The History Department were excited to take GCSE and Sixth Form History students to Berlin from the 16th to 18th February. The group were pleased to spend the start of February’s Long Leave exploring important historical sites relevant to the historical events they are currently studying.
Berlin tells a unique story of imperial power, the birth and death of regimes, race and persecution and, eventually, stable democracy. Head of History, Helen Tatlock, explained: “The trip offered students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the rise of National Socialism, life under the Nazi regime, and the Holocaust, as well as a far greater understanding of the history of a city at the very heart of the Cold War in Europe.”
During the three-day trip, the group visited many significant venues including the Brandenburg gate, Bundestag, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Reichstag, the Olympic Stadium, Potsdamer Platz, the House of Wannasee Conference, the Wall Museum, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, the Topography of Terror, and the East Side Gallery.
Arriving in Berlin from Heathrow, the weather was snowy and cold but a beautiful blue sky accompanied many of their activities. The Bundestag could sadly not be toured owing to the icy conditions but the group made the most of their visit with a walk around the memorials and then a trip to home comforts in the form of Five Guys and plenty of fries! On the second day, following the Olympic Stadium guided tour, the group enjoyed a workshop at the Wannsee Conference. The final day of sightseeing included lunch on the west side at McDonalds, a treat for all as the cultural experiences offered by the Berlin Wall; the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Topography of Terror and the East Side Art Gallery.
See the pictures of the group’s adventures on our online gallery.
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