Sauerkraut, sausages and potato dumplings…

German Exchange 2012

A successful pupil exchange with the Scharnhorstgymnasium in Hildesheim, just south of Hanover in Northern Germany, took place during the February half-term break. Nineteen pupils from Years 10 and 11 were heartily welcomed into German families to experience a week of German school, culture and food. Outings included a day trip to Hamburg where they were taken on a tour of the ‘Harbour City’ and port storehouses, and given an amazing view of the Alster River, completely frozen for the first time in over ten years.

Pupils also had the opportunity to spend time with their host families; some were taken to see the beautiful Harz Mountains and others visited the car manufacturing factory city of Wolfsburg, as well as enjoying bowling, swimming and ice-skating. Pupils observed a variety of different lessons in the Gymnasium and became well-acquainted with a German teenager’s daily routine.

Excited chatter on the return journey told of a very positive overall experience, and plans were already being made to revisit and exchange photos by email.