I has been wonderful getting to know the boys and girls this past week. We had a busy settling-in period during their first few days here, where students enjoyed touring the site, taking part in challenges and quizzes, and walking to our local village of Sauveterre. On their first weekend, students visited the fabulous I'sle Jourdain market and they thoroughly enjoyed exploring the various stalls. The day was topped off with movie night and popcorn and it was great to see the group relaxing together and enjoying the animation 'Ratatouille'.

On Sunday we visited the Pyrenees mountains and did a spectacular hike to one of its peaks. The groups should be so proud of themselves for their incredible achievements!

Academic lessons began in earnest this week and the group have been getting stuck into Science, History, Art and Culture, all taught in French of course. Yesterday afternoon we visited the pre-History museum in Aurignac to explore pre-History artefacts and to take part in jewellery-making workshops utilising traditional techniques, which the group seemed to really enjoy. Afterwards we took a walk along a local nature trail which took us through the forest and finished with a spectacular view over Aurignac.

On Friday the group were practising their Oral Expression and enjoyed choir with Madame Digon. In the afternoon they took part in our optional activities programme including den-building and creative activities in the garden. Fridays are also the day in which 'La Course' takes place, our running course which has been a staple of Sauveterre School for many years! The group did particularly well this week, with nearly everyone beating their time from last week.

This weekend the group are in for a treat as they have their Art and Photography lessons on Saturday morning, fun activities onsite in the afternoon, and then we head to Carcassonne on Sunday to explore the medieval town. It promises to be a very special trip!

Rachel Phillips-Morgan, Deputy Head of Sauveterre and Lauren Ponchant, Head of Sauveterre