German Exchange 2008

The German students stayed with their partners – all students from Years 9 and 10 at the Gilberd. As in Germany, the week in England consisted of a full programme of visits and events. On Thursday morning the group was greeted in German by Mrs Exley (!). They then spent the morning in school experiencing some lessons, a session making cream teas and a school dinner.The latter was a new experience for them as school in Germany ends at 1.00 pm, so all students go home for lunch. We then went to Colchester Castle and the town centre in the afternoon. On Friday we had a very wind swept trip to the coast – to Walton, Clacton and Frinton. The weekend was spent in the host families with many people going to Colchester Zoo or London. On Monday we went to Thorpe Park. We all returned in one piece, ready to enjoy the final day – when the German students went to London during the day and the Gilberd students met up with them in the evening to watch the musical Mamma Mia. The party returned to Bitburg on Wednesday 23rd April – and there wasn’t a dry eye as the group left.

Many strong friendships have been made during the exchange and I know many students are planning a return trip to Bitburg during the Summer. Many thanks to all the students and host families who took part in the Exchange. It was a huge success. Many thanks also to Mr Reader and to Mrs Atkinson who helped to host the German staff and supervise the trips on the programme.

Miss Valerie Winter

Head of MFL