Le Grand Bain Marseille (France)

The idea behind Le Grand Bain (The Big Bath) is simple: to pair primary school classes from different social backgrounds, but within proximity of one another, with the aim of creating long-term relationships between students who would ordinarily not meet.

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The classes are twinned, through considered choices and decisions by Le Grand Bain co-ordinators, and then meet throughout the year, to learn about one another, and to experience visiting different areas within Marseille. Le Grand Bain aims to break down social barriers and create acceptance and understanding between children through shared experiences and learning.

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Teachers in both classes are a key part of the process, as they support the children they teach to increase their curiosity around otherness, support and encourage cooperation between their children, and the children from the other class, and celebrate their final joint project together.

 

The MCS Foundation began supporting Le Grand Bain in 2025 and recognises the innovative idea and purpose of Le Grand Bain. The MCS Foundation actively works against discrimination, and supports acceptance, and as such Le Grand Bain with its focus on working with primary school children to reduce discrimination, and increase empathy and understanding of others, meet this aim.