Bridgewater School is an Independent School for boys and girls aged 3-18. The school is located in a delightful semi-rural setting in Worsley yet not far from Manchester City Centre. Whether you are part of our community already or are considering Bridgewater for your child, we invite you to explore our site.

Judy Nairn, Headteacher

In October 2010, 41 students from year 8 enjoyed a fun-filled French/History trip to St. Omer, France. The trip was to encompass cultural visits and recreational time linked to poignant encounters with the glorious past. Departing at midnight on Thursday 14th October, staff and students settled down for the night on the comfy coach.
	On arriving at Dover, we boarded the ferry and got off to a swift start to the journey, enjoying a hearty breakfast on the boat. Once arriving in Calais, we headed to Nausicaa Sea World in Boulogne. Here, we were treated to an array of marine life from around the world, including tiger sharks, sea lions and penguins.
Next, we headed out to Boulogne town for a ‘treasure trail’ around the Cathedral and surrounding area. A local ‘Crêperie’ invited us in out of the cold for fresh pancakes and coffee – delicious! The first evening at the Château involved pancake making lessons for the students and enjoying recreational time in the games room.
	On Saturday, we headed off early for Ypres, Belgium, to pick up our local guide and tour the war cemeteries, dedicated to the brave soldiers of World War One. The group spent time at Essex Farm Cemetery, Langemark German Cemetery and Tyne Cot – the largest commonwealth cemetery in the world.

Students and staff were impressed and moved by this experience and many a beautiful photograph was taken.

Following this, the group proceeded to Sanctuary Wood Trench Systems to experience life in the trenches. Congratulations to all students, making it safely through the muddy trenches and for behaving so respectfully towards the genuine artefacts and still-life images of World War 1. After a visit to Menin Gate Memorial, a Belgian chocolate shop and an ice-cream parlour, we headed back to the Château for our final night.

After a brief stop in a local hypermarket to stock up on gifts, the second evening meal in the Château introduced many of the students to the taste snails. A brilliant disco was held that evening by the reps – thank you everyone, an excellent evening and some fantastic dancing!

The final day, Sunday, gave us a look into 19th Century French peasant life, through a visit to St. Joseph’s village. A vintage schoolhouse, old fashioned hot chocolate and lots of old fashioned games made for a lovely time before heading for Calais to board the ferry home.

Miss Evans, Mr Barker, Mrs Mason, Miss Grimes and Mr Lochery would like to thank all the students for their keen participation, enthusiasm and outstanding behaviour throughout the trip – you made it fantastic!

Watch this space for information about next year’s trip for current year 7 students going into year 8 in September 2011!