German Exchange Visit

Seven pupils and two teachers from Realschule in Kollnau in Germany visited Our Lady of Sion School from 17th - 21st September. While they were in England, the pupils stayed with the families of the Sion pupil they were 'twinned' with, so that they could experience English family life.
On 2nd October, Mrs Coe and 4 year 11 students went to Waldkirch in Germany as part of the German exchange with the Realschule in Kollnau/Waldkirch.  The group flew to Basil airport and then ,after a short minibus drive, arrived at the school in Waldkirch to a warm welcome from their exchange partners, Frau Hesse and the headmaster Herr Wenzel .  The German students had organised a reception party for them with a giant Bretzel sandwich and home-made chocolate cake.  In the afternoon both German and English students went on a town trail of Waldkirch and were invited to a reception at the town hall with the deputy Mayor. The generosity of the twin town was overwhelming as our students were given souvenirs of Waldkirch and free tickets to Europa Park (the largest theme park in Europe) conveniently situated near Waldkirch. We then had a guided tour of the organ museum and students were allowed to operate some of  oldest fairground organs in existence, all of which had been produced in Waldkirch itself.
The second day was spent in school with the English students accompanying their exchange partners in their various lessons. Mrs Coe took part in a wide range of English lessons and discussions with her German colleagues . In the afternoon the exchange groups went to Freiburg, a picturesque and historic university town near Waldkirch and went on a guided tour of the town. Students enjoyed some free-time with their exchange partners before returning back to school. Saturday and most of Sunday were spent with the German host families and both exchange groups went to sample the rides at Europa park. The weather could not have been better with wall to wall sunshine and temperatures in the twenties. Everyone had a great time and the students were amazed at what a difference the four days had made to their German!
A big thank you to Frau Hesse and the twin town of Waldkirch for their hospitality and generosity, from Mrs Coe and her students!
This exchange is one of a programme of exchange visit and trips offered to all Language pupils at our Lady of Sion School.

German Exchange Visit