A group of pupils from St Aidan’s Technology College at Preesall got the taste of life in Germany and a chance to boost their language skills on a summer exchange trip.
They travelled to Ingolstadt, in the heart of Bavaria, for an exchange trip arranged with partner school the Christoph Scheiner Gymnasium.
The benefits of such an exchange programme are not only that they enhance the students’ language skills, but they also help to develop a personal awareness, leading to enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
Bianca Burke
St Aidan’s has been running the international exchange for 20 years and the 15 pupils on this year’s trip enjoyed a packed programme of activities and sampled a range of German culture.
Trip co-ordinator Mrs Bianca Burke, said: “The benefits of such an exchange programme are not only that they enhance the students’ language skills, but they also help to develop a personal awareness, leading to enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem.
“The students feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment upon completion of the visit.”
The group visited the capital of Bavaria, Munich, where they enjoyed a tour of the town and the views from the Olympiaturm, a tower built to mark the Olympic Games being held in the city in 1972.
In Regensburg, the students and their exchange partners were introduced to Roman history and enjoyed the town’s narrow alleys, its shops and cafes. The group also toured Ingolstadt Castle and viewed its exhibition about Napoleon and Bavaria.
Trips were also made to the Alps and the Castle of Neuschwanstein.
One of the St Aidan’s pupils, Fynn, was lucky enough to watch the Deutsche Tourenwagenmeisterschaft (the German Touring Car championship) in Nürnberg, thanks to his host family.
Year 10 student Nick Hartley said: “I loved the visit to Germany. Although German schools are really different, the lessons aren’t as interesting and pupils just have to listen a lot.
“My favourite memory was the visit to the Allianz Stadion where Bayern Munich play football.”
Megan Ralph, also in Year 10, added: “I have made friends for life and really liked the experience. Everyone was so welcoming and we did see a lot of Germany.”
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