Year 10 work experience pupil, Keegan, tells us about the school's recent trip to Paris.
On the 7th April, staff and pupils from Malet Lambert started their trip to Paris. They left the school site at around 21:00, travelling to Folkestone, where they then crossed the English Channel, on the EuroStar, to arrive in Calais.
From there, it was a two and a half hour drive to the French capital. Pupils were able to get breakfast from cafes when they stopped, half way between the two cities, many experiencing French cuisine, such as croissants and other delicacies.
There was no rest or stopping however, as everyone was immediately taken to the world famous, ‘Le Louvre’ art gallery and museum. Pupils were able to experience the magnificent art work that the gallery had to offer, some even saw the critically acclaimed Mona Lisa.
From here, everyone travelled to the well-known perfume producer and museum, Fragonard. It was a long walk but allowed pupils to witness French culture, visiting many different French shops and talking to local residents.
Fortunately, the weather was fantastic, which also made the trip more enjoyable. Once they arrived, pupils were able to explore the history of perfume and fragrances as well as being able to sample those that Fragonard had to offer.
They departed the museum and headed towards the Paris Metro, which transported everyone to the hotel. After eating dinner, pupils were able to relax in their rooms, or go into the hall and sit with their friends. Many ate snacks or played cards.
The second day started early, with pupils up and ready before 08:00. After everyone had eaten breakfast, some returned to collect bags and bottles of water for the day ahead, as it was due to be 25 degrees.
Originally planned was a tour of Paris, however that had to be rescheduled due to the Paris Marathon, so instead, the group visited Sacré-Cœur, the renowned cathedral in the centre of Paris. Many photos were taken of the beautiful landscape of Paris that could be viewed from the top of the hill as well as group photos.
Small groups were taken around the church; pupils were amazed at the interior decoration of the building. Shortly after, everyone watched a religious service and returned back down the hill, where some pupils had the opportunity to shop or buy something to eat.
Everyone was then taken to the Stade de France, the stadium where clubs such as the French National Rugby Team play. A guided tour allowed access to the changing rooms, training rooms, holding cells and the tunnel that led out onto the pitch itself.
The meal that night was at the Hard Rock Café, where music fans could experience first-hand, the rich culture of music, and to be surrounded by memorabilia and instruments.
In a rush, everyone headed to the River Seine, where for an hour and a half, they travelled around Paris by water, witnessing the iconic buildings and architecture. As the sun set, pupils got a beautiful view of Paris from above as they visited one of the tallest buildings in the city, Montparnasse.
The third day could be regarded as the best; many pupils were looking forward to going to Disneyland. Once more, everyone was up and ready before 08:00, some going down to breakfast whilst others continued to get ready.
On the way to Disneyland, the coach was alive with chatter, some pupils singing, others just simply talking about the plan for the day. When they arrived, groups of pupils split off into smaller groups, making plans and agreeing to meet up later for lunch.
At midday, restaurants began to fill up with hungry customers; many pupils had already eaten, and were beginning to decide on what ride to go on next. By the end of the day, Mr Longwa and other staff were surrounded by Disneyland bags, filled with soft toys or gifts for friends and family at home.
Once everyone had returned, they waited eagerly for the parade. Finally, they headed back to the hotel, many pupils tired and hungry.
Mr Bell had organised a quiz on the evening, which everyone participated in. The scores were close, however the group that was victorious was “TRACK TEAM”, consisting of Year 10 pupils; Ellie, Rachel, Rhiannon, Cora and Keegan. After this, pupils returned to their rooms to finish packing.
Once pupils had their luggage loaded onto the coach, they embarked on the rescheduled tour of Paris, seeing French police on horseback and the gothic Notre Dame cathedral. They were dropped off outside ‘Le Louvre’ again.
This time they descended into the shopping centre beneath the museum. Pupils had the opportunity to buy gifts. One Year 10 student, Will, wowed visitors with his musical skills on a piano, in one of the shops. After a quick lunch in a McDonalds opposite, everyone headed towards the famous shopping avenue, Champs-Élysées.
This was the final opportunity pupils had to buy gifts or any items they wished before returning. After an hour of shopping, the group headed towards the Eiffel Tower, where they stopped in a local restaurant.
Some pupils tried snails or other traditional French meals. Whilst waiting for the coach, pupils sang, with staff joining in, until everyone piled back onto the bus, ready for the long journey back.
Everyone slept the majority of the way home, only waking when stopping in service stations. The group arrived back at school at 08:00 on Wednesday morning.
"The trip to Paris really helped me; it widened my knowledge of the French language and culture. My ability to speak in French has also improved, as I have had practise talking to locals. All of this will help me when doing class work and in my GCSE exams. I’ve not only gained knowledge about France but I have made some fantastic memories and it is an experience I will never forget."