Once again an intrepid band of Y9 and Y10 students headed to Traunstein for the last 9 days of the Summer Term, accompanied by Mr Powell and Mrs Wells.
Students had got to know their partners over the previous 6 months via e-mail, text, Skype, Facebook and even real letters with photographs! This enabled them to hit the ground running as they settled into their partners’ families in and around Traunstein.
We spent one morning visiting lessons in our partner school. Then there were sightseeing visits to Munich, Salzburg and BerchtesgadenNational Park, including the salt mine and boat trip and swim in the Königsee. The weekend was spent with host families with boat trips to King Ludwig’s Chiemsee castle and cable car rides in the mountains.
The Traunstein Quiz was completed very successfully, so it was ice creams all round! The reception in the Town Hall was another highlight, with our students all asking questions in German and showing great interest in the mayor’s replies.
Several students commented on how much they felt their German improved during the trip. Some have organised private visits back to their host families. Certainly there were many panda eyes on the bus as we left, cheered only by the knowledge that we would soon see our families again and that our friends would be back with us in September.
While in Haywards Heath our German guests visited London, Brighton and Eastbourne. They were also hosted by the mayor, town councillors and members of the twinning association at a very informative session at the Town Hall.
Recruitment is now underway for the 2014 exchange. See me if interested!
D Powell
Teaching and Learning Manager
