Learning from Lyon

Over the October half term, a group of Year 11 French students went on a languages trip to one of France’s oldest cities, Lyon. Each morning, the students attended Lyon Bleu, a language school. There they were able to develop their speaking, listening and reading skills.

Head of Drama, Lucy Hall who accompanied the students said: “I was particularly impressed by their confidence, ability and stamina in these classes.”

In the afternoons, the students had the chance to explore and learn more about Lyon. Full of rich, cultural experiences, the students learnt how Lyon became a major textile centre, famed for their silk weaving industry, and were presented with silkworm cocoons during their visit to the museum. They also explored La Croix-Rousse and the atmospheric secret passageways called Traboules, which were once used by silk workers but also by the Resistance to evade the Nazis.

The group also attended a fun fair celebrating the chestnuts of the Ardèche (only in France!) and developed their cooking skills at ‘In Cuisine’ where students attempted to make chouquettes and cervelle de canuts. Their gastronomy experience continued with a visit to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, which is world famous for showcasing Lyon’s finest produce. There, some in the group tried frogs legs for the first time – they can also confirm that they do taste like chicken!

During the trip, other students navigated their way around Place Bellecour in a scavenger hunt designed to test not only their French speaking skills, but their ingenuity and were locked in an escape room where they had to translate clues and solve puzzles.

Overall, the trip to Lyon was a fantastic opportunity for the group to be immersed in a vibrant culture and it was very hard to say au revoir. A massive thank you to Pauline for organising and Cliff for supporting.