Students from a Lowestoft high school were given the chance to experience a foreign culture during a 'fantastic' trip to France.
With 25 students and three staff members from Ormiston Denes Academy embarking on a week-long residential to south west France, it proved to be an unforgettable trip.
For many, it was their first time away from home and for others their first time abroad. After an 18-hour coach and ferry trip they went onto participate in numerous outdoor and adventurous activities as part of trip organised by Head of PE Stuart Aldous through sailing and adventure company Rockley.
The group camped out each evening and ate meals outside together, but the main focus was participating in three sessions a day of outdoor and adventurous activities such as sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, mountain biking, team building and a visit to the largest sand dune in Europe – with the Pyrenees in full view.
The project was self-funded by the students from years 8 and 9, who attended the trip along with the head of department and two other staff, Shelly Halsey and community sports coach Jim Keeble.
Ben Driver, the academy's Principal, is a huge advocate of these trips, with the belief that students should have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience different cultures.
The students ate frogs' legs and snails during a themed French evening, and tried their language skills on trips to the beach and nearby town.
Fran Catchpole, year 9 student, said: 'It was fantastic, please let us go again next year.'
'It's a trip I will remember for a very long time,' added year 8 student Josh Stothard.
Mr Aldous said: 'The students rose brilliantly to the challenge of the watersports and mountain biking, and had an amazing time.
'They experienced a foreign culture, language and currency while developing their personal and social skills through adventurous activities. The main benefits to the students were experiencing culture from another country, travelling abroad; many for the first time, camping and participating in water sports and outdoor adventurous activities.
'Students pushed themselves physically to their maximum potential and grew throughout the week.'
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