We had a good team of teachers and a good group of kids. Saw castles, river ecosystems, Da Vinci's inventions, gardens, a cave, a chocolate factory of sorts, went on a boat ride and practiced Renaissance dancing.
The best parts were watching the kids in the evening activities which included ice breakers, team competitions, art activities and such. I also had a great time being the tour guide at some real French castles - my history degree finally paying off!
The kids were so smart and inquisitive and well behaved - we got compliments from a couple who had seen us at several chateaux and from the staff and other visitors at a restaurant that was rather fancy when they observed how quiet and civilized 37 twelve-year-olds could be.
School is good otherwise. There are quite a few British teachers and a variety of other nationalities. I'm teaching grades 7,8,9,10 history and 11 and 12 Theory of Knowledge (like philosophy). A demanding schedule, but I love a good challenge.
Next I'll be heading to Berlin with the 11th and 12th grade history students as a chaperone, and meanwhile planning the 10th grade history trip to Normandy - an overnight stay with 90 students and 10 teachers.
