Every time we drive to our nearby town of Castres, we pass this beautiful building–and wonder what was goes on inside.
This week Robin & I found out!
[This is a Guest Post by Meredith–wife, Photographer, Taster-in-Chief.]
We were invited for a special tour of the historic Collège Jean Jaurès by one of the English teachers–who first bumped into Robin buying cheese at the open air market.
Jean Jaurès is one of France’s most famous politicians. He was assassinated 100 years ago in Paris for trying to prevent World War I from breaking out. A pacifist, he was also opponent of the death penalty and a supporter of the maligned Dreyfus. Many French towns honor his memory with a rue, avenue or place Jean Jaurès.
Jaurès was born in Castres and attended this school where he was reportedly a brilliant student.
(It was renamed in his honor in 1924.)
It is one of the oldest secondary schools in France, established in 1574.
These young students of English were challenged with guiding their Anglophone guests around the landmark building.
At collège, they range in age from 11 to 15.
They were enthusiastic guides!
This [below] is the former chapel and medieval tower topped with a bell, viewed from the playground.
Inside, it’s a gynasium! The young people have gym twice a week.
A poster on the gym wall promoting fair play, no racism, inclusiveness, no drug-taking.
In the inspiring ART room, versions of Jean Jaurès portraits were on display.
The students have Art class once a week (and they would like more!). We could see why.
We couldn’t miss out on an English language classroom.
Impressive!
We also stopped by lunch room.
Robin was interested to see the weekly lunch MENU posted. Looked delicious!
In the library and media center, posters discussed food, cooking and how to avoid wasting food.
The young people have their own student lounge.
In honor of English guests, the tour ended with a cup of tea…
We learned a lot on our first day in a French school!
Merci to Madame Henriette Courtade and the students at College Jean Jaurès.
