Years 8 and 9 get a taste of German Christmas

Posted On: 16/12/14

53 pupils from Years 8 and 9 have returned safely from a very successful trip to Cologne and Aachen. In spite of strong winds and huge crowds, the group managed to fulfil a busy programme which took in visits to the contrasting cathedrals of Cologne and Aachen (the former a Gothic masterpiece, the latter based around Charlemagne's Romanesque octagonal chapel) and a series of Christmas markets. The beautiful stalls offered a combination of Christmas-themed craft and tasty food. In Siegburg we visited a medieval market, where many of the boys enjoyed a hog-roast lunch among the costumed stallholders. On our final morning in Cologne about two thirds of the group achieved the climb up the cathedral spire to enjoy the views over the river Rhein, after which we all went to the Olympic and Sport museum. Accommodation was in a comfortable hotel in Aachen the first night and a well-equipped hostel in Cologne the second. The boys were an excellent group and fine ambassadors for the school. They are pictured in front of the cathedral in Aachen.