By Ari H, Year 10 student at Caxton College

I was incredibly excited to embark on a trip that promised to enrich my perspective on history and culture. Over five excellent days in Berlin, our group explored extensively, gaining a deep understanding of Germany’s complicated past (and ending up eating many shawarmas along the way).

Staying right in the heart of the city granted us a great deal of freedom. Even though we had a packed schedule, we had ample time to walk around in small groups and enjoy local spots during lunch, allowing us to experience the city in a way that felt both structured and independent.

The historical aspect of the trip was profoundly moving. At the Jewish Museum, we reflected on the tragic realities of the Holocaust, while our visit to the Sachsenhausen Memorial provided a sombre, eye-opening look at the struggles of those persecuted under both Nazi and Soviet rule. We also attended a Cold War talk that clarified the division of Berlin into four sectors, while the German-language students visited the Spy Museum. We even found time to enjoy the vibrant shopping malls in the city centre.

The flight home was uncharacteristically quiet, reflecting just how much we had to process. This was an amazing trip that opened our eyes, hearts, and souls. I would like to sincerely thank the German and History departments for making this exceptional experience a reality. For any student at Caxton considering this trip in the future: it is an opportunity you simply cannot miss.