On the first day of the Easter holidays, there were Year 10 History and Philosophy and Ethics students flying from Heathrow to Brandenburg Airport, Berlin, to experience an enjoyable yet poignant school trip. As we explored this vibrant city, we were constantly reminded of its historic significance. Many times on the trip I found myself unable to comprehend that Berlin held so many important landmarks all within walking distance of our hotel – which was a brilliant place to stay.

To name a few of those landmarks: we visited the Reichstag Dome on our first evening, and on the following day travelled on the city’s U-Bahn (the Tube) and trams to visit places significant to post-1945 divided Germany, including an old prison. The third day was a coach trip around the outskirts of Berlin, through the beautiful region of Potsdam and to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Many of these places invoked an unforgettable emotional response as we learnt about the stories – both hopeful or horrific – and they came to life around us.

Of course, after visiting such intense and thought-provoking sites across Berlin, having a meal together at the Amrit Indian Restaurant on our last evening, followed by a visit to the Mall of the Berlin the following morning was a great way to spend time with friends and enjoy the parts of Berlin that makes it such an attractive tourist attraction today. It was an incredible trip and I recommend a visit to this historic yet innovative city.

Many thanks to Mr Stoker, Mrs Ebanja, Mr Harding, Mrs Saunders, Ms Rénji-Moore and our tour guide Mike Fitzgerald for organising such a fantastic opportunity.