MFL Trip to Lille

On Friday, 6th December, all 47 Year 7-Year 9 students coming on the trip to Lille were present and correct, albeit a bit sleep- deprived, as were Ms Snow, Ms Tsikritzi, Mr Gibson, Mr Jenkins, and I (as I had accidentally got locked in school the night before until 11pm!), at 3.30am for a sharp 4am departure towards the Le Shuttle terminal in Folkestone from where our coach boarded the shuttle train to take us to France. Half an hour later we had arrived at the French port of Calais and around 90 minutes later we had all arrived in beautiful, cloudless, sunny Lille. The students thought the city was really beautiful and got a good aerial view of it from the Ferris Wheel near the market. They loved the handicrafts - and particularly the food! - stalls at the Christmas market there. They bought some lovely gifts for their families. The students were a real credit to the school and their smiles, laughs and repeated thank-yous to staff during our day in Lille really made the trip worthwhile. Two of the students in Year 8, Erik and Nicoleta, wanted me to include their accounts of the lovely time they had in Lille, by way of a thank you:

Erik S (8H): The city’s atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and friendly. It has lots of nice places, which I will remember fondly. I had a great time. The culture was great. The food is very traditional. If I have the chance to go back to Lille with Kingsbury High School, I would 100% go again, I really appreciate this opportunity and I hope in the next few years the other children in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 will also be able to have this wonderful experience.

Nicoleta N (8I): Visiting Lille was an incredible experience that I won't soon forget. I was immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and rich history of the city. Strolling through the charming old town, I admired the stunning blend of Flemish and French architecture, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. One of the highlights of my visit was the Christmas market, which was absolutely magical. The festive lights and decorations created a warm and inviting atmosphere. I enjoyed browsing the stalls filled with handmade crafts and delicious treats. It was the perfect place to soak up the holiday spirit. The food in Lille was absolutely delicious! I also couldn't resist trying the sweet pastries and waffles sold at the market. The modern shopping centre was a great contrast to the historic charm of the market, and I loved exploring the various stores. Throughout the trip, the teachers were incredibly nice and supportive. They made sure everyone felt included and helped us navigate the city, sharing interesting facts and stories along the way. Their enthusiasm enhanced the experience, making it even more memorable. Overall, my trip to Lille, with its mix of history, culture, and festive cheer, was truly unforgettable.