FRIDAY morning was a right "Eiffel" at Farnworth's Harper Green High when the school went French for the day.

Children from feeder primary schools were invited to the secondary school to celebrate "la difference" by immersing themselves in all things Gallic.

They were given the chance to learn French songs and games, had some "Franc" lessons about French money -- now the Euro, sampled continental cuisine and got to grips with the language.

The 24 pupils were chosen for the day after being identified as having a potential aptitude for languages.

Primary schools were also asked to pick Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and Guides who were hoping to attain their language badges.

And to get into the spirit of the day they donned typically French striped shirts and berets.

Harper Green Francophile pupils spoke French throughout the day and the youngsters were only allowed to speak in their native tongue if they asked permission -- in French, of course.

One aim of the day was to give the Harper Green pupils some early preparation for their GCSE exams a few years down the line.

The children will now go back to their own schools to spread the word about what they learnt with the colleagues.

Abilities

Harper Green assistant head Vivien Sharples said: "It is a wonderful opportunity to give the primary school pupils a taste of secondary school while they are in Year 6.

"Staff from Modern Languages, Technology, Expressive Arts and Geography helped out during the day and it was a good opportunity to assess the pupils' abilities and capabilities."

Hazel Hill, aged 10, from Queen Street School, Farnworth and Steven Rice, aged 10, from St James School, Farnworth, enjoy a "petit dejeurner" during Harper Green's French Day.

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