When in April 2013 the two forms 7 b and 5. bi2 set off for England, I felt anxious if the new location and the 2013 programme could keep up with the legendary Quorn Hall trip of the past three decades.
A new concept with new sights in the very south of England seemed quite different to former trips, but in the end everything went perfectly well and so our visitwas an extremely enjoyable experience for pupils and teachers alike. Hastings and the English south coast have proved to be a perfect location – so, 1066 country and Hastings, we’ll be back next year !
After some early concern ( I was close to cancel the trip ! ) about taking the two forms on a trip abroad, I’m now really glad to say that everything worked well and all of us had a very good time in England. Everything seemed to be on our side : a week of sunshine and almost no rain, a cosy hotel on the beach, a charming historic town to explore, fascinating and adventurous outdoor walks instead of long coach rides, two days in London and finally a good relationship between pupils and teachers ! Very special thanks to Frau Bischoff, Frau Bambach and Herrn Bambach, who accompanied the trip and put so much effort into making it an unforgettable event !
Yet, there was so much to learn, and school trips are never meant to be a perfect time-off, without parents, limits and rules, nor a guided shopping tour or a perfect five-star holiday. School trips should help to improve the pupils’ motivation – to get to know the highlights of England and get a deeper insight into a wonderful country, its language, people, history, culture and above all, its way of life.
Even with your own friends and classmates you had to find compromises, because you had to spend 24 hours a day together and that seven days and nights. Conflicts, trouble and problems are hiding everywhere ! Respect and regard for others, cutting down you egoism, following rules and instructions given by teachers or guides, paying attention to punctuality and cleanliness and reducing the immense noisemade by 53 pupils ! Even being without mobile phones was quite an experience, wasn’t it.
So after all, you deserve a big praise and applause : ( almost ) everything worked perfectly well, everybody enjoyed the sometimes tough programme without complaining or moaning and everybody was motivated and positive, and that’s exactly the pre-condition of having a good time !
Back home the project work continued and everybody had to work on his travel diary ( everybody ??? ) We have put something together that we all can enjoy for a lifetime. And that’s in the end my motivation to produce this little booklet, although I always promise never to do it again.
Thanks also to the members of the photo team – you did a great job – and to family Gurti for the printing !
And now let’s just enjoy this travel diary ! I think it’s great, we have very individual reports in both German and English. These reports – and of course more than 400 pictures – will bring back memories and will be still worth looking at, when you are old and grey, and your own 13-year-old kids are kicking your nerves !
So all the best to all of you – and take care !!!
Marcus Boese
» excerpt of the travel diary (printed version available with Mr. Boese)