The Economics and Business Department recently took a group of Sixth Form students to Berlin to explore the vibrant city, experiencing many of their classroom learnings in real life. This helps students gain a better understanding of topics, build cultural understanding and exposes them to worlds outside of their own.
Lower Sixth student Semiloore Bankole reports back from the trip:
After landing in Berlin on an early morning flight, the trip began with a bang as after dropping our luggage at the hostel, we immediately split into groups so we could explore Berlin and get a better understanding of the city.
In the following hours, my friends and I discovered the impressive architecture of the German subway system, got an early glimpse of the Reichstag (German Government) and a small restaurant where we discovered the wonders of the Doner kebab. After regrouping by the Brandenburg gate, we travelled back to the hotel before settling in our rooms and ending the day with some local food.
After the first day, the trip went by in a blur. An audio guided tour of the Reichstag where we learned about the history of the German government, its formation and the problems it faced. After completing the audio tour and taking some photos at the Berliner Cathedral, we visited the TV tower and I can certainly say it provided the greatest view of the city, reaching to its farthest expanses.
The third day began with a visit to the BMW Motorbike Factory which manufactures all the company’s motorcycles in Europe. We saw the practical applications of economic theory about production and specialisation while also getting to pose alongside some incredible vehicles.
Once we had finished the tour of the BMW factory, we had the opportunity to explore the Olympic Stadium, even viewing the exclusive VIP lounge and the Hall of Honour, reserved solely for diplomats and world leaders viewing the matches. The tour also provided an insight into the historic events that occurred inside this stadium such as Jesse Owens winning four gold medals disrupting Nazi propaganda.
On the final day, upon visiting the Ritter Sport chocolate store, we all had the opportunity to make our own chocolate bars of every variety from white chocolate with strawberries to bitter dark chocolate with raging red pepper. Tastes definitely varied among the group! But aside from the numerous activities which we completed and the knowledge we gained, both historic and economic, I highly valued the great social experiences we had on this trip. Whether it be searching around Berlin for the perfect souvenir, watching football with students from across the world or having a great start to the half term, I believe that everyone had a great time, so I’ll just say Danke für alles!
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