Presentation Castleisland students posing at the Arc de Triomphe during the tour were: Ellen Casey, Ellie-Kate Sheehy, Gwen O’Sullivan, Amy Rose Mangan, Eibhlín McCarthy, Kelly Ryan, Millie Hughes, Clodagh Buckley, Faith Bradley, Emma Mullane, Aibhlinn Matthews, Saoirse Collins, Niamh Keane, Abigail Walsh Kelleher and Clodagh McMahon.
Students from Presentation Castleisland recently returned from a busy and enriching educational tour of Paris and Amiens which was designed to deepen their understanding of French language, history, and culture.
They had been accompanied on the tour by teachers, Anne Laurent and Monica Murphy.
The trip offered a unique blend of structured learning experiences and cultural immersion, allowing students to grow both academically and personally.
Upon arrival in Paris, students immediately engaged with the city’s cultural landscape, exploring the Champs Élysées and observing the architecture, atmosphere, and luxury retail environment—an ideal introduction to French urban life.
Sampling Traditional French Cuisine
A sit-down lunch at a local bistro gave students the chance to sample traditional French cuisine and practice conversational skills in a real-world setting.
This was followed by a private guided bus tour, where students learned about the historical significance of Parisian landmarks, the role of the bakery in French society and the cultural symbolism of the Eiffel Tower, which they visited during a surprise stop.
Day two began with a metro journey to Montmartre, where students explored the bohemian quarter, viewed the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and observed local artists at work.
Riverboat Cruise Along the Seine
Later, a riverboat cruise along the Seine provided a new perspective on the city’s geography and architecture. Students used words like rich, beautiful architecture and historic to describe their experience of the city.
The group then travelled to Amiens, where they visited a local French secondary school.
This offered students the chance to interact with French peers, share lunch in the school canteen, and participate in classes including French language, history, and PE. This immersive experience fostered cross-cultural communication and gave students a deeper appreciation of the French education system.
Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills
In the evenings, students explored the city centre, navigated public transport and enjoyed recreational activities such as bowling, developing confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in unfamiliar settings.
Throughout the tour, students demonstrated exceptional resilience, adaptability, and independence. They approached each challenge with enthusiasm and maturity, consistently supporting one another and engaging fully with every opportunity.
Both Ms. Laurent and Ms. Murphy said it was a privilege to accompany such a motivated and thoughtful group of students.
“It was fantastic,” they said “to witness their growth, curiosity, and appreciation for the experience with one student saying she was inspired to return to study in the future.
The students’ conduct and attitude made the tour not only successful but deeply rewarding for all involved.”
Cultural Insights and Personal Achievements
As the group returned home, they carried with them not just souvenirs, but a wealth of new knowledge, cultural insights, and personal achievements. They were a credit to their families, their school, and the wider community.
“This tour exemplifies Presentation Castleisland’s commitment to holistic education—empowering students to become globally aware, culturally sensitive, and ready to take on the world,” according to a statement from the school.
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