Writing to France – Year 10’s Pen Pal Journey

March 5, 2025

There’s something special about receiving a handwritten letter – especially when it comes from across the world! Our Year 10 French students have just received their first letters from their new pen pals at Collège Jean Rostand Capbreton, a middle school in southwest France. And let’s just say, the excitement in the classroom was next level!

These letters, written in English by French students, were filled with introductions, stories about family and friends, and snippets of daily life in France. Some students wrote about their favourite hobbies, while others described what it’s like living near the Atlantic coast in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (where some of them actually surf before school!).

Now, it’s our turn! Our students will reply in French, sharing their own stories while putting their language skills to the test. It’s a real-world way to practise French – beyond the textbooks and into actual conversations with native speakers.

More Than Just a Language Lesson

This isn’t just about improving French (although that’s a big bonus!). Writing to a pen pal helps students build confidence, cultural awareness, and global friendships. It’s one thing to learn a language in class, but another to use it to communicate with someone who actually speaks it every day.

And let’s be honest – there’s something pretty cool about getting to know someone who lives on the other side of the world.

What Our Students Are Saying

“I love how exciting it is to write to someone in another country. It makes French feel more real! The whole class is always so eager to open our letters – we’re basically counting down the days until the next one arrives.” Jade, Year 10

“It’s so cool to see how easy it is to connect with someone in France. I’ve really enjoyed practising my French and knowing that my pen pal is doing the same with English!” Jessica, Year 10

Why This Program Matters

Learning should always feel connected to real life, and this program is a perfect example. It’s not just about improving French skills. It’s about building friendships, discovering new cultures, and gaining a fresh perspective on the world.

And who knows? Maybe one day, some students will visit their pen pals in France and continue their conversations in person! Until then, the letters (and the excitement) will keep coming.

Featured, FrenchLetters, FrenchPenPals, LanguageLearning, StudentLearning, Year10French

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.