch with or whether Mr Oakley is your dad or simply babbling on in French about their favourite music or hobbies.

Throughout the week we travelled round each class in the school, ranging from five and six year olds up to eleven and twelve year olds. In each class we would introduce ourselves in English and answer some of their questions the best we could, even when one asked us, “is this a cat?” We would then teach them a bit of English and even teach them English songs such as “heads, shoulders, knees and toes” which became very popular and was requested all round the school by both teachers and students. We also had fun reading them books and teaching them English games which proved very hard to explain, especially in French. On the last day at the school, I even had to write about 20 autographs!

This trip was not only great fun but was also very rewarding when you improve their English and your own French. It is also very rewarding when you get home and realise that you survived a working week in a foreign country, and enjoyed it! I would recommend this trip to anyone who wishes to gain valuable work experience. Chloe Yr 11 2009

I have to admit, during the weeks leading up to the exchange, I did wonder occasionally how I was ever going to make it through a week in a French Primary school, but now I can’t believe I ever had doubts!

The most rewarding thing about working in the primary school was the reception that the children gave me. I was amazed at just how attentive they were while I taught them “Baa- Baa Black sheep,” read them “Little Red Riding Hood,” and answered their questions about England. It made me feel very proud that they would come up to me during play-time and sing “Baa- Baa Black Sheep” back to me, as it proved that they had really listened and enjoyed my teaching. At first, it was extremely difficult to understand their questions when they all tried to talk to me at once in very excited, quiet French! However, by the end I found that most of the time I could understand their questions, and was used to hearing variations on the question “comment dit-on … en anglais?” at least fifty times a day!

I was very sad to leave the pupils and teachers of Ecole Louis Pergaud, and was overwhelmed by the number of children that surrounded me for a goodbye kiss when I was leaving, asking when I was coming back, and waving pictures they had drawn for me and notes on the theme “MADDY, JTM!” (JTM being an abbreviation of Je T’aime) and so I received a solid education in French text language too!

Even if at first doing my work experience in France seemed like a daunting prospect, in the end it was absolutely worth it! Not only am I more confident in speaking and understanding the French language, but I have also improved my overall confidence, and made new friends. Maddie Yr 11 2009

When the opportunity of going to France came up I jumped at the chance. I got rather excited about going to France, the week before the French exchanges arrived for their week in England. I immediately formed a friendship with my exchange partner. This was just one less thing that I would have to worry about. At this point the work experience part hadn’t registered into my mind properly yet. Then it dawned on me I would actually have to speak French in a French School. The idea seems very daunting, however I was reassured by friends who had already been through the experience, that it is a wonderful experience working in a foreign country. I got rather apprehensive as my first day at work became closer and closer. It began on Monday 22nd June. The minute I stepped on to the playground of “Ecole Elementaire de la Londe” I felt an enormous welcome from the children. They swarmed like bees around me. I was the “new” person at the school. They were obviously prepared. The members of staff greeted me and I introduced myself.

The first class I went into was CM1, the English equivalent of Year 5. Their first lesson with Madame Duhamel was French. I thought to myself great getting to learn French in a primary school, little did I know that the French language had more tenses than I could ever imagine. The “Passe Simple” could not have possibly confused me more. Next was Maths a subject you can understand in almost any language, decimals was their first assignment.

During the course of the week children would come up to me to ask rather childish questions for example “How do you say Lucie in English?” They all expected something extravagant, but was quite disappointed to find out there wasn’t that much of a difference. There were so many great memories with the children that I hope to cherish. I was also able to visit CM2, equivalent to year 6. They seemed more mature, I was given the opportunity to help with their English lesson which was a brilliant experience. I found out that for 11 year olds their level of English was much higher than mine in primary school or even at the age of eleven. I probably just managed to say “Hello, my name is...”. I found it rather odd that in the school that English is a big part of their curriculum. Another fond memory that will definitely be kept is when I showed a picture of the Royal Family, they were able to pick out the Queen. The teacher then asked “What is Buckingham Palace?” One child put their hand up very confidently said “It’s a Casino.” Then another child shouted “No it’s a Hotel.” At this point the teacher, rather embarrassed reassured the two children that it was neither a casino or a hotel it is in fact the Queens’ residence. Later they thoroughly took advantage of my presence, they began to quiz me on my Chinese background. The question varied from “Why do Chinese family prefer boys?” to “Can you sing the Chinese alphabet? ”, which doesn’t exist. It was a pleasure to be able to explain and let them explore a different culture although I had never thought of it before.

