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Germany (Rheinland)

Enrichment Week 2023: Deutschland, The Deer Park Way!

On Monday 3 July 2023, in the middle of the night, when we should have been asleep, 42 (new) Year 9 and Year 10 excited pupils and 5 sleepy members of staff set off from Cirencester Deer Park School to embark on an epic voyage of adventure. Oh, the anticipation of what was in front of us for Enrichment Week 2023

Our destination? Rheinland, Germany and all of its thrills. Our base for the week was Bonn, at a youth hostel full of enchantment and set on the edge of a wood. When we arrived, our pupils were bursting with excitement to unpack and prepare for the adventures that would lie ahead. Early to rise did not necessarily mean early to bed…

Tuesday morning broke and we were up bright-eyed (?) and bushy-tailed for the full and fun packed day ahead of us. Our pupils even learned how to make their own packed lunch. The day began with a much anticipated trip to Marksburg Castle, where pupils were treated to a guided tour looking at Germany’s defences throughout the ages; many were fascinated to learn about the dungeons and the various punishments used back then. Finally, with the heat beating down upon them, the group was allowed to explore the town of Boppard, where many ice creams were consumed. Later, they embarked on a picturesque cable car ride. Being their first opportunity to relax during the scorching hot day, many pupils enjoyed the tranquillity, with one teacher even overcoming their fear of heights and able to let go of the handles and eat a sandwich!

EW 2023 Germany

EW 2023 Germany

EW 2023 Germany

EW 2023 Germany

EW 2023 Germany

Deutschland

Wednesday took us to Cologne (Köln), where we had the opportunity to explore the main shopping area. After that, we took a mini cruise around the sights of Cologne along the Rhein, which all pupils found relaxing. The tour of the famous Cologne Cathedral was a hit, where we looked for particular items of interest on the stained-glass windows, including the famous monument of Cologne.

EW 2023 Germany

EW 2023 Germany

Thursday was the highlight for many pupils (and teachers). It was our trip to the amazing theme park called Phantasialand. All our pupils had an amazing time and it was wonderful to see some of them overcoming their fear of fast rides and giving them a go. Well done Miss Sherman!

Despite a 15-hour coach ride back home the next day the pupils were in high spirits as they recounted their various adventures from the week. I was struck by how there had been no complaints about the early mornings or the vast numbers of stairs climbed. All the staff agreed that our pupils had excelled and truly displayed the high standard of behaviour that we come to expect of them here at Deer Park. We had compliments on several occasions about the good standard of behaviour our pupils showed. The teachers were extremely proud of them.

All in all, the pupils learnt a lot, had loads of fun and have created memories and friendships that they will never forget. Not a bad way to spend a week really, is it? Eine gute Fahrt!

Frau Aubrey, Trip Leader

Pupil comments:

"Germany was a lot of fun. We were able to do a lot of activities including going on a chair swing and going to a theme park. The teachers let us have a lot of freedom with our friends but the trip also gave us the chance to meet new people in our school." Chloe

"Germany was so much fun, especially visiting the theme park and the river cruise. The views from the castle were amazing - I would definitely recommend going there." Poppy

"Going to Germany was amazing. I learned alot about Germany and had tonnes of time seeing the landmarks on the way. I would highly recommend." Trixie

"Germany was really fun. Especially Köln, having lots of freedom to walk around the city, and Phantasialand, to go on massive rides and eat food from the delicious food stalls." William