Earlier this year, The Charter School East Dulwich’s much-anticipated trip to Berlin faced an unexpected hurdle – a major Microsoft outage led to their flight cancellation. Thankfully, the trip was rescheduled for October 2024 at no additional cost.
In Part 1, we unpacked the obstacles and planning efforts that turned this reimagined trip into reality. Now, in Part 2, we turn our focus to its outcome. How did the trip unfold? What moments made it truly unforgettable? To find out, we asked the Group Leader, Annabelle, to reflect on the experience. Here’s what she kindly shared with us:
How would you describe the overall experience of your trip to Berlin, both for you and your students?
The trip to Berlin was an unforgettable experience for all involved. For the students, it was a unique opportunity to witness history come alive in a way that no textbook can replicate. From visiting iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate to exploring the sombre yet powerful Holocaust Memorial, they were able to connect deeply with the historical events we study in class. For me, it was both rewarding and exhausting in equal measure—keeping 60 teenagers engaged, inspired, and on schedule in a foreign city is no small feat! But seeing their excitement, curiosity, and thoughtful reflections made every moment worthwhile.
Were the educational goals of the trip met? Could you share any specific examples of how the students benefited from the experience?
Absolutely, the educational goals were not only met but exceeded. The trip bridged the gap between theoretical learning and real-world context. A particularly striking moment was during our visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial, where students stood silently, absorbing the stories of those who risked everything for freedom. Moments like this crystallised the purpose of the trip. Beyond the history curriculum, they also gained invaluable life skills: navigating a foreign city, practising cultural etiquette, and sticking to strict timings.
What was the most memorable or impactful moment of the trip for your group?
While the entire trip was packed with impactful moments, the visit to the Stasi Prison and tour by a former Stasi prisoner was profound. Many students expressed how it changed their perspective, giving them a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering these histories. On a lighter note, the Festival of Lights in Berlin added a magical touch to the trip, with students and staff marvelling at the illuminated cityscape alongside the evening of bowling which brought everyone together in a wholesome way.
Based on your experience, what advice or tips would you share with other group leaders planning similar trips?
- Plan for the unexpected: Whether it’s a delayed flight or students losing their belongings, always have a backup plan (or three). Flexibility is your best friend.
- Do your homework: Familiarise yourself with the sites you’re visiting so you can answer students’ questions confidently and tailor the itinerary to their studies.
- Engage the students: Prepare them beforehand with context and questions to think about during visits, it ensures they’re more than passive spectators.
- Pack patience: Keeping a group this size running smoothly requires patience, humour, and resilience.
- Take care of yourself too: Leading a trip can be demanding, so don’t forget to enjoy the experience and take moments to reflect, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you as well!
TCBC’s ability to reschedule the trip so quickly was truly impressive and deeply appreciated. After the initial disappointment of the cancellation, they acted swiftly and efficiently to ensure that our students didn’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Within a week, they had reorganised the trip for October, accommodating almost all of the original group and keeping the majority of the original itinerary and accommodation.
The support we received from the entire TCBC team, particularly their director Dan, was exceptional. They kept us informed throughout the process and showed genuine care for making this trip happen. Their professionalism and dedication turned what could have been a hugely disappointing situation into a positive outcome. I would wholeheartedly recommend TCBC to any school, they truly understand the value of these experiences and go above and beyond to make them a reality.