School Study Trips: Teacher and Pupil Feedback

Organisation and pre-trip contact

We were given a pack which included information about our day-to-day programme, photographs of our residence and information about our school, which was all very useful IP, Benenden School - Antibes, France (May 2009)

Very informative and exciting - really made me look forward to the tripTO, City of London School for Girls - Spanish and History trip, Cuba (Easter 2009)

A very successful trip, without a lot of the stress involved in organising an exchange. Very efficiently organised. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves; the trip has noticeably increased their confidence, motivation and appreciation of the French language and culture.ND (teacher), Lomond School - Nice, France (2005)

I found the information and itinerary really useful, they made any preconceptions and apprehensions disappear. Really clearly presented and laid out.HT, Radley College - Spanish and Culture Trip, Cuba (2006)

Language classes

The lessons were extremely fun and also interesting and the teacher,[teacher´s name], made it educational but not boringFE, Putney High - Benalmadena, Spain (Feb 2009)

Our classes were a lot of fun and my French improved. The classes were made as fun as a school class can get. The teacher was very kind and helpful. The location was good as well JS, Warwick Academy, Nice, France (Apr 2009)

(asked what they enjoyed most of all) the quality of the classes - lots of grammar covered and listening practice LT, Jersey College for Girls - Rouen, France (Apr 2009)

The teacher was good fun, taught us lots of useful phrases. I thought the programme was good at developing listening and oral skills and generally helped me improve my French. LB, Cranleigh School - Biarritz, France (Apr 2008)

My spoken French has improved very much and I am much clearer about things I was uncomfortable with before, for example, future tenses. I really enjoyed the classes!IP, Benenden School - Antibes, France (May 2009)

The teacher was very funny, but at the same time he made us work. The guides were very good, because they spoke slowly so we could understand. I just liked that I was with my friends in a new country and I learned lots of new stuff on Nice.MA, International School Stavanger - Nice, France (Oct 2007)

The lessons were very well received by the majority or pupils. A strong focus on oral practice seemed to greatly benefit all pupils and boost their confidence. Relevant grammar points were covered and area of difficulty.KM (teacher), Aberdeen Grammar School - Nice, France (2007)

Accommodation

The family was amazing - the whole experience helped me learn Spanish and experience Spanish culture. IP, Putney High - Benalmadena, Spain (Feb 2009)

The family really helped us to explore Spanish culture very well and were very friendly. The paella party was delicious and I really enjoyed thatFA, Putney High - Benalmadena, Spain (Feb 2009)

(asked what they enjoyed most of all) the fact that my family were so welcoming and I love the city of Rouen, it's always a pleasure to visit HG, Jersey College for Girls - Rouen, France (Apr 2009)

The family was wonderfully warm and inviting DC, Cranleigh School - Biarritz, France (Apr 2008)

The host families were very welcoming and really friendly. They helped a lot with my Spanish, speaking to me in Spanish every breakfast and dinner. Really nice family!LC, St. Peters School York - Benalmadena, Spain (2007)

I enjoyed the meal times when we got to speak to the family in Spanish and learn things about them.CM International School of Aberdeen - Salamanca, Spain (2007)

Most lovely family you could ask for, lovely home and dinners! Very generous, kind and fun! OP, Jersey College for Girls - Rouen, France (Apr 2009)

Excursions and activities

I most enjoyed our visit to the Fragonard parfumerie. It was very interesting and all the perfumes were lovely! I did not dislike any of the activities. IP, Benenden School - Antibes, France (May 2009)

All excursions were excellent - good length and mix of activities to suit all CH, Benenden School - Antibes, France (May 2009)

The tour guides were really friendly and the trips were very well organized.HS, International School Stavanger - Nice, France (Oct 2007)

My favourite activity was when we went on a treasure hunt round the Plaza Mayor.Dollar Academy - Salamanca, Spain (2007)

I liked the football stadium visit the most, it was amazing, we were even allowed in the dug out which was cool, and the Cathedral spoke for itself - amazing!DW, Tonbridge School - Barcelona 2002

General feedback

I learnt a lot of things that I had not already known and I feel more knowledgeable of the language. There was a great balance of education, fun and relaxation. It was the best school trip that I have ever been on. CG, Benenden School - Antibes, France (May 2009)

Nice is gorgeous and so were the other places we went to. This has been an amazing experience. The school was excellent and I would definitely come back if I could SM, Warwick Academy, Nice France (Apr 2009)

I enjoyed everything: the activities, the culture, the town, the family. It ws great to speak so much French and the classes were useful. I now feel confident about my oral! HC, Cranleigh School - Biarritz, France (Apr 2008)

The teacher was extremely nice and the classes were well organised. I also liked how close the school was to the rest of the cityMD, International School Aberdeen - Nice, France (Jan 2009)

Salamanca was a fun but educational trip. We had a good taste of Spanish culture while staying with our families. This involved tasting the local cuisine and experiencing unusual timescales.'Dollar Academy - Salamanca, Spain (2007)

This type of course is a big success for students and accompanying staff. The students were excited about going and not once during the trip were they homesick or unhappy. There was laughter and enthusiasm the whole time. If I had said the week had been extended they would have been delighted.AR (teacher), Lomond School - Nice, France (2004)

I enjoyed the wide range of things the trip had to offer - educationally, socially and culturally. The school gave me the opportunity to improve my German while learning about other people's cultures; the excursion gave me the opportunity to see parts of Germany that I didn't even know about, and the evening activities gave me the chance to have fun!MB, Kingston Grammar - Radolfzell, Germany (2006)