1. Year 6 residential visit to Le Château du Broutel Rue, France 10 th – 14 th March 2008 Farley Hill Primary School Liz Armin lizarmin@gmail.com

2. Accommodation The main château is not usually used for school groups. We stayed in the Normandy Complex in fantastic accommodation. The château is located in 40 acres of land in the small historical town of Rue.

3. Activities We did lots of outdoor activities including fencing, canoeing, abseiling, climbing, survival, zip wire, archery, rifles, making a video and initiative exercises.

4. French Experience – The Market We visited a market at a nearby town. The children had to complete a questionnaire by asking the stall holders specific questions about produce and price. It was difficult language but the children gained real confidence as were nervous about speaking French to French people!

5. French Experience – Making mayonnaise We made mayonnaise with the French château chef. He gave all of his instructions in French whilst giving a demonstration. The children then followed his instructions and a written recipe to make the mayonnaise.

6. French Experience – The Goat Cheese Farm The farmer at the farm spoke to us entirely in French but managed to make the children understand. The children handled the animals and also tasted the cheese – they didn’t like the one that was 6 months old very much!

7. French Experience – The Chocolate Factory We visited a chocolate factory and got told all about the chocolate making process. We were allowed to watch the staff making the chocolates and also got to try them. We had a chance to buy chocolates on the way out.

8. French Experience At meal times the children were encouraged to ask for their food in French (all the kitchen staff are French). On the last evening we all tried frogs legs and snails.

9. Transport Transport is all arranged by ‘Manor Adventure’. We travelled there by Eurotunnel because of severe storms and returned by ferry. The coach travel is all arranged and included in the price.

10. Evaluation… We loved the whole visit. The children had a fabulous time. We are hoping to visit again next year. For more information see: http://www.chateaudubroutel.com