Years 9 and 10 students from Dyffryn Taf School recently took part in a French Exchange programme, with pupils from Pipriac in Brittany. The French students arrived on Sunday, March 15.

The French Exchange aims to enhance the students' linguistic confidence and ability, and raise motivation for language learning, leading to a heightened awareness of, and empathy with, Wales.

During the week various activities were organised for the French Exchange students, which included: A Welsh lesson and Welsh-cake making, ten-pin bowling in Milford Haven and a tour around Pembroke, a trip to LC2 in Swansea, a trip to the Millennium Centre in Cardiff and activities at Heatherton.

Emma Morgan, Year 9 student, said "It was really funny to see all the French students wandering around Welsh shops buying souvenirs. This exchange visit was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I didn't want it to end and I cannot wait to go to France to see my new friends again."

Thomas Windsor and Katy Simkiss, Year 10 students, said: "It was an amazing week with our French students. We signed up for the exchange hoping to make some new friends, but we never thought they would become friends for life. Our French speaking has improved so much and now, we cannot wait to go to France and see our friends again."

Overall, the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and built strong, lasting friendships. It was an emotional goodbye, but they will get the chance to see each other again in June, when Dyffryn Taf students visit Pipriac.