By Poyee Li-Sumpton, Design teacher and trip leader
Day 1: Exploring Maastricht and the American Cemetery
The adventure began in Maastricht, where students explored the charming streets and rich culture of this beautiful Dutch city. A significant stop on the itinerary was the American Cemetery near Maastricht, where students paid their respects at this solemn site honouring the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.
After the emotional visit, the group travelled to Cologne, where they marvelled at the stunning Cologne Cathedral (Dom). After a challenging but rewarding climb to the top, they enjoyed breathtaking views of the city. The day continued with a delicious dinner atMama Trattoria, where everyone raved about the amazing pizza, followed by some fun-filled bowling!
Day 2: Mines, Arenas, and a Splash in Dortmund
On the second day, the group headed to Essen to explore historic mines, immersing themselves in Germany’s industrial heritage. They then travelled to Gelsenkirchen before making their way to Dortmund, where a visit to the renowned Dortmund Arena left sports fans in awe. The day concluded with a refreshing swim, providing a perfect cooldown after a busy day.
Day 3: Climbing and Culture in Cologne
Day three kicked off with exhilarating climbing activities in Velbert, followed by a hands-on lunch experience where students prepared their own meals. In the afternoon, they had the option to visit either the famous Chocolate Museum or the Sport and Olympia Museum in Cologne. Though a planned visit to the Cologne Triangle was disrupted due to it being closed, the group still enjoyed a scenic walk over the Hohenzollern Bridge. The evening ended with free time to explore the city and enjoy dinner in Cologne.Day 4: Fun-Filled Farewell at Movie Park
The final day was spent atMovie Park Germany, where the students enjoyed a full day of excitement, from thrilling rides to interactive attractions. After a week of adventures, the group packed up and headed home, tired but filled with great memories of their trip.
What did the students think?
"It was fun, and I really liked spending time with my friends. I got to do a lot of fun activities," one student shared, reflecting on the overall experience. Another student said, "The last night when we went to the centre to eat, and we had a bit of free time, was definitely a highlight for me."
The variety of activities was a hit with the group. "The activities, such as rock climbing and the theme park, were really fun, and it was also enjoyable at night," another student remarked. One student emphasised the blend of adventure and social time: "The overall experience was good because it was entertaining with all our experiences, like the amusement park, the climbing, visiting the football stadium, and others. We also had free time to spend with friends and could do what we wanted."
Overall, despite that some students felt that €5 for lunch and €10 for dinner was quite limited, students agreed they had a lot of fun, created great memories, and would absolutely recommend this trip to future classes. As one student summed it up, "I would definitely do this again!"
Even we teachers felt it was a successful trip, getting to know the students and showing them some beautiful sights while joining in on the adventures. This trip was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond, learn, and have fun, making it a memorable experience that they will cherish for years to come.