German Exchange

Since 1997 we have organised six exchanges with the Gustav- Heinemann-Schule for pupils in Years 9 to 13, each lasting eight to twelve days. These trips are an ideal opportunity for pupils to practice their German and to experience another culture in a more profound way than being on holiday. The pupils stay with their partner's family and spend days in school and on trips.

Lessons can be daunting, they are certainly different from the lessons at Carmel, as is the whole school experience. Sometimes we take part in sports team building exercises or swimming in the school pool. This year we had a hilarious time making plaster face masks of each other as a souvenir.

Trips out have included activities such as bowling, a boat trip on the Ruhr, cycling in the beautiful countryside along the industrial heritage trail, days in the university cities of Cologne or Münster and the theme park Warner Brothers Movie World. There is also an official reception with the mayor in the council chamber of the town hall.