Our first day started with an early flight, followed by a cycling tour through Berlin. Students learned not only to some basic facts about Berlin and its history, but also how to behave in traffic while cycling. An important lesson which they all mastered!
On our second day we enjoyed an impressive graffiti tour followed by an excellent creative workshop. Berlin’s subculture is a significant part of the city life and our students had a unique opportunity to learn the difference between street art and graffiti, what motivates people to make graffiti, and the techniques that street artists use to produce their work. More importantly, they learnt how to make their own graffiti piece using stencils and spray cans, including lessons in the use of colour, texture and how to get depth and perspective into their picture.
On Wednesday we took a day off from Berlin and visited the nearby town of Potsdam, which played a significant role in post war history. Students enjoyed a guided tour followed by a visit to Cecilienhof, where the treaty of Potsdam was signed.
Our last full day in Berlin was packed with activities. Students enjoyed the Museum of Spies, as during the Cold War, Berlin became known as the “capital of espionage”; here students could listen to first-hand information about the tactics of the German secret police, find out how an enigma machine works, or begin to ask questions about the future of cyber security. The day was rounded off by our visit to the DDR museum where we learnt how life in the Eastern block used to be.
Educational visits, like the one to Berlin, offer a unique opportunity to combine knowledge with practice: having fun with your friends and learning new skills. During this trip the Year 10 students were a real credit to our school; they behaved well, were polite and were always on time!