Celebrating 10 Years of German Exchange Partnership with Helmholtz Gymnasium in Potsdam

This year marks a significant milestone for our school as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our exchange partnership with the Helmholtz Gymnasium in Potsdam, near Berlin. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we are committed to fostering global awareness and cultural understanding, and this exchange programme is a perfect example of that mission in action. Since its inception, we have welcomed students and teachers from Potsdam every year (with the exception of the pandemic), providing a unique opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and learning.

From 11th to 18th March, we had the pleasure of hosting 17 German students and two teachers here at Hockerill. During their week-long visit, the group participated in lessons alongside their Hockerill exchange partners, exploring the differences and similarities between British and German school life. The German visitors were fascinated by British school routines, and many commented on how different they were from those in German schools. This experience aligns with the IB ethos of encouraging students to understand and respect different cultures and perspectives.

In addition to their time in the classroom, the German visitors enjoyed two exciting day trips to London and Cambridge, where they had the chance to explore British history, culture, and iconic landmarks. These trips not only broadened their knowledge of the UK but also helped deepen the connections between our students and their German counterparts.

At Hockerill, we believe in the power of international experiences to foster lasting friendships and personal growth. Our Year 9 German students will continue this tradition in June when they travel to Potsdam to visit their exchange partners. The visit will take place in June, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Helmholtz Gymnasium and strengthening the bonds between our two schools.

As we celebrate a decade of this valuable partnership, we are reminded of the importance of building connections across cultures and borders. Here’s to many more years of friendship, learning, and international exchange!