French exchange success for St Richards college

The school exchange link was originally set up by a former St. Richard's French teacher, Mary Robertson and teachers Virginie Marchez and Marie-Catherine Wasselynek from the "collge" in France.

Lower school pupils from St. Richard's have had the opportunity over the last decade to take part in the French exchange which has enabled them to learn the language in an authentic environment and also gain a deeper understanding of the customs and lifestyle of another European culture.

Successful exchanges over the last decade have led to friendships being established between the English and French pupils. Many pupils are still in contact with their French partners and have organised their own visits to one another.

At the start of March this year, a group of 23 pupils and two teachers from the French partner school came to spend five days with year 8 pupils at St. Richard's. The English pupils and their families welcomed and got to know the French pupils during their stay. The programme of activities included a bowling evening, some time in lessons at St. Richard's and a day trip to Brighton which included a visit to the Royal Pavilion.

Towards the end of March the English group, led by French teacher Stephanie Herring, will be embarking on the second stage of the exchange when a group of 24 year 8 pupils and three St. Richard's teachers will be travelling to France. They will be staying with host families and experiencing everyday life in France including time in the school and cultural visits.

St. Richard's looks forward to continuing the close links that have been established with their French partner school. The exchange has allowed large numbers of pupils over the years to benefit from experiencing language learning in an exciting and rewarding way.