After a fun-filled week in September when we welcomed our German exchange partners from Maria Ward-Schule in Germany to Cheltenham, we travelled to Mainz to indulge in the German pre-Christmas season, the so-called Vorweihnachtszeit. The trip involved visits to the Christmas markets and an eventful weekend with our host families with carol singing, baking and ice-skating, before experiencing school life in Germany.
All the students approached the trip with an open mind and tried new foods, practised their language skills and deepened their friendships with their partners. We visited the German broadcasting studios ZDF, took part in a guided tour and a Marc Chagall workshop at the Schirn Kunsthalle gallery in Frankfurt, ate giant chocolate-coated marshmallows, candied almonds, gingerbread and bratwurst and simply had a wonderful Christmassy time.
LC3 (Year 9) student Scarlett said:
"[Our exchange partners] were really welcoming. The Christmas markets were spectacular with such a diverse range of snacks and activities. I especially loved the roasted chestnuts and bratwursts, sehr lecker! A highlight was on 6th December when I woke up with sweets in my shoes! Overall, it was an enlightening experience and it has inspired me to visit Germany again."
LC3 (Year 9) student Bo said:
"When we went to Germany I really enjoyed making new friends and experiencing German culture. I loved the Christmas market and the food was delicious. Everyone was super friendly and it was really fun."
Mrs Salge-Dexter, i/c German
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