This February half-term, 16 A-level history students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Munich, accompanied by Mr Firbank and Mrs Warner. The trip was designed to bring their study of Germany 1918–45 to life, giving students the chance to immerse themselves in the rich history of Bavaria and its surrounding areas.

Day One: Arriving in Munich

After settling into their accommodation, the group took the opportunity to explore Munich’s beautiful old town, soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and paying a visit to the iconic Hofbräukeller. It was a wonderful way to ease into the trip and get their bearings before the more intensive days ahead.

Day Two: Nuremberg

The second day took the group to Nuremberg, where students gained a deeper understanding of the ambitions of architect Albert Speer and his grand designs for the Nazi party rally complex. Standing on the very grounds where the Nazis held their infamous propaganda displays was a powerful and thought-provoking experience that no textbook can truly replicate.

The afternoon brought a visit to the Palace of Justice, the courthouse where Nazi war criminals were tried for their involvement in the actions of the Nazi regime. An engaging interactive experience brought the courtroom to life and helped students connect with this pivotal moment in legal and world history.

Day Three: Olympic Village, BMW Museum and the Documentation Centre

Day three began with a guided tour of the Munich Olympic Village, a site steeped in both sporting history and tragedy. The group also managed to fit in a visit to the spectacular BMW Museum, a real highlight for many of the students!

In the afternoon, the group visited the Munich Documentation Centre, which houses a fascinating array of displays charting the rise of the Nazi movement and vividly illustrating what life was like for ordinary people living in Munich during the Third Reich. It was an incredibly informative visit that complemented students’ classroom learning perfectly.

To round off the day, staff and students alike enjoyed sampling some traditional German cuisine and spending time together, a great reminder that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom.

A huge thank you to Mr Firbank and Mrs Warner for organising such a memorable and educationally valuable trip, and well done to all the students who represented the school so brilliantly. Experiences like these are truly what make studying history come alive.