German Exchange 2012
MFL would like to say a huge thank you to all the Denefield families and staff who contributed to last week’s successful first leg of the 2012 German Exchange. The 23 students from the St Anna Gymnasium in Augsburg left Denefield on Friday morning, several of them tearful at parting from their new friends. During the week they had canoed and kayaked in Pangbourne, visited Oxford, enjoyed the school musical “Hairspray”, seen the sights of London including a flight on the London Eye, done a history trail of Reading and spent a day of special lessons in school. In addition they had enjoyed a whole variety of activities and excursions with their hosts.The week culminated with a barn dance with live music for all students and host families.
Here are some of the things the St Anna students wrote about their week in England:
"I really liked the relationship between the English people and us. I really learned to speak English like English people. The culture of another country is really exciting".
"I like the Denefield School, because the students are very nice and they have more interesting subjects than in Germany".
"The time in England was great. The pupils and my exchange partner's family were very nice. I really enjoyed the trip to London and the Reading history trail. I improved my English. The school musical 'Hairspray' was great".
"I liked that at the exchange we got a lot of new friends and I felt well in my host-family. You can see how the school life is in another country, you eat food that you have never eaten before, and you see a lot of impressive sights. It's a great experience".
"I enjoyed the exchange very. It was an awesome experience. My family was very nice and tried to make everything as good as possible. It was very exciting to learn about another culture, try different food and see famous cities like London and Oxford".
This year marked the 25th anniversary of Denefield’s exchange link with St Anna. To celebrate the occasion Herr Schwertschlager, headteacher of the St Anna, flew to England to present Mr Whiteford at a small ceremony with a German lime tree and a plaque to commemorate “eine Freundschaft mit tiefen Wurzeln” (a friendship with deep roots).
The German Exchange visit is open to students from year 9 upwards. Applications for the 2013 exchange will be invited from September 2012.
Denefield is an 11-18 school in West Berkshire which sits on the border of Tilehurst and Purley.
The school provides education for the children and young people of both Reading and West Berkshire. At Denefield, every member of our staff is fully committed to serving the needs of the local community.
Our approach enables each student to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes required to become responsible, considerate and well-rounded individuals, adapted to the demands of an ever changing multicultural society. With the support of our dedicated staff, students are able to make the most of their abilities and interests to prepare them for the world of work and to play a full part in their communities... Read the rest of the Head's letter >