Lifetime memories made as fantastic French trip brings joy to Arthur Terry Learning Partnership pupils
25 March 2024
Brookvale pupils enjoy the views from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.
Hundreds of pupils from across the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) created memories to last a lifetime when they enjoyed a primary school residential in France.
The five-day Year 6 trip to Paris featured 235 pupils from 11 schools, 35 staff and six coaches and was the fourth such visit to the French capital and beyond in ATLP history. The residential was open to all Year 6 students across ATLP primaries.
Pupils, who stayed at Chateau de Grande Romaine, were left in awe by many wonderful experiences including visits to Sacre-Coeur at Montmartre to enjoy culture and arts and trips to the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland and Stade de France.
One pupil from Osborne Primary School in Erdington remarked that the visit to Disneyland was “a dream come true”.
The ATLP holds this experience in very high regard and supports the trip financially to ensure all children who want to go can do so.
Suzie Norton, ATLP Primary Strategic Lead for the Central Hub, said: “This was a trip to savour for every single one of these pupils. Many have never experienced the joys of a ride in a theme park, so to do so in the magical Disneyland Paris and see so many famous landmarks with their friends has created memories to cherish forever.
“It’s wonderful to see the children’s imagination at work. When we were in the Channel Tunnel, we asked if anyone needed the toilet and one of the Mere Green pupils thought they were going to get wet if they left the coach. The explanation of what the Channel Tunnel is was education in itself.
“It was brilliant to watch the children practice their French language skills when buying crepes, waffles and souvenirs in shops and another great highlight was seeing the looks on faces when they set foot inside the Stade de France. Sitting in the dressing rooms alongside the Zidane and Henry shirts was incredible for many.
“All of the children were an absolute credit to their families and schools. After a visit to the Vimy War Memorial, a member of the French public even emailed our CEO to praise the behaviour and attitude of the pupils.
“It’s things like that that make all the hard work and effort which goes into planning a trip of this kind so worthwhile. In the weeks since returning to school, the children have not stopped talking about their experiences.”
Sam Prigg, Assistant Headteacher at Osborne Primary School, added: “It was another fabulous week. Thank you to everyone who has been so great at putting this together so our children can have such a wonderful experience.
“Hearing one of our pupils say that they’ve always dreamed of going to Disneyland just makes all the hard work that everyone puts in worthwhile. All the early mornings, the head counts and the “where’s your cap?” are completely worth it when you hear a comment like that!”
Pupils from, Brookvale, Coton Green, Curdworth, Greysbrooke, Mere Green, Osborne, Scotch Orchard, Slade, St Michael’s, Two Gates and William MacGregor primaries were all part of the French adventure.
Looking ahead to next year’s French trip, Suzie added: “We are really looking forward to welcoming children from St Chad’s next year, as well as children from our new primary schools who have joined us or who are joining ATLP very soon.
“I’d like to thank everyone who did so much to make this trip of a lifetime a reality for our pupils, including Nest Llewelyn-Cook for her amazing leadership and guidance and in particular office managers Leeann Fitzpatrick and Michelle Render who did so much great work behind the scenes. It was fantastic that both were able to join us this year and they are already planning next year’s fun!”
Main picture: Brookvale pupils enjoy the views from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.
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