On the first Sunday in Advent, our Primary 7 pupils and S6 mentors set off for our partner school in Dortmund, Germany, to learn about Christmas traditions, German culture and to make new friends.

The programme was very busy! On Monday, after icebreakers and a tour of the school, the children visited the BVB grounds to explore the Borussia Dortmund museum. Next, they headed for the Christmas markets and the tallest Christmas tree in the world. On Tuesday, the Wellington and Mallinckrodt children took part in a Christmas singalong and in several workshops.

On Tuesday afternoon, everyone went home together so that the Scottish group could meet a German family and see what a German home is like. Some also visited other nearby Christmas markets, played games or baked Christmas cookies. The German families provided traditional food for dinner with Schnitzel being the most popular dish.

On Wednesday morning we prepared to say goodbye to Germany. First of all, there was time to explore the local farmers market and a nearby shopping mall.

The S6 leader guided the younger children round the markets and helped them to participate in the workshops. One of the group took charge of the media for the trip and his photos and videos will be made into a short film to be posted on the school’s social media.

We were sad to say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Germany and hope to return very soon.