Students from Wensleydale School have returned from a memorable four-day trip to Paris, taking in world-famous landmarks, art treasures and festive sights.
The 21 Year 10 and 11 pupils spent a long weekend earlier this month exploring the French capital, staying at Generator Paris and packing their itinerary with some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Highlights included a visit to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, a Bateaux-Mouches cruise along the River Seine, browsing the Christmas market at the Champs de Mars, and watching the sun set at the Eiffel Tower on their first evening.
During the trip, students explored the historic area around Notre-Dame, wandered through the Left Bank and visited the Musée d’Orsay, where they admired works by artists including Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir.
The group also spent time in Montmartre, exploring the hilltop neighbourhood’s artistic heritage. Visits included the Sacré-Cœur basilica, the artists’ square at Place du Tertre and the famous pink house seen in countless paintings. Students took part in a street art tour, spotting work by renowned Parisian artists Miss-Tic and Invader, and saw the café made famous in the film Amélie before finishing the day at the iconic Moulin Rouge.
The trip was organised by Mrs Burkill, teacher of French, who was accompanied by Miss Cooper, attendance officer and hospitality and catering teacher, and Miss Hugill, art teacher.
Mrs Burkill said the experience was invaluable for students.
“Taking students abroad changes everything. Suddenly, French isn’t just something in a textbook – it’s ordering food in a café, asking for directions and chatting to locals. You see students’ confidence grow overnight,” she said.
“For many of our young people, this is their first time abroad. Watching them navigate a foreign city, stand in front of world-famous artwork and realise they really can speak another language broadens their minds and opens up possibilities they hadn’t imagined. These experiences stay with them for life and inspire them to keep learning.”
