Launching our new Language exchange programme
Our exciting new partnership with École primaire Cecil Newton, offers students a valuable and unique opportunity to improve their French, experience another culture, build friendships, and develop confidence in using a new language. This French Primary school based in Creully-sur-Seulles, was renamed in 2019 to honor British WWII veteran Cecil Newton, who helped liberate the town. The school promotes remembrance and international friendship, weaving WWII history into its curriculum through memorial visits and themed activities.
Our ‘next generation mission’ to encourage schools visits
It is our mission to inspire the next generation to become open-minded, globally aware, and enthusiastic learners. By immersing students in real-world learning and meaningful connections, we aim to spark curiosity, understanding, and a love of discovery. Here are some example activities on offer that encourage students to help with their confidence and practice language skills within the exchange programme.
Language Task
This involves everyday communication tasks, speaking and listening activities, reading and writing and creative cultural tasks.
Picnic
An activity such as a picnic provides a friendly, immersive, and meaningful way for children to connect across cultures and practice language skills in an authentic context.
Field Trip
This is an ideal activity because it blends language learning, cultural discovery, and historical understanding in an immersive and memorable way.
Testimonials
“Visiting a French primary school gave our students a valuable chance to improve their language skills and understand a new culture. It helped them build friendships, boosts their confidence in French, and broadens their global awareness, all of which support their learning and growth. I would recommended it to every school to try out.”
Sam Peterson,St Michaels School
Cecil Newton Legacy
Cecil Newton was a British World War II veteran who served as a tank driver with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards during the D‑Day landings in 1944. He is best known for being one of the last surviving crewmen of the amphibious DD tanks that landed on Gold Beach, helping to liberate the town of Creully in Normandy. Honoured in both the UK and France, his legacy lives on through commemorations, school partnerships, and the École primaire Cecil Newton in Creully, named in his memory.
How vetren Cecil Newton became involved with the Primary school
Cecil Newton became involved with École primaire Cecil Newton through a community effort to honor his legacy. In 2017, local students chose to rename their school after him for his role in liberating Creully and his presence at D‑Day commemorations. He officially opened the school in June 2019 at age 95, joined by the mayor and pupils. In the years that followed, he stayed closely connected—attending events, donating books, and sharing his wartime experiences with students.
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How the Château became involved with Cecil Newton
Cecil Newton became connected with Château du Baffy through its close ties to Normandy's WWII heritage and local commemorations. During the D-Day 75th anniversary, we honoured Cecil by presenting his portrait to the adjacent École primaire Cecil Newton, and it was displayed in the school’s hall during a ceremony in October.
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Remembering D-Day 75
Every year, Cecil would visit the memorial statue of the Royal Guards Dragoon alongside his fellow vetren Ian Hollingsbury.
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D-DAY 80th Celebrations
Cecil Newton played a key role in the 80th D‑Day anniversary commemorations in Normandy in 2024. As one of the last surviving DD tank crewmen, he led the parade in Creully-sur-Seulles, took part in official ceremonies, and read the Ode of Remembrance. Honoured by local dignitaries and embraced by children at the school named after him, Newton symbolised the link between past and present, reinforcing the bonds of Anglo-French friendship and the importance of remembrance.
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Gallery
Building on the Partnership
British Normandy Memorial & Winston Churchill Education Centre
Select School Travel is proud to announce a new partnership with the British Normandy Memorial and its Winston Churchill Centre for Education and Learning, marking a major milestone in educational school travel. As the preferred travel provider for school groups visiting the Memorial, Select also confirms the elegant Château du Baffy—just 15 minutes away—as the recommended accommodation for visiting schools. With its rich character and ideal location, the château offers students a unique and inspiring base for immersive historical tours and meaningful reflection on the legacy of D‑Day.
