Testimonies from parents and pupils of Chavagnes International College
 
A founder pupil (September 2002 – June 2005) reminisces...
When I first flew out to Chavagnes International College in September 2002, I was 16 years old and ready for something different. Having met some of the College staff in London and visited the College buildings (still being re-decorated!) with my father some time before, I was convinced that I could leave my secondary school sixth form and all my friends behind me, and take that adventurous leap into the heart of the Vendée, to a new establishment of which I was to become a founding pupil. I am sure that none of us knew what to expect, but choosing to go there was undoubtedly the best decision of my life.
 
Of course, it was my parent’s decision as well. They were keen that I should get a good Catholic education that would foster my musical talents, stretch me academically and care for me spiritually. Chavagnes provided me with all of these things, and luckily I was able to give something back to the College in return; as organ scholar I was responsible for the Chapel music and accompanying the choir. As a prefect and later a house captain I was able to care for the immediate needs of my fellow pupils and develop my leadership skills at the same time. Having French teachers, pupils and villagers to speak to was a rare privilege for which I will always be grateful- I would not be reading French Literature at Oxford had I not had the excellent opportunities which living in a French village afforded me. I even took the initiative to visit a local nun for extra conversation classes!
 
I passed my grade VIII organ exam during my time at Chavagnes, having the magnificent privilege of working with the titular organist of the parish, on two superb instruments, both the romantic chapel organ and the neo-baroque instrument in the parish church. Learning Gregorian chant and developing my taste in sacred music was an aid to my spiritual growth as well as the furthering of my musical knowledge. For me and for many boys at Chavagnes, the spiritual timetable of the college fits into the day beautifully. Daily Mass and the spiritual direction of the Chaplain were graces of inestimable value, and they were part of everyday life for those three years. Along with my other A-level subjects, Chavagnes gave me the opportunity of studying Spanish and Latin, two subjects not offered at my previous school, and I achieved high grades in them both at both GCSE and A-level examinations. All of these artistic, spiritual and academic privileges have helped me enormously, and would not have been available anywhere else. When I consider also the dedication of the teachers, the warm atmosphere of the College, not to mention the picturesque setting in a rural French village, I know that going there was an enormous grace. It was not simply chance that made my mother pick up a leaflet on Chavagnes that was lying on the floor of my parish Church, that’s for sure.
 
Being a pupil at Chavagnes did not mean an isolated existence in a dusty old building. We made the College our home, helped with its maintenance and took turns to assist the kitchen staff. But we also went out on wonderful trips: we all took part in the Paris to Chartres pilgrimage each Pentecost, we sang for many concerts, and provided the music for the feast of Corpus Christi in a parish in Burgundy, we went on a charming choir tour to Sweden staying with host families, visited the amazing historic theme park ‘Le Puy du fou’, explored the Vendée countryside (particularly its inspiring history- the Catholic uprising against the republicans in the aftermath of the French revolution), and sang carols at Christmas time in local convents and homes for the aged. I can especially recommend Chavagnes’ excellent patisseries! It was a whole cultural experience, something education in England could not possibly offer.
 
Currently a student at Oxford, I am profoundly grateful for all that Chavagnes gave me. I am still unsure where life will take me after my degree; I would like to teach, possibly be a translator, travel a bit, maybe get married or even consider whether I have a religious vocation. Whatever I do, and I trust in the same heavenly grace that brought me to Chavagnes, I will always gratefully remember those happy years spent in France in possibly the most original, eccentric, fulfilling and exciting place of good Catholic education imaginable. 
Alexander Morrison, Oriel College, Oxford, March 2006.
 
A school at the heart of Europe for two Irish brothers
Even before I was elected to  the European Parliament in 2004, Kevin, my son who was 16 at the time was considering Chavagnes. Under pressure to revive my French for my new position, I enrolled in Chavagnes  French language course during the summer and brought the children with me.  I was impressed by the friendly, family atmosphere of the place and decided Kevin had made a good choice. Shortly before we left Chavagnes, David, then 15, also asked to enrol. They joined the College a few weeks later in September 2004. They are the only Irish pupils, but have never been too homesick.
 
The dedication of the teachers at the College has helped both of my sons to overcome some difficulties they had previously experienced with getting their ideas on to paper, and they are now definitely motivated to study harder. I am convinced that a part of the secret of Chavagnes is the central place played by the liturgy. Every day, the boys experience the calm and recollected atmosphere of the Mass, and this has an effect on their school work and their relationships.
 
The high level of intellectual life among the staff has been really inspiring, especially for my oldest son, Kevin, who has developed a deep interest in literature, theology and philosophy. The College has been very flexible in regard to his Sixth Form studies and he has recently gained admission to the university of his choice in the USA by obtaining good results in American SATs, instead of sitting for British A-level qualifications. When he leaves this summer he will certainly miss the place a great deal. We are hoping that David's cousin, Joe,  will join him in September, just to keep the Irish flag flying at Chavagnes.
 
