ELEVEN children from Woodsetton School are putting their French lessons to good use as they go on the school’s first ever residential trip abroad.

The Year 6 pupils at the Tipton Road special school are spending the week in France and are staying in cottages at La Ferne de la Baie, in Brittany.

The children, who all have moderate learning difficulties, took to the sky on Sunday from East Midlands Airport and for some of them, it was the first time they had been on a plane.

The school decided to hold their residential placement abroad this year, instead of the usual Cannock Chase and Astley Burf, as the children have been learning french as part of the curriculum.

Deputy headteacher Peter Ross, who is leading the trip, said:“This is a very exciting trip for not only the children but the school as well.

“We don’t want to exclude them and it is a fantastic opportunity for them to see France, try out their language skills and get out in the local community, meeting French people and experiencing the culture and lifestyle.”

As part of the fun-packed week, the children will be visiting Pontorson street market, Mont St Muchel, a donkey sanctuary and Alligator Bay before returning on Friday.

To follow the children’s exciting week, visit woodsetton.dudley.gov.uk to see daily blogs and pictures.