German Department

Sixth Form Berlin Trip

Sixth Form German students boosted their appreciation of German culture, history and the language during a recent visit to the capital, Berlin. The trip was packed full of fun and learning, with everything from a Ritter Sport chocolate workshop and a musical revue, to a trip to the Topography of Terror museum, where they learnt about the rise of National Socialism, and the Reichstag, where the German parliament sits. They even managed coffee and cake near the Brandenburg Gate!

German Exchange

The German Exchange is an excellent opportunity to make friends and explore a new place with people your age. It might seem scary to go away to another country and live with another family for a week, but Emily Fielder (10D) discovered that her nervousness melted away pretty quickly once she was with her exchange family: “I was nervous at the start of the week, especially for the weekend as it was going to be me, my exchange partner and her family. But the weekend was great fun and we bonded loads.”

Asmara Stubley (10B) says “I enjoyed meeting up with other Germans and their exchanges after school, as we made lots of new friends.” Esmee Higgins (10D) intends to go back to Bonn in the summer holidays to visit her new German friends. She says that she loved “just chilling” and “playing football with no worries.” Lydia Lycholat (10C) also formed some lasting friendships – “I loved going out with the German exchange and getting to know them was great as I know they will always be close friends forever.”

Not only did the girls develop good relationships with the partners, but they were also able to improve their German skills in reallife German-speaking situations.

Isobel Plant (10A) had an amazing time and loved experiencing a new culture. She says: “It really helped me improve my self-confidence with speaking in German.” Alexandra Haworth (10E) also loved the exchange: “I had such a good time, especially at the weekend when I went to the theme park, it definitely helped with my German!“ Jessica Kay (10E) says that the German exchange was: “an incredible experience! I have gained so much confidence and my German ability has improved dramatically. I am grateful I was able to experience this opportunity.”