French Department

Year 12 students Annette Elmes and Nina Simon spent February half term completing a week of work experience in Lille. Both girls enjoyed their placements as it enabled them to gain an insight into the world of work in France as well as practise their language skills first hand. Both employers were delighted with the girls’ commitment, describing them as ‘motivée, souriante, agréable et bien intégrée dans l’équipe’.

Oxford Competition

In March, we launched the Sir Robert Taylor Society’s annual French film competition, organised by the French department at Oxford University. To enter the competition, students were asked to re-write a plausible yet imaginative new ending to the French film Une vie de chat. We were delighted that two of our Year 8 girls, Kelly Chae and Ananya Ajit, were awarded a special commendation for their entry.

French Exchange

The time I spent in France was an experience I’ll never forget. I thoroughly enjoyed the trips on the week days, especially visiting the town Beaune, as the buildings and streets are very different to Bolton. As well as going to Beaune, I enjoyed going on the tram into ClemontFerrand and exploring the city with my friends. At the weekend, the family I was staying with took me to the city of Vichy, which is famous for its water – although it tasted a bit unusual! The next day I went to the theme park with many other English people and their exchange partners. I had a great time and it was my favourite day that I spent in France. I am so glad I decided to go on the French Exchange, as it gave me the opportunity to see a different way of living, learn more French and create memories with friends which I will never forget. Helena Lintott 9G

I had a great time on the French exchange as I got to see what life was like in France, make new friends and see the sights whilst also developing my language skills. I especially enjoyed visiting the Château de Chambord at the weekend with my exchange partner and her family. This was an experience I won’t forget and I would really like to go on it again next year. Eleanor Haighton 9G

The French exchange was an experience I will never forget. I enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing a different culture. I especially liked the weekend where we went to the theme park Le Pal with other people who were on the French exchange. I would definitely recommend an exchange to anyone. Eloise McDermott 9G

I thoroughly enjoyed the French exchange. It was an unforgettable. I really enjoyed all the trips especially the trip to Le Pal the theme park and Beaune which was a beautiful town. I also liked experiencing a new culture and meeting new people. I would definitely recommend it to anybody. Celia Logan 9G

Francovision

This year saw the return of the Francovision song contest. Francovision is the Girls’ Division take on the Eurovision song contest but in French! Each Year 7 form was asked to produce a music video of a song in French. This year’s theme was the musical La mélodie du Bonheur (The Sound Of Music). The work involved in preparing for this was colossal. First, the girls had to work out the pronunciation of the lyrics of the songs. Then, they had to understand the key message of the song and finally plan and produce a music video which would involve everyone in their form. Not an easy task, but the Year 7 girls rose to the challenge. Each entry was then shown to the girls during an assembly and the girls were then asked to vote for their favourite performance. 7D is this year’s winner with their entry ‘Mes joies quotidiennes’ (My Favourite Things). Scan the QR code to watch the winning video: