…said the British customs team as we left the British passport control in Dunkirk. As the last of our group of seventy twelve-year-olds disappeared through the door, all five members of the customs inspectors burst out laughing. “You could have heard a pin drop as you brought your children through, we have never seen, or heard such a well-behaved school group, it so quiet” she said between her laughs.
Yes, even seventy Dutch twelve-year-olds can be quiet and serious!
Travelling with large groups of school children has its moments. The chaos, the noise and the feeling that you are heading a flock of sheep. But occasionally something like this comes along.
As a teacher it does give you a good feeling to get such a compliment! Was it our very serious (and possibly slightly over the top) instructions? Was it the uniforms of the serious looking customs men and women staring down from their desks? Was it a bit of both?
Either way, we were happy, the customs people were happy and the kids were quiet…..what is there not to like?
Peter Sansom 