Y11 Berlin - December 2025

At the end of a busy and long term we finished the year with our History/Cultural trip to Berlin, to take in both the rich history of the Nazi and Cold War period, as well as some of the more fun elements of shopping and the Christmas spirit that Berlin offers.

We cannot stress enough this year how exceptional the students were throughout the trip, this makes such a difference to the whole experience.  To all those students who attended, you were an absolute credit to yourselves and the school, throughout the four days and it was consistently noted by all staff how fabulous you were.  It truly was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful trip, and we hope the students enjoyed themselves as much as we did (even with 16 hours on a coach).

Every student will have enjoyed different parts of this experience but we hope that they will remember walking the East Side Gallery, taking a moment at the Holocaust memorial, considering those that were persecuted at Sachsenhausen, seeing the difference in how post-war Berlin developed as a separated city.  And of course, the mall, the Christmas market and sharing lovely memories with close friends. 

Our huge thanks to the staff that gave up the start of their Christmas holiday, Ms Tickner, Mrs Skarzynski, Mr Darmanin, and a cameo from the fabulous Mr Edwards.

More thanks to Connect Studies who worked closely with Miss Barnes for hours to refine our visit to fit GCSE History with some lighter relief too.  Rhonda Coaches, yet again, did everything to ensure the trip ran to time, and always get us on an earlier ferry home!  For an overseas trip to be successful, the drivers play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly.  It must be said they consistently went out of their way to take care of us, and of course our guide for the four days who affectionately became known as ‘Comrade Claire’.

Finally, a big whoop whoop for Miss Barnes who puts up with my stressing so well and is the most organised and wonderful person to plan an overseas trip with - thank you! 

Looking forward to Mr MJ and Mr Pickett taking the reigns for 2026.

Mrs Kenny and Miss Barnes (Berlin 2025)