Luckily I was also able to interact with CE1 and CP, children aged 6 and 7. They were an entirely different experience from the older kids, they required more patience and attention. I had the opportunity to read to them which they enjoyed very much.

Along with patience one of the key skills that you need with children, I have also improved my confidence levels as I was required to be confident in introducing myself and be confident in my French. The experience has improved my French speaking , along with my French listening. Another skill I have definitively improved is being flexible. I was not given much notice about what class I was going to or what I was doing so I had to adapt what I had to what age children I was teaching.

The whole experience lasted just 4 days but it has made me consider working with children. I have learnt many skills during this work experience the most important one especially with children is patience and understanding. In conclusion this was a truly awesome experience, to be able to work in a foreign country is a feat in itself. The opportunity to see how a school works is another. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to work in abroad in the future as there is a choice of place to work or specifically working with kids in general. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I would recommend to everyone. Maggie Yr 11 Student

On Saturday 20th June 2009 I went to France, near Elbeuf on an exchange and for work experience. As I had not studied A/S French it was a daunting experience but my language came back to me and improved drastically!

My French exchange partner and I grew a fantastic friendship and although our language limited conversations sometimes, we helped each other and learnt a lot from each other. We have arranged future exchanges and visits as we do not want to lose contact and it will continue to build and improve my French.

The work experience aspect of the trip was also extremely valuable. Working with the French children was thoroughly enjoyable and gave me a chance to see how small children express themselves differently to teenagers and adults. Although the pupils spoke fast, it tested my French and gave me a chance to use my language in a working environment. When working with the children I was able to teach them English songs such as ‘heads, shoulders, knees and toes’, games and I worked through worksheets with them that I had made for them to learn English vocabulary. I also helped teach maths and physical education in French and was able to work one on one with an autistic child who refused to work and I helped him with his maths work.

All in all, the trip was a fantastic experience and something I would thoroughly recommend. Not only did my language improve but I learnt a lot about French culture and how a French school runs. The exchange was brilliant! Abbi Yr 11 2009

Year 9 French Exchange, Buc 20-27 May 2009

On est de retour! We have just come back from another successful exchange trip to Buc near Paris. Instead of the teachers writing up the experience we asked our Weald students to answer a few questions about what they learned about France and the French during their stay.

Enjoy their responses below:



What were our best bits?

The hot weather.
The Paris boat ride.
Visiting Eurodisney.
Visiting the school.
Meeting great new people.
Becoming closer to people.
The P.E. lesson at school.
The Eiffel Tower (4 km high!).
Everything apart from leaving.
Visiting the gardens of Versailles.
Experiencing a different house and lifestyle.
The whole trip was immense and I didn't want to leave.
Visiting Montmartre with my French family on the weekend.
Staying in with my French family in the evenings and playing games.


What new French phrases did we learn?

Vraiment? (Really?)
On y va! (Let’s go!)
Je suis désole (I am sorry)
Je suis fatigué (I am tired)
J’ai une rhume (I have a cold)
À demain (see you tomorrow)
La même chose (the same thing)
De rien (no problem / it’s nothing)
Tourne à gauche/droite (Turn left/right)
Tu as bien dormi? (Did you sleep well?)
Je me suis trompé de chemin (I went the wrong way)
Vous prenez la carte bleue? (Do you accept debit card ?)
As-tu besoin de quelque chose? (Do you need anything ?)
Je regrette, je ne comprends pas. (I’m sorry, I don’t understand)
Je voudrais boire quelque chose (I would like to drink something)
Je voudrais du pain s’il vous plait ( I would like some bread please)
Quand est-ce que je peux prendre une douche? (When can I have a shower ?)

Familiar language

Quoi? (What?)
Salut! (Hi / bye)
Tu veux? (Do you want [some / any]?)
Allez, allez, vite, vite ! (Go / hurry / quickly!)
T’as vu ? - familiar form of : Tu as vu ? (Did you see?)



What did we learn about French culture / way of life?

La Nourriture!
Snails are nice.
They always eat bread.
They eat cereal out of mugs.
They don't drink fresh milk.
They eat cheese at most meals.
They put vinegar on their salad.
They eat a lot later than we do at home.
They drink coffee out of breakfast bowls.
They eat salade either before or after dinner.
They have a starter, main and dessert course every day.

Au collège Martin Luther King
They start school at 8.00 a.m.
The teachers were really strict.
They don't wear a uniform at school.
They aren't allowed to talk in lessons.
They learn history and geography together at school.

En général
The houses are different.
Lots of them speak English.
The French are really hospitable
The toilets are in a different room to the bathroom.
They kiss each other, even when they meet strangers.