The students were a real credit to the school as they made use of every minute to explore the history and culture of the city, and their enthusiasm and curiosity led them to practice their German even if they had never spoken German before! This particular year group had not had the opportunity for a trip like this in secondary school, so students were very happy to bond even though we made them walk 36 km altogether during the 3 days.

Despite visiting many sites of horrific atrocities, the students stayed in high spirits and understood how important democracy is for any society. They made a deep connection with Germany’s past by learning about two dictatorships and what it meant for those people who spoke up against the regimes, or were persecuted for just seen belonging to the ‘wrong’ group of people.

Here is what they said about the trip:

Grace: I think the trip was very educational because I learnt a lot about the history of Germany especially through going through the concentration camp and the monuments.

Martha: I really enjoyed the trip, because everything went smoothly. I mostly enjoyed the nice scenery and staying in the dorm with many people.

Levi: I really enjoyed this trip, since I learnt new things, adapted to different situations and most of all... I had fun! I also had time to contemplate and reflect. I see history differently now that I have experienced it!

Sienna: I think it's crazy how we are able to walk on the same spots where so many people were killed and it's surprising to find out just what happened, especially the execution trench.

Freya F: I think it was very eye opening and it made me think more about how this stuff is still happening today. It was an amazing weekend thank you very much!

Jacob: My favourite part was the light show!

Anonymous: Feeling the grief of so many while walking through the Holocaust memorial and considering how the genocide affected my ancestors.

Rosie: I enjoyed trying new food and playing table football.