A SCHOOL in Sonning Common is celebrating 40 years of exchanges in Germany.

Chiltern Edge School, in Reades Lane, has organised 12-day exchanges with Gesamtschule in Hollfeld, a town in Bavaria, since 1974.

The first trip was set up by Klaus Waltenberger and Dave Sprake and since then between 15 and 25 students from each school have taken part every year.

Fifteen year 9 pupils visited the Bavarian town in May with teacher Mary Lewis and retired teacher Marion Shipton.

They visited Nuremberg, Bamberg and Bayreuth and enjoyed a day trip in the countryside of the Fraenkische Schweiz.

They were invited to an evening reception by the Mayor of Hollfeld, Frau Barwisch, followed by dinner at a pizza restaurant.

The youngsters were immersed in German culture, staying with their exchange partners and attending school.

Meanwhile, the German pupils arrived in Sonning Common in July.

They were given a tour of Oxford and met the Lord Mayor Mohammed Abbasi at the town hall.

They also stayed with their exchange partners and took a day trip to London, went canoeing on the Thames in Henley, took part in the Reading history trail and did orienteering in the countryside around Sonning Common.

Marion Shipton, a former teacher at the school, said: “The exchange is a fantastic opportunity for pupils which they will remember for years to come.

“Many friendships have ensued from these visits over the 40 years and youngsters have certainly learnt a tremendous amount about life in the foreign country, as well as improving their communication skills.”

Chiltern Edge exchange – Chiltern Edge School pupils in Hollfeld.

Chiltern Edge exchange 2 – German pupils visiting the Mayor of Oxford.

Published 13/10/14