German trip offers rich cultural experiences
Forty-one Second and Third Year pupils enjoyed an action‑packed cultural adventure in Germany as they split their time between the beautiful cities of Cologne and Aachen.
Chocolate and culture in Cologne
In the vibrant city of Cologne, the group visited the world‑famous Cologne Cathedral, an awe‑inspiring landmark that towered above them as they learned about its rich history and striking Gothic architecture.
A walking tour of the Old Town followed, offering a glimpse into Cologne’s past through its colourful buildings, old squares and winding streets.
After exploring on foot, the group boarded a boat trip along the River Rhein, taking in stunning riverside views while learning more about this major waterway.
One of the biggest highlights was the visit to the Chocolate Museum, where pupils discovered how chocolate is made, explored chocolate‑themed exhibits, and – best of all -sampled different varieties. A giant chocolate fountain proved especially popular.
The evening ended with a lively Germany‑themed quiz, testing everyone’s general knowledge in a fun, competitive atmosphere.
Exploring Aachen
In Aachen, which is located at the northern foothills of the High Fens and the Eifel Mountains, the pupils brushed off the rainy weather as they embarked on a guided walking tour exploring the city’s history and famous landmarks.
The pupils put their language skills to the test as they visited a café to order cake and hot chocolate in German.
Once recharged, the group took part in a town trail before heading to Dreiländerpunkt, the exact point where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet – a unique geographical highlight.
Whilst there they tackled the park’s enormous maze, spending a long and very amusing time trying to find their way out.
The day finished with an energetic evening of bowling, where friendly competition and plenty of laughter rounded off the experience.
A trip to remember
Despite the rain, the trip was filled with unforgettable moments, new experiences and lots of laughter. Pupils embraced every challenge and adventure, making it a hugely enjoyable and enriching visit for all involved.
Head of Modern Foreign Languages Miss Sylvia Gibson said: “It was great to see our pupils enjoying being in Germany and experiencing many different aspects of the culture: language, history, famous sights and, of course, food! It was a memorable trip for all.”
