CERN trip

On Friday 7th July, 46 students and 6 accompanying staff set off on the long journey to South Eastern France ready to be inspired and enthused on this year’s France/Switzerland trip (for the 7th year running). The tour included day excursions to Geneva, Mont Blanc and Annecy, students got to explore the themes of science, environment and humanity all while practicing their French language skills. Mr Sinnott, our very competent organiser, gave us a update on day four of the visit:

“This year, we have been accommodated in a fabulous alpine lodge, in the village of Araches La Frasse, with stunning views of the valley. So far students have enjoyed an open-air band in the village square on our first evening; had a day in Chamonix, via Italy (coach drivers got lost but we ticked off a third country!), they had to brave (for some) a cable car journey to get to the Mont Blanc glacier -beautiful scenery of the Alps, despite the sad evidence of the effects of global warming. They have had a tour of lake Annecy by boat explaining its history and formation. Today we have explored a spectacular gorge in the Annecy region followed by a walk around Geneva sampling a wide array of traditional Swiss chocolate. So far this has been an inspirational adventure, where our French students have been so proactive in using their linguistic skills. The next couple of days will be filled with visits to the UN General Assembly, Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, CERN (birthplace of the internet, home of the Large Hadron Collider and centre for some of the most important scientific discoveries of our times), History of Science Museum and to finally a boat tour of Lac Leman in Geneva all before we commence our return to Manchester. All in all, I am certain our students will be returning with adventures to share and motivated by the possibilities presented by all they have experienced.”