GCSE History Trip to Berlin
On the 14th of February, the History Department took 60 GCSE students on a four day residential trip to Berlin, exploring key historical sites they had studied in their course.
The first day began with a 90-minute flight to Brandenburg Airport, followed by an evening meal near the iconic TV Tower, built by East Germany at the height of the Cold War. Standing at 368 metres, it remains one of the tallest structures in Europe.
After a well-earned night's sleep, Saturday started with a three-hour guided coach tour of Berlin. Students saw several major landmarks, including a very snowy Checkpoint Charlie. In the afternoon, they visited the Museum of German Resistance, which focuses on the failed attempts to assassinate Hitler. This was followed by a visit to the Topography of Terror, located on the former site of the infamous SS headquarters.
On Sunday, students took a short coach trip to the Olympic Stadium, originally built for the 1936 Olympic Games. Today, it is home to Hertha Berlin and was the venue for England’s 2-1 loss to Spain last summer. The tour provided insight into the stadium’s Nazi-era history, while also allowing students to explore the changing rooms, and even walk through the tunnel and into the dugouts. Max, Year 10 said, “I really enjoyed visiting the stadium, and sitting in the same VIP box that Prince William watched the European Championship Final in.”
Sunday afternoon saw a visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, which housed political prisoners and those deemed "undesirable" by the Nazi regime. This was a moving experience for all. Max said, “I was very moved by the trip to Sachsenhausen, the snow definitely added to the experience.”
On Monday, students visited the Stasi Museum, which documents the activities of the secret police in the former East Germany. Later, they toured the Reichstag, the centre of German democracy today. They also travelled up to the glass dome, which stands 47 metres high and offers breathtaking views of the city.
The final visit of the trip was to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. At 1.3 km in length, it is covered in murals, including the famous painting of the kiss between Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker.
Upon returning from the trip, Ellie Year 11 reflected, "As a history student at Ruislip High the opportunity to witness the sites of so many historical landmarks and events in Berlin was incredible. I have created memories that I will keep with me forever."
We believe it was a truly enriching and unforgettable experience for all involved. We would like to thank the students that came who made it an amazing trip.
