Pupils in 7S have been putting their French writing skills into action. Thanks to local historian Bridget Gubbins, Chantry has been linked with a partner school ‘École Ernest Millet’. The school is in Nonant-le-Pin, a small village in the north-west of France and our pupils are making first contact with their new French pen friends.

To read what students think of their pen pals click ‘continue reading’.

“I didn’t know what a pen pal was at first as I had never heard of the word! I do now though and I am interested in seeing what Axel turns out to be like.” Nathan Arkle

“When I found out about our project, I was really excited as I have never had a pen pal before. I found writing the first letter quite easy as I introduced myself using a lot of vocabulary we had covered in lessons.” Emily Wall

“I am looking forward to finding out all about my pen friend Lorine and to see whether she is interested in the same things that I am.” Emily Evans

“I think that this project is a great way of getting to connect with pupils from another country. Although France is not that far away, their culture has many differences to ours and I am interested in seeing what those are.” Lydia Fraser

“I wrote part of my letter in French, part in English and part in Spanish as we have just begun that in Year 7. I wonder whether Loan will be able to reply in three languages.” Alex Harrison

“We put a few gifts in with the letters – some Halloween sweets and an emoji rubber. I also included a Pog in mine – maybe it is something which Loane won’t have played before.” Cole Thompson

“We all chose our pen friends at random out of a hat. I thought some of the names were very unusual – I have never met a Capucine, a Méline or a Clovis before!” Jack Reed

Our letters will be on their way this week and we look forward to seeing what replies we receive after the half-term break. À plus mes copains!