The summer break came a little later for the students of St Joseph’s Catholic Academy who travelled to the Château du Molay in Normandy. Making the journey year after year from a little town just south of Newcastle, the school are no strangers to Travelbound’s exclusive accommodation situated just 9 miles south of Bayeux.
Here we take a look at their tour of Normandy and the experiences that not only shaped a trip to remember but supported the students in their personal and educational development.
You Caen do it!
The morning after arriving at the Château du Molay was an early one for the students of St Joseph’s. Making their way to Caen, the group eagerly dived into their trip with enthusiasm with the prospect of the market visit ahead of morning mass.
There are many elements that are unique about French markets. Most obvious are the opportunities for students to interact with native speakers in an environment that allows students to start off with language basics. Greetings, asking questions of how much or how many, numbers and phrases of courtesy all factor into market transactions and allow students to adjust to being amongst a different cultural setting.
Another key aspect of providing students with free time in a city like Caen is trusting them with independence. Setting a meeting place, a time and providing an area to explore like the market gives students the freedom they want to explore while putting in place boundaries to put Group Leaders’ minds at ease. As with any outdoor experience, it is the luck of the draw when it comes to weather, but it worked in St Joseph’s favour with the sun beaming down all day.
Opportunities for discussion
As the afternoon approached, so did a stop at the iconic Bayeux Tapestry before a visit to the British War Cemetery.
This visit to the cemetery epitomised how a school trip is a truly collaborative process. Working with friendly coach drivers keen to provide background to the region and events it has seen; a history teacher who explains what the students are seeing and the importance of remembrance; plus, students who listen attentively and appreciate the significance of visiting the site, the British War Cemetery was an eye-opening experience.
After gathering around the central monument and listening to their history teacher share background to the memorial, students were given the time to explore the cemetery and set about reading the headstones, realising that fallen soldiers had originated close to home and many were little than a year or two older (if they had not lied on papers to take up arms).
Students were asked what they had learnt, how they felt about what they had seen, and their thoughts on what life may have been like for a soldier during World War II. Their responses were both considered and thought-provoking which opened discussions with their peers.
Landing in Normandy
St Joseph’s second full day in Normandy saw the group explore the Normandy coastline. A quick stop at Longues-sur-Mer had students stunned at the scale of the battlements and how you can still see the impact of artillery on the landscape.
This stop highlighted another great attribute of school trips to Normandy. The region is packed with suitable cultural and subject-specific experiences where you will typically maximise the students’ time outside the classroom with little gems found on the way from one location to another.
The American Cemetery was one visit that almost had the students of St Joseph’s stop in their tracks. Rows upon rows of gravestones, some representing fallen Jewish American soldiers symbolised by the Star of David and pebbles resting upon their top. This was the true cost of war.
Combined with a trip to Omaha Beach, students assessed the stretch of coastline and saw the various difficulties soldiers would have faced during the landings. Running on the sand playing rounders is difficult enough without carrying a rifle and some supplies, and being shelled by mortar fire.
- See the type of excursions you can do in Normandy on a school trip
The importance of recreational activities
A quick trip to Arromanches before heading back to the Château du Molay to enjoy dinner and a snail tasting! This is a real Marmite activity but no matter which side of the fence you sit, you are guaranteed laughs. Witnessing the reactions of the St Joseph’s students and staff alike reminded you of the joy a school trip offers as it brings the group together.
Some go in strong and others a little more cautious when it comes to trying what is seen as a French delicacy. In amongst the humorous debates on what snails remind them of, it was an activity that certainly engrossed the students.
After dinner, the children enjoyed another evening activity taking place within the grounds of the Château du Molay. Split into mixed teams, the students competed in a series of fun activities led by the Travelbound onsite staff and supported by accompanying teachers. With all the running and laughter, students were sure to sleep well!
- Discover the indoor and outdoor activities available at the Château
School trips are an unmatched resource
On St Joseph’s final full day in Normandy ahead of travelling to Paris, the group made their way to Pegasus Bridge. There is an opportunity to also visit the Ranville War Cemetery holding Commonwealth soldiers due to its proximity; however, the Pegasus Bridge Museum has plenty to absorb.
The museum lends itself to the incredible story of the heroics shown by the 6th British Airborne Division during the Battle of Normandy from June to September 1944. Featuring the original Bénouville bridge (renamed Pegasus), cannons and a life-size replica of the Horsa glider, students were able to piece together the story of events that unfolded around the stronghold.
What was most noticeable about St Joseph’s students during the entire trip and not only to Pegasus Bridge was their inquisitive nature. There was a genuine desire to understand what was in front of them, question their teachers, listen to tour guides, and search out answers.
Pegasus Bridge Museum is filled with wartime equipment and memorabilia which highlight the clever inventions, daily necessities, and machinery required of the time. Students compared and contrasted what they saw with what we may see today; a foldable bike attached to the front of a truck, modified armoury, and insignias which live on through the battalions.
Following bowling in Caen, St Joseph’s returned to the Château du Molay for a BBQ in the evening sun ahead of their fancy dress competition and disco. The effort students and staff went to for the fancy dress was commendable and it re-emphasised the great spirit amongst the group to participate.
St Joseph’s adventure in Normandy shows how the perfect school trip not only relies on the ideal offering of the Château du Molay, but also the support of teachers enhancing their students’ learning beyond the classroom and students eager to experience history, food, language and culture.
- Explore our school trips to Normandy
“Consistently excellent service throughout the years for which the trip to the Château du Molay has been running, thank you.”
Liz, St Joseph’s Catholic Academy
If, like St Joseph’s Catholic Academy, you would like to find out more and experience a school trip to Normandy with a stay at our Château du Molay, you can get in touch on 01273 244 572 or request a quote now.
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