Years 8 and 9 German Christmas Market Trip

Düsseldorf 2024

‘What a trip! Four days! We did it all, travelling through 4 countries, Christmas markets in Köln and Düsseldorf, der Kölner Dom, das Schokoladenmuseum, swimming, Phantasialand, der Fernsehturm, shopping and we even managed to visit our partner school in Erkrath. Our students were able to meet the partners they had been writing to during the year, in person.

Parents and students in our partner school, das Gymnasium an Neandertal (Gymneander) organised a Christmas party with German seasonal food. We shared English traditions (mince pies, crackers and a Lucky Dip) and were entertained by a Year 9 class with a song in German and in English. Our students also attended 2 lessons to get a taste of what it is like to learn in a German School.

St Nikolaus, who normally comes on the night of 5th- 6th December, came 5 days early to put some chocolate in the shoes we left outside the door of our hotel rooms.

The German department are very proud of our 48 students from year 8, 9 and 10 who took it all in their stride. They were fantastic ambassadors for Presdales and our country. I even heard them talking German to each other. Well done to them all!

We hope the pictures and the comments from students give you a flavour of this exciting trip.

This was the best trip EVER!

I liked being in a German school. They have huge corridors and it was very chilled.

My favourite part was going to the German school. It seemed really strange at first, but they try to get everyone involved in the lessons. I found the chalk boards in all the classrooms a bit strange. All the students have iPads. They don’t wear uniform and start and finish earlier.

The school was chill with no seating plans, no uniform and no homework. Phones were allowed in the class I was in.

It was great to see the school. It was interesting to get to know another culture.

I enjoyed going to the cathedral so much, that we nearly got left behind, because we were taking so many pictures.

My favourite part was going Phantasialand because I went on loads of rides. I also enjoyed the Christmas markets as I got to buy nice things and try different foods.

I enjoyed the journey as I could spend many hours watching animations without someone telling me to stop.

I had the best time at the Chocolate museum with lots of free tasting and I got presents for my family.

One of my favourite things we did was to go to Phantasialand, but I also enjoyed swimming, the Christmas markets and especially meeting our partners. I loved all of these since they were fun and we met new people. I also enjoyed seeing Germany. I just wished; we had more time!

I loved the TV Tower. It was so high. I also ticked something off my bucket list ‘eat a pretzel in Germany’.

Phantasialand was the best. F.L.Y is a must when you visit.

I enjoyed the Christmas Markets because there was lots of present options. I also enjoyed the slides in the water park. They were really fun!

I have never been to a proper Christmas market like the German ones before, so it was magical and beautiful to see and experience. It was an amazing opportunity for gifts and souvenirs. I am so grateful to have gone on this trip and I hope to go again!

It was quite fun for me because I had never been to Germany before, and I have not been to another country where I know at least some of the language.

The TV Tower was great fun. We leant on the glass and looked down. The view was amazing and very pretty.

I was so scared going up the TV Tower but I face d my fear! I leant on the glass and got great pictures.

French Trip to Normandy

On Tuesday 7th May the French department had the pleasure of taking 22 Year 10 students and 2 Year 12 students on a 3 night residential trip to Normandy.

We stayed in the beautiful setting of the Château du Baffy and enjoyed visits to the picturesque towns of Honfleur, Bayeux and Deauville, where we were able to do some shopping for souvenirs and taste some delicious French delicacies.

Other activities included a trip to the beach, a very interesting visit to the Bayeux tapestry and a campfire with hot chocolate, marshmallows and lots of singing and dancing!

We were so impressed with all the students throughout the trip, especially when they conducted surveys with passersby in French on the beach in Deauville. They really made the most of being able to practise speaking, reading and listening to French and it was an absolute joy to see their confidence flourish and to spend time with them.

This is the first time that the French department has run this trip. It was a great success and we are looking forward to doing it again next year already!

Here’s what some of the students have written about the trip:

I thought the trip was so much fun! Not only was it a great opportunity to improve French speaking and confidence, but it was also really enjoyable! It was really nice to be able to visit several different French towns and explore the culture. It was also really interesting to see French locals and listen to their language. My personal favourite experience was going to the hypermarket because I’ve never seen such a big supermarket before! Overall I really enjoyed this trip and I think it has given me a lot of confidence in speaking French and even more of a passion in learning the language. (Jessica Knight, Year 12)

I enjoyed making new friends and spending time with people I don’t usually spend time with at school. I loved going and speaking to French people and asking our 5 questions. I think that was a really great way of learning by listening and speaking. I loved walking around the different towns and buying postcards and enjoying the different sights. (Chloe Haworth, Year 10)

I really enjoyed this trip, as I haven’t done a school trip abroad before. The accommodation and food was nice, we had lots of fun in Honfleur, Bayeux and Deauville, and I really loved how everybody was friends with each other by the end of the trip. If I could do this again I really would! 10/10. (Polly Carter, Year 10)

German Partnership Exchange