Key Stage Four Visit to Berlin 28th February - 1st March 2008

Very early on Thursday 8 February, KS4 pupils and twelve members of staff set off to fly to Berlin. It was

the first time Moor House pupils had travelled to Germany and the day started with a four am coach journey to Stansted airport.

For some pupils it was their first time travelling by aeroplane. We had a great flight

and were treated to superb aerial views of Berlin as we came into land.

On arrival, the coach took us to Hotel Transit which was our home for the next two

nights. The hotel staff were friendly and served tasty food.

Despite an early start, after a delicious continental lunch we set off to visit

two museums Check Point Charlie and the Topography of Terror.

The second day began with one of the highlights of the trip and a visit to the

Reichstag, the German parliament and scene of the Reichstag Fire of 1933.

This was followed by a trip to the Brandenburg Gate and the chance to collect our visas.

The afternoon was extremely busy with visits to the Resistance Museum, the TV Tower measuring 368

metres high and the opportunity to go shopping in one of Berlins largest shopping centres. Well done to all

those pupils who used their rudimentary knowledge of German to purchase a variety of goods in the shops.

A busy day was ended with a great evening taking part in a music and get to know the staff quiz back at

the hotel organised by Miss Davies and Mr Hart. The music round revealed some questionable taste in

music on behalf of certain staff and pupils.

Day 3 began with a very moving visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, one of the first ever

concentration camps. Towards the end of 2007, Year 11 had seen the German film The Counterfeiters

which told the story of some of the prisoners of Sachsenhausen who had worked at the camp.

Before returning for our flight home we did get time to visit the famous Olympic Stadium, venue for the

1936 Berlin Olympic Games when Jesse Owens won four Olympic gold medals. Today it is also the home

ground for the football team Hertha Berlin.

All pupils on the trip were outstanding representatives for Moor House whilst we were away and thank you

to all the staff for their hard work to ensure such an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Miss Carroll