From the 13th to the 20th November, Keswick School celebrated the 52nd exchange visit with their partner school, HRS Königslutter. Keswick School were excited to welcome the 16 teenagers and 2 teachers into their lives for the week.
The start of the exchange visit was celebrated in the form of a reception with Keswick’s Mayor and Mayoress, who both spoke to the students of the importance of school and such chances to meet each other.
The students’ initial nerves quickly disappeared and by the end of the week with activities including bonding exercises at Glaramara, working as a team to exit the escape room at Kong Adventure and a mock wedding at Gretna Green, firm friendships had been made.
A farewell party marked the end of the week with live music performed by one of Keswick School’s talented musicians, Nat Dempsey (who was taking part in the exchange). Parents had nothing but words of praise for their German guests, commenting that they had really begun to feel at home and in some cases, did not want to go home! The sign of a successful exchange visit is tears at departure, of which there were many!
Rebecca Wylie, Head of German, Keswick School said: “None of the above could have taken place without the support of the following businesses and we thank them very much: Glaramara House, Kong Adventure and Sunnyside B&B. I would also like to thank the host families, without whom the exchange simply would not exist!”
Simon Jackson, Head teacher said: “It was a pleasure to welcome back to Keswick our friends from Königslutter with a new group of students. The exchange is a wonderful way that new friendships can be forged between our communities. It does give young people the confidence to broaden xtheir horizons as well as affirming our common shared values as global citizens.”
