Lower Fifth (Year 10) History students enjoyed a trip to Berlin during activities week. The trip provided the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge for their GCSE exams, including Nazi Germany which they have covered in class, and an introduction to Cold War Germany which they will start to cover in the Upper Fifth.

Much of the trip involved engaging with difficult and distressing topics, including a visit to Sachsenhausen concentration camp, the Stasi Prison in what was East Berlin, and the Wansee villa where the plans for the Final Solution were drawn up. Students also admired the graffiti art on the largest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, paid their respects at the Holocaust memorial, and climbed up the glass dome of the Reichstag. There was also plenty of time for lighter experiences such as a visit to the Berlin zoo, a tour of the Olympic Stadium, and sampling schnitzel and strudel at the Hoffbrauhaus.

Berlin is a fascinating city which is steeped in history on every corner, and both students and staff had an enjoyable and thought-provoking few days. 

Mrs N Nicholls (Head of History)