Year 10 and 11 GCSE history students have just returned from an amazing trip to Berlin over the half term break.  The vibrant capital of Germany refuses to hide its past and its architecture reveals the rich and complex history that has seen it the centre of political, cultural, and social upheavals spanning centuries.  Amidst this historical tapestry, Berlin is a thriving hub of contemporary culture and art, making this a diverse and engaging trip for our students.

The bustling itinerary included:

• Scaling the 368 metre-high TV Tower, treating students to breath-taking panoramic views.

• A walk through the modern vibrancy of Potsdamer Platz to the iconic Brandenburg Gate – an emblem of the reunification of East and West Germany.

• A guided tour at the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, a former concentration camp dedicated to honouring the victims of the Holocaust.

• Exploring the historic 1936 Olympic Stadium.

• Reflecting on the city’s divided past at Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, and the East Side Gallery where preserved sections of wall are adorned with vibrant murals and graffiti.

• Reading the moving narratives at the Topography of Terror and the Jewish Museum.

The trip was informative, culturally enriching, mostly dry (!) and full of highly relevant history for the students’ studies.  Mr Leigh would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the students for their good company, and to the accompanying staff – Miss van der Werff, Miss Plowman, Mrs Greenslade and Mr Yates for giving up several days of their half term.

And finally, adding a touch of serendipity to the trip was a chance encounter at the airport with popular historian, Dan Snow!  To quote Mr Leigh, it was a ‘good omen for the start of the trip!’