This year La Comédie Francaise paid a visit to Madrid and for many pupils it was their first experience of classic French theatre. The play shows us that, basically, human social behaviour has changed little since the French court pursued its intrigues and scandals at the Palais de Versailles. We attended two different plays both of which were performed with conviction and high technical virtuosity by France’s perhaps most emblematic theatre company.

We have had quite a few children in years 8, 9 and 10 taking the GCSE exam in advance of the planned curriculum; Carlota Pereda in year 10 for instance, sat her A Level in June of 2008. Furthermore, 7 pupils from year 11 who had done their IGCSE last October took the AS exam in June of this year. The credit for much of this precocious ability in this subject must be attributed to the Francophone enthusiasm shown by many of the parents.

We have parents, fortunately, who still place a high value on French and see a vital role for the language in European if not world affairs. They imbue their children with this attitude, arrange extra lessons when necessary and send their children to France to allow them to absorb the mores, culture and language of the country.

Mrs. Bengio is actively involved in the daily work of the French department. She has become an indispensable stalwart and to her we, once again, extend our most heartfelt gratitude. I would also like to thank Mrs. Lerner, Mrs. Etcheverría, Mrs. Monge, Mrs Delgado de Robles, Mrs Richi and Mrs Pascual for the gift of those delightful human qualities inherent in their sons, Mrs Vasandani, Mrs, Moreno and Mrs. Domecq for the wonderful time I have shared with their daughters and all the parents of Year 13 for their unwavering trust in the Department.

Lastly I would like to say what a marvellous experience it was for me to see the video the parents of Class 08 (year 13) made and how valued I felt as a teacher to be included in this precious record of their children’s journey through primary and secondary education at Runnymede.

Merci et chapeau!