It is very strange that we often start a journey for a particular reason - or at least we think we do, but the outcomes and what is actually achieved is usually very different!!!!
What follows are the thoughts of some of the students involved in the 'Comenius Project', which has 'pilgrimage' as its central theme. They were asked to write about their recent trip to Bordeaux, home of the French students involved in the project. Their thoughts and reflections are, in my opinion, amazing and confirm MY thoughts, that the 'project' is indeed a success and will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
Regina writes....
When we had arrived in the airport in Bordeaux, I was very nervous and excited to meet the new group of Italians. To be honest, I think that I had judged them way too early because at the end of the trip, I didn’t want them to leave. Although we only had a few days together, it was worth it.
Never in my life have I met such welcoming, and heart-warming people, even now I still get those moments when I stop and think about all the memories that we’ve created together.
The best day of the week was also the saddest day of the week. Even though it brought so many tears to my eyes, those tears were a mixture of sadness and happiness. Thursday was the day when everyone became so much closer to one another. In such a short amount of time, friendships were made, memories were created and no-one can take that away from us.
I’m so grateful to Miss Cawley, because without her, this project wouldn’t have been such a great success. One of the best memories was when the English and the Italians were dining in a restaurant and we all sang each other songs. The Italians taught us 'Volare' and we taught them' Don’t Go'.
Jada writes....
We stayed in Bordeaux From 13th May-17th May. I really enjoyed my stay in Bordeaux as it is a very beautiful place in France. I was really glad to see all the French students again and I enjoyed getting to know the new Italians as they are very nice. Throughout my trip I have learnt a lot about the history of Bordeaux!!! I remember visiting all the different churches and going to the vineyards. The day that I enjoyed the most was Thursday, when we went to their school.
Throughout the day we got to do loads of different activities and I also got to know the French a bit more. Before we came to Bordeaux we were asked to create a design based on pilgrimages. The design had to include an arrow and a shell. We used these designs to put on a clay plaque which we made while we were at the French school.
I had a great time in Both Italy and Bordeaux and I’m really glad that I have been given the opportunity to go on these trips. I really miss the French and Italians, and I can’t wait to see them in October!!!!!!!!
Edima writes...
The trip to France was very enjoyable because we got to meet new Italians and see the French again. I was happy that we were able to go to France in May because the weather was sunny. We took a local bus to the hotel and quickly made our way to our rooms. During the course of the trip we became closer to the Italians and also realised that they were really good friends. On Thursday we went to the French school and met more French students.
Our first activity was to design plaques where had to include 3 things: a scallop shell, a pilgrim and an arrow. We also did a treasure hunt, working in mixed language groups. My group which included Regina, Riccardo, Nicolo and Louis won and got the prize first! However everyone was able to get some of the prize. At the end we went to a hall and watched a presentation that was made by some of the French about a previous project on 'pilgrimage'. Sadly, Thursday was the day we had to say goodbye to the French and some of them (English, French AND Italian) began crying and giving out comforting hugs.
On the 17th we were ready to part ways with the Italians. They were to leave earlier than us which made us very sad. We walked them to their bus stop, with tears in our eyes, and waved them off as they sung us an English song we had taught them called, ‘Don’t Go’.
Thank you to all the teachers who allowed us to take part in this trip and those who supported us in making new friends. Especially Ms Cawley, Ms Green and Mr Murphy!!
......One of our hosts at the reception in the local meeting room said that our students, perhaps without realising or knowing it, were creating the Europe of the future, where political, religious and social divisions would be less important. The most important achievement of the project is that lifelong friendships have been forged - an unexpected but very welcome outcome of our journey together!!!!!
So there is one question which remains...
Which way now?
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