French Language Enrichment Experiences
Challenge, inspire and engage your students in the practical application of the target language with our French Language Enrichment Experience at NST’s Château d’Ebblinghem!
Our French Language Enrichment Experience has been designed to develop conversational and comprehension skills through a range of exciting target language-focused activities and visits with an emphasis on enrichment experiences. Students will participate in traditional French activities and enjoy an array of cultural visits on the Opal Coast, where they will have the opportunity to interact with native speakers and practise their target language skills.
Why do teachers choose Château d'Ebblinghem?
Because everything is designed to help school trips run smoothly. Accommodation, dining, activities and support are all close at hand, making it easier to supervise students and stay organised throughout your visit.
Dedicated Group Co-ordinators and experienced NST staff provide support whenever you need it, giving teachers the confidence that help is always available. Meanwhile, students benefit from a range of French language, cultural, history and evening activities that keep them learning, engaged and making the most of their time in Northern France.
What makes Château d'Ebblinghem ideal for French language trips?
NST's French Language Enrichment Experience at Château d'Ebblinghem is designed to help students use French with confidence beyond the classroom.
With support from a French-speaking Group Co-ordinator, students are encouraged to practise their language skills throughout the day, from morning briefings and mealtimes to evening activities and local visits. Combined with regular interactions with native speakers, it provides an immersive and engaging way to develop language skills in authentic settings.
What's the difference between French Language Enrichment and French Language Immersion?
French Language Enrichment encourages students to use French through activities, visits and cultural experiences, while still allowing greater flexibility between French and English throughout the trip.
French Language Immersion creates a fully French-speaking experience where students are encouraged to communicate in French throughout their stay.
Enrichment builds confidence step by step. Immersion maximises language exposure.
Based at NST's Château d'Ebblinghem
Our French Language Enrichment Experience is based at Château d’Ebblinghem, NST’s very own 19th century French country house set in a rural location in North West France, just 45 minutes from the Channel ports.
Our château has been designed with school groups in mind and offers a secluded location, excellent recreational facilities, organised evening activities and dedicated teacher areas.
Find out more about NST's Château d'Ebblinghem
Your French Speaking Group Co-ordinator
Your group will be assigned a French speaking Group Co-ordinator to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
They will encourage your students to engage with the target language throughout the day, especially when using high frequency phrases and questions, such as ‘What time is dinner?’ and ‘What are we doing tomorrow?’.
Our Group Co-ordinators are chosen for their enthusiasm, proficiency in the target language and suitability for working with school groups. However, they are not qualified teachers and your input will be required to support and guide your students with respect to linguistic accuracy and input.
Activities & visits
Le petit déjeuner a la francąise
During this fun breakfast time activity at NST's château, your group will enjoy a typical French breakfast of hot chocolate in bowls with French bread and pastries.
Dégustation de fromage
Sample a range of French cheeses and discuss the varying tastes, your likes and dislikes in the target language. A fantastic after-dinner activity at NST's château.
Fabrication de crêpes
Watch a crepe-making demonstration in the target language at NST's château then have a go at making your own!
On va faire des courses
Visit a local supermarket or market to buy ingredients, then make a lunch dish back at NST's château during this morning/lunchtime activity.
Démonstration et Dégustation dans une boulangerie à proximité
Learn about the process of making traditional French bread in the target language, then taste the produce.
Visite de la ferme aux chèvres
Enjoy a talk about French farming in the target language followed by cheese tasting.
Visite de la ferme aux escargots
Learn about rearing snails in the target language then try tasting one for yourself!
Visite de la fabrique de bonbons
Watch and listen to the sweet maker describe, in the target language, the process of making sweets. Students get to taste the sweets produced.
Town trails
Explore the towns of St Omer or Boulogne with our town treasure trails during this half day activity. Available in the target language or English.
Language workshops at Lille & Boulogne universities
Enjoy speaking and listening sessions with native speakers and learn new vocabulary and phrases in a fun and engaging way. Topics and difficulty level can be tailored to your group.
Free Go Explore learning resources!
All pupils will receive a copy of our Go Explore Journal when you book your French Language Enrichment Experience with us. The journal is a great tool for pupils to record their experience and it contains space to add information or new vocabulary, to write down pre-visit notes, and to record what they have learned in the daily journal sections.
