An exchange between Biddenham International School and the Collège Roger Bellair was born when Gary Wright, a former assistant head teacher at Biddenham relocated to France with his family. He wanted to ensure that his children did not lose contact with Bedford, as well as to encourage a link with Thury-Harcourt, his new home. Mrs Inness, from Biddenham Upper School, took up the challenge and agreed to work on the UK side of the project.
May 2008
The Biddenham students travel to Thury-Harcourt, we spent a busy, varied and enjoyable week in Normandy.
March 2009
The French came for one week. During their stay they visited London and Cambridge, as well as spending a great day of activities at the Outdoor Activities Centre in Kempston. It managed to snow thick and hard during the final day of their visit, causing tremendous excitement, but also prompting fears that they might be able to travel home to France.
March/April 2009
The second wave of French students arrives.
October 2009
The British students travelling to France to complete the second exchange. During their stay the students visited Bayeux, Caen, spent an informative day at Arromanches, scene of the D-Day landings, followed by a visit to the American WWII cemetery, and competed with their French correspondents in archery, orienteering and canoeing; they also enjoyed a visit to a delightful, if smelly (!) goat farm to see the goats and taste the cheeses, speciality of the region.
See the gallery below for some photos from this trip!
May 2010
The next group of French students were warmly welcomed to Bedford.
September/October 2010
The Biddenham correspondents travel to complete the third exchange.
Photos from the October 2009 trip
