We caught the public bus this morning - all 52 of us - and visited Gymnasium Fallersleben (a local school where students who were involved in the 2019 student exchange could meet up after a slight delay due to Covid). We were warmly welcomed by the staff and students who shared some traditional German treats with us (delicious they were too) and we were involved in a range of activities, lessons and got to find out about life in a German school for staff and students. We all enjoyed our time there. Then, we had a brief look at the nearby village before getting the bus back to the hostel. Dinner was hot pasta and a choice of sauces, plus rice pudding. Some of us have done some extra shopping, but we are all now getting warm again - it's been around -4 all day, so just a little nippy! Looking forward to tomorrow. 

Today was a tale of great woe and wow. We started the day by visiting the Border Museum Höhensleben and received a guided tour of the former border fortifications and heard about the difficulties faced by people living either side of the wall. Out tour guides were exceptionally knowledgeable, and we had chance to appreciate how lives were torn apart by the segregation caused in post WWII Germany.

After this humbling experience, we went to Braunschweig to enjoy the beautiful Christmas market. What a cacophony of sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas.... if we weren't ready for Santa before, we certainly are now! Sausages, churros and McDonald's delicacies were all sampled. The town is absolutely gorgeous. 

Back at the hostel, we feasted and then Mr Walker and Mr Scott went on a night-time jaunt to the local Christmas market in Wolfsburg with those who hadn't quite 'shopped-out' earlier. Mrs Husband and Mrs Brown stayed with the others at the hostel and enjoyed tea. Oh, and we all sang 'Happy Birthday' to the birthday girl... 16 in Wolfsburg. A birthday to remember. 

After a slight delay, the long travel day came to an end at about 22:15 when we arrived at the hostel. It's clean and functional, and the staff are lovely. We scoffed late night pizza and finally settled just after 01:00. No major drama to report: however, a student had a slight wobble at the airport, then was absolutely fine; we had the luxury of an extra hour and a half sitting on the plane before take off (more reading time!); a couple of cases have had an overnight stay in Heathrow - hopefully, they will join us today; Mr Walker was the hero who stopped the coach from leaving Heathrow, when a few of us had yet to embark, by diving bravely in front of it! (I might be exaggerating a little... ); we had the obligatory first night excitement of chatting till late. The students are a credit to us - polite to everyone, no moaning when delayed and full of enthusiasm. Looking forward to Day 2.

Germany Trip Eve.

Staff and students are currently getting excited for the 2022 trip to Germany.

Don't forget to check your packing lists and remember to bring your Christmas spirit, maybe some snacks and a good book for the journey!

We will be leaving school tomorrow at 12:00 and should arrive in Wolfsburg at about 20:30. 

Regularly updates will appear here throughout the trip. 

On Thursday 1 December, an intrepid group of Y12 and 13 Literature students braved Northampton Station and the wilds of central London accompanied by Mr Ullmann, in full ‘airport Dad’ mode, and Mrs Coe.

The journey there and back was smooth sailing and provided opportunities for refreshments and lots of laughter.

The poetry conference itself was excellent with opportunities to speak to the actual poets who students study, buy their poetry collections and even get them signed by the poets. All three of the studied poets who discussed their poems Patience Agbabi, Vikki Feaver and Ian Duhig, were fascinating in their own unique ways.

Students and teachers alike were encouraged to spend two minutes writing an Ode to something random during a discussion of Tim Turnbull’s Ode on a Grayson Perry Urn and one of these have been included below for your enjoyment!

Today was a rather more laid back affair.

In the morning, after packing our cases and vacating the rooms, we headed out to meet the Spanish students again or to visit the local shopping centre for some last minute gift buying. We met again at the beautiful market in the centre of town where students were encouraged to try something new for lunch, a Spanish speciality. 

After lunch, students could choose to chill by the pool, shop if they hadn't already or siesta. We were all really exhausted by then. 

Then finally we were on our way home! A coach journey, flight and another coach journey later and at 1.15am on Sunday 9^th October, we all arrived safely back into the school car park.

100% of the students who completed the feedback form said they would recommend the trip and the vast majority spoke more Spanish than they expected and felt a lot more positive towards their Spanish studies now. For me, that is a huge success. But what made this trip most special, was the students themselves. They behaved so very well throughout our 5 days away and were such good company. They did themselves, their families and the school proud.