School/Group Name: West Kirby Grammar School
Teacher/Group Leader: Ruth Cooper
Subject Focus: French Language
How many trips to the Chateau have you done?
Annually since 2018.
What was the main objective for your groups trip?
Our main objective is to offer students the opportunity to visit France, encouraging them to try speaking French in real life situations. This is the first trip abroad offered to students in our school and it’s a really nice introduction to being a bit more adventurous in their journeys away from home.
The region also affords us the chance to explore important historical periods of European history, which is a real added bonus. It helps us to teach the students to empathise with others.
What were your groups favorite things about the Château?
Our groups always love the rural location of the Château and its grounds, as it feels really different to home. The staff are always friendly and helpful and the students like that they have the run of the place without worrying about disturbing other holidaymakers.
The food caters for all tastes and they love the fresh pastries in the morning and making their own packed lunches.
A favourite of our students is the campfire and hot chocolate, although the delicacies tasting always provokes some strong responses!
Why did you choose Select for your trip?
Our school already had a working relationship with Select and I was introduced to Janet Ford by a colleague.
I had run a trip to Normandy in previous years, but Janet talked to me about the Château and its facilities and I was sure this was a good change for us. Janet was personable, friendly and showed that she understood what I was looking for right from the outset. Her help is the main reason for making the change!
What was your experience of working with Select for this trip?
Over many years, everyone at Select has been extremely helpful and professional in dealing with booking and organising our trips. We know right from asking for a quote until we return that they have everything covered and are very responsive if we think of anything else. Everyone I have ever dealt with at Select has been superb.
We have had things go wrong and they are unstintingly helpful and efficient in sorting out problems, even in the middle of the night. Even when queries are outside their remit (such as with visa applications), they do all they can to help me solve issues.
If you were to recommend our Château to another school, how would you describe your experience?
A stay at the Château has so much to offer a school party. It is safe, comfortable and well-maintained. Our students love feeling the freedom of being away from home without the restrictions of a traditional hotel and they adore the taste of French life that they get. The food is excellent and the staff are all helpful, friendly and responsive to the children’s needs. We have returned year after year as I cannot imagine anywhere being better!
From a teachers perspective, what did you like best about our Château?
There are so many things:
– Safety: the location and safety measures make me feel really confident that our students are safe throughout the stay.
– Facilities: rooms are great, dining room and food is lovely, large spaces can be provided for evening activities.
– Staff: are kind, well-trained, responsive and helpful. They have helped in difficult situations several times.
– Response to our needs: dietary requirements catered for (even the most complex), any issues with housekeeping attended too immediately.
– Region: so many things to do in the locality, it’s the perfect base.
