March Means Middle School Travel Fun!

These educational travel opportunities are a wonderful way for our Middle School students to have fun and strengthen friendships while engaging in learning outside of the boundaries of a classroom.

Spain
This year, the students traveled to Málaga, in southern Spain, where the students experienced The country's culture firsthand and used their Spanish language skills in everyday situations as they communicated with the local people. They explored the culture and arts, and learned about local diets and cuisines by participating in a cooking class and visiting local food markets.

The trip included a workshop on marine biology with a half-day boat cruise, cultural walks around the old city, and visits to the beach. All the while, they practiced the language that they have diligently studied throughout the year. It was a great way to make their learning relevant as they were continually challenged and encouraged to use Spanish in daily life situations such as ordering food, understanding directions, enquiring about information, and demonstrating engagement in the various activities.

France

This year, over the course of four days, students and teachers had the opportunity to have a full immersion cultural experience and participate in a wide range of hands-on activities in the beautiful city of Paris. Students had the chance to do a cultural rally in Montmartre; a perfume workshop at Maison Fragonard; a visit to the French stadium that is used by both the football and French national rugby teams; hands-on cooking and chocolate workshops; and a night river cruise in the river Seine. Of course, they were also able to go up the Eiffel Tower.

During their stay, students also had the opportunity to use their French language skills at the Marché d’ Aligre, one of the liveliest Parisian food markets. They also had the chance to go to the top of the Tour Montparnasse, the only true skyscraper at 59 floors high. They had four amazing days packed with opportunities that helped everyone create the memories of a lifetime.

Skern Lodge
When the Grade 5 students arrived at this Activity Center on Monday afternoon, they were taken out to visit the historic village of Appledore. With its strong boating history, it is also the site of a few pirate adventures. Tuesday included a visit to the World Heritage Site of Braunton Burrows. There they learned about the sand dunes, how they were formed, and how plant life has adapted there. Afterward, they walked onto Saunton Sands, a wide and beautiful beach where the students got to run around and explore before taking part in a sand art competition.

On Tuesday night, the students enjoyed a Birds of Prey talk by Nigel, who brought two Harris Hawks and a barn owl. The students were very excited to be able to hold them and touch their feathers! On Wednesday, the group made their way to Hartland Quay to explore the rock formations and the sea life, and walk on the downs along the sea. That night, they all had great fun with a scavenger hunt. Finally, on Thursday, it was time to make their way back to school after a wonderful and adventurous week learning about biodiversity.

Take a look at our Flickr albums to see photos of each trip's fun activities!