People often speak of growing old gracefully. At Chavagnes my sons, at a difficult time of questioning in their lives, are growing up gracefully. And it is a pleasure to see that happen. The absence of distractions, the presence of good friends, the dedication of caring teachers, the full timetable, the calm atmosphere of the College: all these aspects enable boys to become men in an edifying and traditional way.
 
Chavagnes is a welcoming place: when I visit I always feel very much at home, and I have to come to know and respect all the teachers. I would certainly recommend the College to other families seeking a safe and loving school environment; one where the academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual and moral life are all lived to the full, where healthy friendships are developed and where the character and originality of every child is cherised and respected.
Kathy Sinnott MEP
 
Mr Mobberley’s son has been at Chavagnes since September 2005 and his younger brother hopes to join him in September 2006. His father writes:
One day I hope that God in His mercy will offer me the spiritual challenge of having to cope with winning a nine figure sum on the European Lottery. About one hundred and twenty three million pounds would be nice. If that day ever comes I will then be able to choose any school in the world for my sons. Regardless of expense I will be able to make my selection based on what values are dearest to me.
 
And if that day ever comes I already know which school I will select: exactly the same one my eldest son currently attends, (soon to be joined by his younger brother) - Chavagnes International College.  Perhaps I would just donate a few hundred thousand (or million) towards sprucing it up a bit.
 
Our family story is not that unusual. We are practising Catholics. We believe that church teaching on all manner of things - the Real Presence, morality, abortion, contraception, homosexuality, etc. - is correct, and while we may be big sinners, we do at least aspire to adhering to the Faith. As such our values are wholly and completely at variance with the secular, humanist zeitgeist. We want more than anything else in the world to pass on the precious gift of authentic Catholic faith to our children but the times are bad. One priest friend of the family once told me that if he were to go into his parish Catholic school and start teaching the faith properly, people would think he had taken leave of his senses.
 
But not at Chavagnes.
 
In order to keep their doors open, many a good, Catholic school in England has had to take in so many non-catholics that the actual number who are there for faith reasons is diluted. What is a punch-drunk headteacher to do when attempts to teach the faith are met with hostility from the parents themselves, many of whom are only sending their children there for the academic standards and discipline? To the chagrin of those decent, hard-working members of staff who do have the faith, the version of Catholicism being taught in many a Catholic School is so watered down as to be virtually indistinguishable from other denominations. Secular schools with statues, I call them.
 
But not at Chavagnes.
 
Each time I visit Chavagnes, there is a little less peeling paint, another room being prepared, another improvement here or there. The great crumbling edifice is slowly transforming. In the past it has been described as "rickety" even "parlous" although vast amounts have been done since then. Well, who could deny it? Yes, I know the paint IS peeling all over the place. Yes, I know that the canopy around the quadrangle is full of holes. I know that resurfacing is needed outside, especially at the back. You can never be surprised to find a floorboard which gently gives a little as you walk over it.
 
Yes I know that there is always a minority of the staff who are only able to stay for a short while, usually for economic reasons. Often these are highly qualified semi-volunteers who can only stay for a year. People come, give as much as they are able and move on, often regretting the fact that they cannot stay longer.  Yes, I can wander around and find minor faults here and there. Every so often the College has to stop, take stock and re-think some approach or other (as I understand it did when it grew too large to function in the same way it had done when there were only a small handful of boys.) Doubtless the staff have disagreements among themselves from time to time. They must do. The place is run by people. I am not blind to the fact that Chavagnes is a young plant, in some ways a work in progress. In a way I hope it always will be.
 
But in just his first term my son had:
 
12 horse riding lessons,
3 boating trips,
3 mushroom hunts,
1 trip to the Puy Du Fou theme park (pictured),
1 trip to an historical festival,
2 (or was it 3?) fishing trips,
multiple periods per week of conversational French among native-speaking French people.
 
He has sung with the choir in a church on the other side of France. Choir participation has introduced him to beautiful music, a privilege which he will recall with awe and gratitude in years to come, I have no doubt.
 
He has experienced the adventure of travelling to a foreign land and been plunged into a world where he has had contact and made friends with boys and staff from the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Nigeria, Brazil - it is an International College after all.
 
He has been exposed to the traditional Latin Mass, the new Mass in Latin, English and French, and he is in an environment in which it is not remotely unusual to go and sit for a few minutes before the blessed sacrament if he wishes. When he goes to confession it is the normal thing to do. The priest is first class: gentle, kind and inspiring without watering Catholic teaching down.
 
Now my son is receiving violin lessons, has attended several debates, a Burns Night (complete with haggis, pipes and drums) and has signed up for the Chartres Pilgrimage.
 
He is happy.
 
Of course I forgot to mention attending the school play, the film evenings, or the fact that his classes comprise less than fifteen pupils. No wonder he is thriving.
 
Nor did I mention that staff have become cherished friends whom I greet like family when I visit. You know they are dedicated simply because they are there.
 
I think I can live with the odd hole in the wire netting fence or dormitories which look like a bomb has dropped until Doctor Conlon holds breakfast to ransom.*
W. Mobberley, Norfolk.  March 2006.

*Mr Mobberley is referrring to our custom of not allowing boys down for breakfast until all beds are made and stray dirty socks put in the laundry baskets ...