Deep dive into D-Day on Normandy chateau trip

Fifty of QE’s younger pupils joined four sixth-formers to learn together about the Normandy landings in a new activity arranged especially for their summer visit to France.

The Lower School boys and French A-level students were on the School’s long-running trip to the Château de la Baudonnière in Normandy – an action-packed week of French language, culture, history, and adventure.

In previous years, QE groups have visited the Bayeux Tapestry, but since that is currently on loan to the British Museum, this year’s trip organisers seized the opportunity to take a close look at D-Day – the Allied landings on 6 June, 1944 – and other aspects of France’s World War II history.

Their excursion day started with a visit to the Mémorial de Caen museum.

French & German teacher Fiona McAndrew, who led the trip, said: “This provided a useful introduction for the Year 7s, and gave valuable context to the A-level students, who study Un sac de billes by Joseph Joffo, a novel set during the Nazi occupation of France.”

In the afternoon, a museum guide accompanied them to see the American Cemetery – which is close to one of the landing beaches – and a German gun emplacement, where the pupils learned more about the German defences.

“Having a guide with us really brought this critical period of modern history to life for the students and gave them a better understanding of the importance of the Normandy landings to the outcome of World War Two and of the human sacrifice that required,” Mrs McAndrew added.

Set in 100 acres of beautiful woodland and countryside, the château provided an immersive environment in which boys could practise their spoken French while taking part in a wide range of activities and working together as a team.

The pupils were encouraged to challenge themselves. The programme included raft-building, archery, and climbing.

There was also the somewhat infamous assault course, offering opportunities aplenty to get wet and muddy. Jason Xu, who has just entered Year 8, said: “There were moments when it was tempting to give up, but everyone encouraged each other and kept going. Finishing the course felt like a real achievement.”

Naturally enough, the trip featured French cuisine, including croissants, baguettes, cheese and even snails.

Beyond developing their confidence in French, the week encouraged the boys to work collaboratively, experience a different culture, and live communally with their peers. For the younger boys, it was an introduction to learning beyond the classroom, while the Year 12 students were able to put their A-level French into practice in an authentic setting.

Lele Cen, of Year 8, said: “It is very different using French in a classroom compared with hearing people speak it in France! I tried to listen carefully, recognise familiar words and use French whenever I had the opportunity. Even when I was not completely sure what to say, it was good to have a go.”

Afterwards, Kush Thakore, also of Year 8, reflected on the whole experience: “The Normandy trip proved that a challenge does not always have to be something huge. Sometimes it is about stepping outside your comfort zone, trying something difficult and being willing to make mistakes.”

The pupils were accompanied by Mrs McAndrew and by: Assistant Head (Destinations & Progress) Robert Hyland; French & German teacher Elisa Perra; QE Flourish tutor & Biology teacher Sam Acors; and Biology teacher Darren Goffin.

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