Berlin Trip

In the beginning of October, we took over 30 students in Y11 GCSE History and German classes to Berlin to help support their learning and give them a wider cultural experience. During GCSE History, students study the rise of the Nazi party as well as the Cold War. Visiting Berlin helps to contextualise the history they are studying as they walk through a city that is a monument to some of the most striking moments in recent history. For our language students, it is an invaluable opportunity to practice their German with native speakers.

During the trip, the group visited landmarks like the Olympic Stadium and Reichstag Building. They toured the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial, a former Stasi prison, the Topography of Terror exhibition and the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. The explored the East Side Gallery, the world's longest open-air gallery incorporating a 1316-meter section of the Berlin Wall with paintings commenting on political changes and had a bespoke walking tour of East Berlin from our German teacher and East German native, Mrs Williams. 

Our students also had a chance to explore Berlin and experience typical German life by visiting German grocery stores, riding the U-Bahn and eating at several local restaurants. It was a whirlwind trip, packed with cultural highlights that our students really enjoyed. Thank you to Mrs Allen for organising the trip and to the teachers that accompanied the group. We'd also like to thank all of our students for being such wonderful representatives of the school throughout our time in Berlin.