St John’s Welcomes German Exchange Students
On Monday 17th March, St John’s welcomed 16 students and 2 teachers, Herr Neulinger and Herr Schuely from our partner school in Vaihingen Enz, Germany. The students spent a week in school and stayed with their partners’ families.
On Tuesday, they were in school and visited lessons with their partners. They were greeted by Mr Henderson and were able to ask him some searching questions on issues such as uniform. They were also treated to an art lesson with Mr Harrison. There are quite a lot of differences between their school, Das Stromberg Gymnasium and St John’s. It was interesting to hear their views.
A sunny Wednesday saw both the German group and their partners visit Bristol to see the SS Great Britain. The driver kindly allowed a good view of the suspension bridge and we had guides who brought the ship’s past alive to us. The group then walked along the docks and through the parks for a period of retail therapy.
On Thursday, the German group negotiated the Wiltshire public transport system – rather less plentiful than that in Vaihingen – to enjoy the delights of Avebury. It was sunny and 18 degrees. What a lovely day to choose! They really did get to see our local tourist attraction at it’s very best. Thursday evening was spent with their partners in the Green Dragon for a ‘Stammtisch’ with some of the local German speaking population.
The last school day was spent in lessons. These included a special library session, kindly led by Mrs Stokes, and a treat in the Science department with Ms van Niekerk. Finally they participated in a town quiz trail, starting with a guided visit up St Peter’s tower for the birds’ eye view of the High Street.
The weekend was spent with their host families participating in a range of trips and activities.
Despite national trends in the opposite direction, St John’s continues to fly the flag to keep the teaching of German very much alive. German teachers at the school are proud of this and aim to continue this into the far future.
We are already looking forward to our return visit to Vaihingen Enz in the summer term.