Fortismere International Links                 

The German Exchange - Bornheim 2009

Every year, we offer pupils the opportunity to participate in an established exchange programme to Bornheim, Germany. Over more than 6 successful years, we have forged an excellent and productive relationship with teachers and pupils at the Alexander von Humboldt Gymnasium.

On June 19^th 2009, 31 pupils from Fortismere, having hosted their partners three weeks earlier, embarked upon their great adventure. In addition to staying with German families, Team Deutsch took part in an extensive programme of cultural, historical and entertaining trips. We feel that the benefits of experiencing a culture from the inside are incalculable and long may the enthusiasm for such ventures continue.

We would like to thank our parents for their commitment and hospitality, the pupils for their curiosity and bravery and our partner school for their open warmth and friendliness. The feedback from our pupils and their parents/guardians at Fortismere has been extremely positive and appreciative.

Mrs. Merkel-Jordan deserves much of the credit, together with Mr. Dopstadt, for her unerring passion and the organisational skills needed to ensure a memorable experience for all. Below, you will find some elements of the programme and a few pictures.

Cologne cathedral

WDR - a German broadcasting company

Seilbahn over the Rhine.

Kletterwald - supervised climbing at one with nature in the woods.

Freilichtmuseum - an affectionate and practical look at old skills e.g. cooking, building, making clothes.

Visit of historic Bonn

Fantasialand - mixing fun with language learning

Trip on the Rhine

Visit to the Drachenfels, ruins overlooking the Rhine.