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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
FRENCH WORK EXPERIENCE TRIP TO ARMENTIÈRES
By the time we pulled into Armentières, anxiety had long
since transformed into terror. From this point on I cannot
speak for anyone but myself because we soon went our
separate ways, but I think the situation was similar for us all.
In my case, the dread was completely unfounded. I soon
remembered that I had spent 6 years learning French and I
found that the family were patient and helpful when it came
to listening to me struggling to express myself. We all became
used to the language remarkably quickly; when we met up in
Lille three days later we all initially found it difficult to stop
translating every thought into French. Experiences varied;
stories included awkward family arguments, nearby attempted
robberies, false accusations of shoplifting and one particularly
eccentric drinks salesman.
In June, some of the French A-Level students took part in a
week of work experience in and around the small town of
Armentières, near Lille in Northern France. Not only did we
have to survive for a week in the French workplace, each of
us had to stay, alone, with a genuine, card-carrying French
family. In the days leading up to the trip, we were all looking
forward to the prospect of honing our linguistic skills,
expanding our vocabulary and eating as many croquemonsieurs
as possible. As the Eurostar left London, however,
attitudes changed, and the gravity of the situation slowly
began to dawn on each one of us. The further from the
comfort of effortless communication we travelled, the more
we started to doubt ourselves: “What if I don’t get on with the
children?” “What is my boss going to make me do?” “How
do I ask for a spoon?”
The variety and unpredictable nature of working in a
completely foreign environment provided the kind of French
lesson that is impossible to
teach in the classroom. We
each returned to England after
six days feeling enriched, not
just linguistically, but culturally
and as people. That said, for
the first few days back on
home soil, discussions of all
things French were strictly offlimits.
Will Robinson (L5)
GRASMERE
On Saturday 7 th July excited pupils in the Second Year jumped
onto minibuses and headed for Cumbria. The Grasmere trip
was a great experience. Over the four days we took part in
many different activities from hiking over the Langdale Pikes
to getting absolutely drenched as we climbed up waterfalls in
Langdale. We had great fun swimming in Stickle Tarn where
we tried, but failed, to push the instructors in. The sun shone
for three of the four days we were away which made the trip
all the more enjoyable. We also mastered kayaking on
Derwent Water and went rock climbing indoors at Keswick. A
fantastic time was had by all.
Sarah Stretton (2R)
Trips 63