German Exchange 2014

GERMAN EXCHANGE 2014

In October thirteen pupils spent a week in Dresden on the German Exchange. It was an action packed week starting with a middle of the night coach trip to Stansted airport. The stop off to change planes in Cologne did, however, allow for time to explore Cologne city centre.

We had wonderful late summer weather which made the days out even more enjoyable. We explored Dresden city centre, including a climb to the top of the Frauenkirche; a trip to Meißen and the famous porcelain factory; and a trip to Leipzig where we had a tour of the history museum which gave us a real insight into life in East Germany between 1949 and 1989. It was a particularly interesting time to be in former Eastern Germany as this year it is 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The pupils taking part in the Exchange were a real credit to Prince Henry’s. They tried really hard to speak German with their Exchange families and embraced the whole Exchange experience wholeheartedly. 

During the trip the pupils were asked to make notes on the main difference between school life at Kreuzgymnasium and Prince Henrys, and to comment on the highlights of the trip. Below are some extracts:

“I particularly like the idea of no school uniform; it is much more comfortable and makes school feel relaxed. I also like the double lessons and the freedom to go into town at lunchtime. Das ist wunderbar! “ 

“I really enjoyed the Exchange; it was a great experience! The highlights were speaking lots of German, the trip to Meißen and the tour of Dresden. It was great fun! “

“Lots of trust; public transport is on time – I enjoyed using the transport to visit lots of cities/towns “

“The teacher left the classroom and everyone carried on working”

“I thought that the family was very nice. I loved walking around Dresden, it was really nice and the buildings were so big. I thought the trip was awesome and would greatly recommend it.”

“I really enjoyed the party at the end as I danced (basically jumping) and found it great. I was very sociable with some German pupils and overall it was very exciting”.

“The atmosphere in school is much more relaxed”. 

“The teachers make the pupils do the work”.

 “Lots of people are nice and friendly and the school is like a community”.

“I enjoyed the party, as it was fun and funny. We got to meet other people from the school too as well as our exchange partners.”

“They have chalk boards in their classrooms instead of a white board. They don’t have or use projectors or laptops.”

“I thought it was good that we spent the weekend with our families and were forced to speak as much German as possible.”

“Sunday turned out to be a great day with hiking in the German mountains with Nicolas and Jonas (Otto’s friends) and their families who were hosting French Exchange pupils, who were rather quiet. It was great fun learning new and wonderful and strange vocabulary”.