A GROUP of students from the Hereford Academy recently took part in a school trip to Normandy.

This trip inspired the language studies of the 39 students who went, but, the aim was also for them to prosper from the culturally rich, cross-curricular nature of the trip, which included visiting the D-Day Landing Beaches.

The venture was designed to give students the chance to have real-life experience of using French at practical level.

Engaging with native speakers has allowed students to boost their confidence with spoken exercises.

Over the course of the five days, the group visited Omaha Beach, Mercury Harbour B, Juno Beach and the 360° Cinema at Arromanches.

The party also took the opportunity to see attractions including the Fromagerie Graindorge, the Château-du-Breuil, and Caen market, where the students revelled in their haggling skills.

“Overall this trip has been really exciting and very busy, but that was a good thing and I will say that I will miss France,” said Year 11's Sophie Row-Davies.

“I demonstrated The Hereford Academy values well, especially when I helped out one of the locals, when I set up their Playstation for them,” added Perry Saunders, of Year 11.

A school spokesman said: "It was an absolute privilege to take such a fantastic group of students and staff abroad. Everyone engaged wholeheartedly with the activities and the students were superb ambassadors for THA." Our host at the youth centre commented, on the last day, that they were the best group of students in the 10 years that she has been working there! Bravo, to everyone!