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Europa Centre Visit
Year 5 were ‘transported’ to France for a day when they visited the Europa Centre in Hornchurch.
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The Europa Centre is a simulation centre for children and adults learning modern languages. It is set out in the form of a village with an airport, shops, a hotel, market square, café, post office, railway station and many other facilities. Each week up to 500 students from schools and colleges make class visits to simulate a trip to France, Germany or Spain. All the signs and shop names are changed in line with the language of the visit and the roles of the "inhabitants", such as shop assistants, waiters or policeman, are played by native speakers of the language concerned.
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A visit to the Europa Centre enables students to simulate a trip to a foreign country and to practise and develop their language skills in a supportive environment. The native speakers who "inhabit" the Centre are trained to be aware of the difficulties faced by language learners and to exploit the opportunities for using their language during the various stages of a visit.
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The stress is on creating an environment in which students will be prepared and motivated to listen to, speak, read and even write the language they are studying. Thanks to Miss Hawkins for organizing a great day of fun for Year 5.
Highgate School, North Road, London N6 4AY