Extra-Curricular Visits
German Trips
The Staufen Exchange
Pupils in Year 8 and 9 have the opportunity to take part in the German Exchange.
The exchange is with the Faust Gymnasium (grammar school) in Staufen, a small town on the edge of the Black Forest in South West Germany. Staufen is about 10 miles away from the beautiful city of Freiburg, 15 minutes by car from France, and half an hour by car from Basel in Switzerland. The exchange has now been in existence for 27 successful years.
We visit Staufen every other school year. Last year at Easter (2008-9) we travelled to Germany. The cost was £160. This covered all travel and insurance, but not pocket money.
During the exchange visit, two trips are organised. When the exchange is in Penarth the Stanwell pupils pay for themselves and their German partners, (in 2006 the cost was £40). Likewise in Staufen, the German pupils pay for themselves and their Penarth partners. We will be hosting our partners in July 2010.
Whilst we are there we go on excursions; walking through the woods to the Titisee Lake, we visit the beautiful city of Freiburg, we complete a treasure hunt around Staufen, we have a great BBQ for the goodbye party and we mustn't forget the trip to Europapark; the highlight of the trip for many!
The Christmas markets of Cologne
In 2008 Years 10-12 visited the Christmas market in Cologne for the third time. This 3 day trip gave students the chance to experience German language and culture first hand (and do a bit of Christmas shopping at the same time!) The cost was £180 and included accommodation and meals in a very central modern youth hostel, transport, insurance, a festive boat trip, entrance to the Chocolate Museum and entrance to climb the steps of spiral staircase of Cologne's gothic cathedral. 509 steps but what a great view from the top!
Our next visit will be in December 2010.
Trips at home
Year 12 pupils attend a "Wales in Europe" event in City Hall in February, where they are able to sample new languages, attend grammar workshops and even learn Salsa dancing!
Year 12 also visits Chapter Arts Centre each year for a showing and workshop of a current German film.
