10th March 2026

French School History Visit – A Memorable Cultural Exchange

Tuesday 10th March 2026 | Admiral Lord Nelson School

On Tuesday 10th March 2026, students from Admiral Lord Nelson School had the pleasure of hosting a group of 14-year-old students from France for a truly enriching and memorable cultural exchange experience. The event brought together Year 9 students from both Admiral Lord Nelson School and Trafalgar School, creating a vibrant and engaging environment where language and culture came to life.

Throughout the morning, students took part in a series of carefully planned activities designed to encourage communication, collaboration, and cultural understanding. One of the most powerful aspects of the visit was the opportunity for students to interact authentically, speaking both French and English in real-life contexts. It was fantastic to see students stepping out of their comfort zones, building confidence, and using their language skills with such enthusiasm.

As one student reflected:
“It was very good day. It was a great experience to practise my French. We could have conversations that were genuine and meaningful. My favourite part was the history board game because it mixed French and History.”
Oscar, Year 9 (ALNS)

The visit also had a strong historical focus, with students exploring the significance of Portsmouth during World War II from both British and French perspectives. These discussions added depth and meaning to the experience, helping students to reflect on shared history and the importance of remembrance. It was particularly inspiring to witness the maturity and respect shown by all students when engaging with these important themes.

A highlight of the morning was the cultural exchange activities, where students shared insights into their daily school life, hobbies, and interests. Friendships were quickly formed, laughter was shared, and there was a real sense of connection between the two groups. These moments are what truly bring language learning to life, moving beyond the classroom and into meaningful human interaction.

Trafalgar students also shared their experiences:
“It was really fun meeting students from France. At first I was nervous about speaking French, but they helped me and we understood each other.”
Esmie C, Year 9

“My favourite part was playing the Happy Families card game together. We had to speak French to ask for the cards, which made it feel like real communication.”
Cody D, Year 9

“It was great to learn about their school and their lives in France. I hope we can stay in contact and maybe even become pen pals.”
Phoebe H, Year 9

The French students were equally positive about their experience:
« Au début j’étais un peu timide, mais les élèves anglais étaient très accueillants et gentils. C’était vraiment intéressant de pouvoir pratiquer l’anglais avec eux. »
(“At first I was a little shy, but the English students were very welcoming and kind. It was really interesting to be able to practise English with them.”)

« Les activités étaient très amusantes, surtout les jeux. Cela nous a aidés à parler ensemble et à rire, même quand nous faisions des erreurs. »
(“The activities were very fun, especially the games. They helped us to talk together and laugh, even when we made mistakes.”)

The event was not only a fantastic opportunity to develop oracy skills but also to foster intercultural awareness and global understanding. Experiences like this play a vital role in showing students the real-world value of languages and the doors they can open.

We are incredibly proud of all the students involved. They represented their schools with maturity, enthusiasm, and curiosity, making the visit a great success. This exchange will undoubtedly remain a lasting memory and a significant moment in their language learning journey.

We look forward to building on this experience and continuing to create opportunities that connect our students with the wider world.