Our Year 9 German Ambassadors were excited to receive a delivery of German sweets from the Nikolaus-Ehlen-Gymnasium in Velbert. The parcel exchange was part of the Cultural Exchange Ambassador Project from the UK-German Connection. The aim is to get the students to think about how sustainability is approached in both countries, to exchange ideas and learn from one another. Students have also created a shared Spotify playlist and had zoom calls.
We are delighted to be rebuilding partnerships with the Humboldtgymnasium in Cologne and to be working with Frau Cremer and her students. Yr9 and Yr10 students travelling to Cologne with Mrs Boniface in July have the unique opportunity to take part in a cross-curricular German and History project which will enable us to work collaboratively and reflectively with peers in Germany.
The project is based on the Stolpersteine in Cologne and Germany and will enable us to explore a more personal and reflective perspective.
Further info about Stolpersteine can be found here.
In half-term, Frau Boniface travelled to Cologne to work with Frau Cremer from our Partnerschule, the Humboldtgymnasium. Together they planned the collaborative project about Stolpersteine that Yr9 and Yr10 Ambassadors will be working on with their German peers when we visit Cologne in July 2023.
Part of their work involved a commemorative visit to the Mahnmal situated at the Deportationslager in Junkersdorf, Cologne. You can find out more about the Mahnmal
here.
Frau Boniface and Frau Cremer recorded a short
video whilst they were there.
The stones that they saw at the Mahnmal gave them the idea that this is something the Ambassadors could work on jointly as a respectful commemorative act. Many people leave stones on a loved one’s grave or memorial to mark their visit. The symbol of the stone can bring comfort to family and friends, letting them know their loved one has been visited and grieved for by others, too.
HVS Ambassadors will begin their painting of stones this week, using messages of Peace and Hope in German and English so that we can take them with us to Cologne in July.
