Archives 2007-08
The English revision trip - Lion-sur-Mer 2008
Par Paddy Salmon
- 7h30, cours de Tai Chi devant le soleil qui se lève
Sun, Sea, Sand and..... Sustainable Development. What about Sustainable Revision ? Well, there was no alcohol on offer, but the globalised cocktail of Cold War (served straight from the freezer), with the Tempest (stirred AND shaken !), topped up with Dalloway, Decolonisation and served with a Metaphysical Dash of Irony thrown in, proved irresistible.
- Working. by Paddy Salmon
Well, we oldies couldn’t remember such beautiful weather for over ten years. Lion-sur-Mer was a new departure (I mourned for Grandcamp-Maisy, but it IS good to have change) and it turned out to be a winner. The accommodation was lovely (somehow - I wonder why -, it HELPED to have the girls dormitories in a separate building from the boys) in the spacious grounds of a mini château. The beach was (magnetically) nearby and ideal for football and, when it got hot, “paddling” up to waist level (there was NO SWIMMING) and accidentally falling over in the water and thrashing about to regain one’s balance (NO SWIMMING), under strict supervision, too, of course.
- By Paddy Salmon
H-G started with their intensive two days ; then teachers swapped over and it was the turn of English. We all of us got to love Lion, which is impressively undeveloped (unsustainably ??). Where in the world (or France) can you find a seaside resort with absolutely NO cafés or shops along the front : just the faded glory of 2e Empire mansions, a few memorials to the Canadian Rangers etc. ? I feel I know what business to start when I retire...
The pupils were very well behaved, thoughtful to each other and us, and they were good fun to teach. They worked very hard (just like us !) from 9 every morning till 5.30 or so. I have always believed that pedagogically we do some of our best teaching on these trips. Having the pupils 100%, and combining intensive revision with relaxation that is also quite intense (ie Rounders on the Beach or Tai Chi classes at 7.30 in the morning) seems to me the ideal learning environment. And with sunshine and the smell of the seashore. Pity it’s impossible to develop the concept further... !
- Thanks, Judy Cellier for organising such a successful Trip
Thanks, Judy Cellier for organising such a successful Trip, and we teachers (Darren, Ross, Cindy, Peter, Ben, Betty and Ruairi) felt that the trip was well worth giving up our time for in order to participate. The pupils had a great time by all accounts and here are some of their comments :
Comments by the pupils :
At first, all we knew was, “You are going to study for 4 days with 9 teachers” - OUCH ! However this intellectual quest in the 14th Department (in other words, Neverland) proved to be both intense and interesting, as well as unifying and reassuring for all of us (except for a certain Mr Austin). After all, let’s face it, we students live by the last minute revision rule ! ... we would also like to congratulate the teachers for their outstanding performance for, amongst others, managing to get us to bed before midnight (even on Friday night when we could have gone to the Macumba). It was definitely worthwhile ! (Rachel and Carla)
The combination of intense studying and the beautiful and relaxing environment with the sea nearby made this Revision Trip a great experience. Was it useful ? Well, we’ll find that out when the results come out ! (Anon)
There were really two parts to this incredible, life-learning experience : the intensive work and all the fun and games on the beach. The first part was very enriching and helped fill in any sort of gaps..... This trip in the exotic location of Lion-sur-Mer was one of the best ever and it represents with exactitude the SIS : an incredible and extraordinary group spirit interlinked with enriching knowledge. Thank you so much. (Benjamin)
In those four days we probably learned more than in two weeks at home. The exceptional location helped to reinforce the group dynamic which was especially significant during the several mock orals in which we took part. This exciting experience enriched my learning methods and all OIB students should go to Lion-sur-Mer with the absolute certainty of coming back a greater person. (Hugo)
Why is it necessary for us to go on a Revision Trip ? :
- It puts a little sunshine in our hearts before the dreaded “dernière ligne droite”
- Being secluded in a lost village in Normandy allows us to concentrate above average
- Having to study so many subjects with so many coefficients is a challenge ; focusing on three of them proves to be of vital help
- The local population (warm and welcoming) are great specimens for those wanting to study sociology and archaeology
- Being stuck 24/7 with our teachers is slightly masochistic ; we happen to enjoy it
- Last but not least, not being allowed to ingurgitate a single drop of alcohol for 4 whole days has turned us into healthy and athletic kids (Lyor and Marie)
Putting an emphasis on a more English-based system of teaching, the Revision Trip allows the students to truly experience a week of work in an atmosphere of learning but also of mutual living. We can literally feel a bond between the teachers and the students, both eager to achieve..... We are, I think, thankful to the Sections for this very important part of the year as Terminales. (Charles)
Thank you for your energy and time. PS It was worth sacrificing our “jeudi férié” and our Saturday. (Anon)
Trip useful in explaining properly what the OIB was all about (what we had to learn). Teachers enthusiastic and full of energy, which was very encouraging. Nice to finish our Terminale year all together. (Anon)
A tradition that must be continued ! Thank you for everything. (Sarah)
On behalf of the Dejean and Bragard families, and as SIS veterans, we would like to address our most sincere congratulations and thanks to the Sections. We deeply appreciate the efforts made for the organisation of the recent Revision Trip. This May Revision Trip has already greatly contributed to the success of our brothers, sisters and friends. A perfectly timed withdrawal from the Bac pressure at school in order to study the OIB in a peaceful, quiet and especially harmonious atmosphere, these four days enabled us to review the absolutely necessary OIB techniques but also spend quality time with our teachers. (Benjamin and Sven)
Viva la Revision ! (Che Guevara ?)
Dernière modification le 29-03-09 par
