German Exchange 2025
St Bart’s students from Years 9, 10 and 12 took part in the annual German Exchange to our long-standing partner school, the Otto-Hahn Gymnasium in Monheim, between Monday 27 January and Monday 3 February. The week involved a day in the German school, participating in English lessons each day and starting work on a joint project with their exchange partners. St Bart’s students also went to Aachen, to the old mine at Zeche Zollverein in Essen and on a day trip to Cologne with their German partners. Some highlights of the trip were the visit to the Lindt chocolate factory in Aachen, the opportunity to take part in team-building activities at a centre in Cologne and an exciting project in which students are noticing the differences in sustainable living in both countries. The German exchange partners will be visiting their St Bart’s partners in late June. Students stayed in host families in Monheim am Rhein and some of their comments about their totally immersive and linguistic experience are here below:
“We visited the school in Monheim and got to learn what German school life is like. We experienced a lot of German culture. The families we stayed with were very welcoming and helpful.”
Luc Weaver (9P1), Barnaby Nolan (9E2) and Eddie Appleton (10C2)
“The German exchange was the experience of a lifetime.”
Francesca Aromando (9E1) and Dunia Lourenco Ribeiro (9P3)
“It was a great experience, as we gained confidence by meeting new people and immersed ourselves in a new culture. We would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to go next year.”
Rosalie Bartonwood (9D2), Izzy Hill (9P1), Floss Bloxsom (9C1), and AnnaPiner (9C1)
“Our favourite parts were FOOD and activities with our partners.”
Thea McClellan (9D2), Lucy Oliver (9D1), Isabelle Dow (10C2) and Isabella Mercer (10C2)
“We had a great experience and can’t wait for our partners to come here!”
Katy Wake (10C2), Zoe Chapman (10C2), Matilda Kingdon (10E3) and Nyah Henri (10E3)
“The Exchange shows you the cultural life of the person instead of just sightseeing.”
Sam Dickens (12D2), Zak Begg (12P1) and Tom Primrose (10D2)
