Students bond over Brezn on our German trip in London

Promoting German language and culture for almost a century, the Goethe-Institut was a great place for our students to gather and lernen. Nestled nearby the Natural History Museum and the V&A, the stately Goethe-Institute is home to a library, a cinema, and more features our students couldn’t wait to dive into.

Language is so much more than vocabulary lists and grammar rules. It’s a gateway to new cultures, perspectives, and connections, and one of the best things about learning a language is getting to know new people from around the world.

So, a presentation from pals Lizi and Marlene was a great way to start the day. Goethe-Institut intern Lizi first bonded with her German friend Marlene over their passion for languages, and the story of their enduring international friendship was a great reflection of the bonds our own students form with their global classmates.

The next stop was the library, where everyone came together for a lively quiz, with plenty of smiles and a healthy dose of competition. Working in teams, our students flexed their German knowledge as they raced to complete the questions.

The best part? All the happy winners at the end of the day!

After a short lesson with Goethe-Institut instructor Emma, our secondary and Sixth Form trip-goers wrapped up just in time for a delicious lunch.

Next door to the institute is Stein’s, an authentic, family-owned restaurant filled with German and Bavarian cuisine. Warm, velvety Käsespätzle cheese noodles and juicy, spiced Currywurst disappeared fast, as did the crispy Schnitzel and chewy Brezn pretzels. All the while, the room was filled with chatter as our learners got to know their friends better, forge bonds with new classmates, and pick their teachers’ brains.

Bellies full, students rounded out the day with a day with a film in the Goethe-Institut theatre: Als Hitler das rosa Kaninchen stahl, also known as ‘When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit’. Based on Judith Kerr’s own life during her time in Germany, this classic was a poignant look into the language and culture of the past, adding a new layer of understanding to everyone’s studies.

Far too soon, it was time to go home again, but the memories are sure to last a lifetime. At King’s InterHigh, students regularly get the opportunity to take part in optional academic trips around the world. They’re just one of the many ways we creative an immersive education experience, another being ImmerseMe — a cutting-edge tool that allows our students “travel” the world from home and practice languages through interactive scenarios and conversations.

From German to geography, London to Croatia, it’s always a pleasure to take students on adventures and bring new dimensions to their learning. This German day in London was a great chance for students to grow their curiosity, empathy, and love of exploration, as well as make a few new friends along the way.