The school owns a recently built chalet in the traditional Savoyade style. It is located on the outskirts of Bourg St Maurice and our pupils go out to experience the French way of life first-hand.

All children aged nine go to stay in the school's chalet in term time, in the Alps . For three weeks they gain a full experience of living and learning about a different country. At the age of eleven they have another three-week visit.

The chalet is in a small village close to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on the Italian border, an ideal base for a multitude of varied lessons, activities and language learning.Mornings are devoted to formal French lessons. At mealtimes, apart from an opportunity to experience a variety of menus, we insist so far as possible in using French only. Shopping is also conducted in French and when using a mountain guide or instructor. The rules for conversing in French are very much stricter for those aged eleven. The numerous afternoon visits are usually linked as a follow up to topics studied in the morning and allow plenty of time for exercise. They are chosen according to the ability of the group and weather conditions, they include:

• local history from Roman times
• glaciation
• comparison of lifestyle, countryside and architecture
• the trauma of the building of the dam at Tignes and death of a village
• the new Tignes as a ski resort - agro-tourism, economy of the region
• the effect of the Reformation on art and style in the chapels - art baroque
• production of local cheeses: visit to the Beaufort factory, a farm and an alpage
• visits to and from the local school
• walks on snow shoes
• skiing and fun in the snow
• cycling down the dedicated cycle track to Aime
• rock climbing
• mountain walking
• study of local fauna, flora and forestry

The small numbers allow for a very intensive teaching and a superb opportunity for learning. The use of the school's minibus gives flexibility. 

Recreation in the chalet is directed towards various projects, painting of Alpine flowers, illustration of local architecture, pyrography, preparation of meals and outside might include resting with a book for a siesta, stretching out or damming a stream, visiting the extensive local leisure facilities or a swim.

Living at close quarters everyone develops new relationships within the form and an added respect and tolerance for others. The six weeks spent in the Alps are a unique experience at this age giving an unrivalled opportunity for children to broaden their outlook and interests, learning so much of real importance.

Above all we hope to open the eyes and minds of everyone involved and give a rare opportunity to look beyond the structures of everyday normal life - a chance which is hugely welcomed by all the children, parents and staff.