San Andrea students visit Paris

A group of 32 students from San Andrea Senior School, aged between 13 and 16, recently spent a week in Paris deepening their knowledge on a number of subjects being covered at school.

This educational trip abroad was one of the main objectives I had set for this scholastic year, because apart from the extensive educational outings all over Malta targeting Maltese history, I also wanted history students to have the opportunity to go on a special educational outing to cover the European history section of the Sec syllabus.

Together with some history students who had already visited some important historical landmarks mentioned during history lessons in class, a number of French and art students also embarked on this trip.

While art students could appreciate the undeniably rich artistic aspect of the French capital, students studying French could practise the language as well as widen their cultural knowledge.

So with the invaluable help of the foreign languages co-ordinator and French teacher, Ms Marie Louise Vella, a week-long programme of visits in Paris was devised to serve as important Sec-exam preparation for students who chose History or French or Art as their option subjects.

One of the first and undoubtedly most imposing monuments which the students visited was the Arc de Triomphe with the panoramic view of its surrounding 12 avenues and its museum full of historical primary sources of the most important French generals, including Napoleon himself.

Walking through the Champs Elysées with its elegant cafes, exclusive designer shops and magical Christmas atmosphere was an unforgettable experience as was concluding the walk in Place de la Concorde where thousands of French were guillotined during the French Revolution in 1789. Students could also admire the nicely lit Obelisque at the centre of this square.

On arriving at the Eiffel Tower we turned out to be unlucky as we found out that the lift wasn't working. This experience, however, soon turned into an exciting adventure as student after student began climbing the over 650 steps that lead to a breathtaking and mesmerising view of the Parisian city stretching into the horizon.

After this visit we made our way to the Hotel des Invalids, where we walked through the Army Museum and, among other things, saw Napoleon's tomb. The Church of Monmartre, the Cathedral of Nôtre Dame with its pointed steeples and the Chapel of Sainte Chapelle were other places of historic interest that we visited.

At Sainte Chapelle students admired magnificent art and architecture as well as the relics of Jesus Christ, the remains of the cross, those of the crown of thorns and the nails with which he was crucified. On our way to Nôtre Dame, we also visited the Hotel De Ville, which played an important role during the French Revolution.

An unforgettable afternoon was our experience on the Bâteau Mouche - an incredible boat trip on the River Seine with an integrated audio-commentary of all the historical Parisian monuments along the river. The Eiffel Tower being slowly lit up in countless numbers of flickering lights with the rich colours of the sunset in the background was a truly suggestive sight.

The Louvre with its Mona Lisa, the luxurious rooms of Napoleon III, the magnificent paintings and statues, and the Egyptian section all proved to be a unique visual experience. Strolling in the surrounding Tuilleries Gardens, amid their luscious greenery expertly decorated with Christmas lights, was yet another wonderful scene.

Our day spent at Versailles Palace was an experience that brought awe and fascination to all. Seeing the luxury the French King and Queen surrounded themselves with before the start of the French revolution, analysing the magnificent art and historical artefacts while imagining the backdrop of poverty-stricken people who lived outside the palace walls in the past, enabled students to empathise and understand the reasons and causes of such a revolution.

Being in Paris, Euro Disney could only be naturally included in our programme. On one of the few bright, sunny mornings which we had during our entire stay, we set out to experience a great day of adventure. For the students it was unique not only because they were enjoying the countless rides but also because they were accompanied by their best friends.

After each daily excursion, once dinner was over, the students used to group up into their French, art or history classes to summarise what they had experienced and learnt on that particular day.

Personally, I really used to enjoy these lessons because the students enthusiastically narrated and debated, analysing the historical monuments and places visited.

Ms Marie Louise Vella, who although was unable to join, planned everything to the minutest detail. The students were accompanied by myself (history teacher), Ms Audrey Galea (head of Senior School), Mr Nick O'Neill (French teacher), Ms Nadine Briffa (art teacher) and Mr Godfrey Spiteri (Maths teacher).

We all think it was an unforgettable experience and the positive effects of this special field trip abroad is being reflected through the excellent feedback being given by the students during lessons.

Mr Briffa is Humanities co-ordinator and history teacher for Grades 9-12 at San Andrea Senior School.