FRENCH STUDENTS from Year 7 at the International School of the Algarve, in Porches, departed from Tunes train station recently, to meet their French-speaking pen friends at the Lycée Français Charles Lepierre in Lisbon, with whom they had been exchanging letters and tapes throughout the year.
While on the train, the students planned their metro journey to the Lycée Français, discussed the programme for the day and prepared a presentation in French. The short walk from the metro station to the French school allowed the students to view some amusing examples of the CowParade 2006 exhibition, which were on display in the streets of Lisbon.
The Algarve students received a warm welcome from their new friends and teacher, Madame Delesalle. After a tour of the Lycée Français, students shared a French-style lunch in the school canteen.
During the course of the day, the students conversed in French, introducing their families, playing games and writing poems together. Time flew by and, before departing, each of the Algarve students were presented with a hand-painted T-shirt from their French-speaking pen friends.
The group made its way back to the Entrecampos station, embarking on the metro train, and finally the air-conditioned Alfa Pendular train back to Tunes, in the Algarve.
The day had been truly educational for the students, who experienced using public transport, visited a large French city school and had the unique opportunity to speak French with other children. Madame Green, French teacher at the International School of the Algarve, and Madame Delesalle are already planning next year’s exchange.
