Laois students enjoy unforgettable trips to Berlin and Nice

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Students from Mountrath Community School got the chance to visit Germany this month during celebrations for the 35th anniversary of unity. 

Thirteen students from the school's Leaving Certificate German class had a packed itinerary which included visits to some of the most iconic and significant sites in Berlin. The first day saw the group visit Madame Tussauds, where they explored German pop culture and came face-to-face with waxworks of famous German figures. Following this, they visited the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall covered in striking murals that tell the story of the division between East and West Berlin. One of the highlights was a tour of the Reichstag, Germany's parliament building, where the students enjoyed stunning views of the city from the dome and learned about the importance of democracy. The tour guide emphasised the value of voting and how history teaches us lessons we must not forget. CONTINUE READING  BELOW PHOTO

On day two, the group visited the DDR Museum, which gave them an insight into life behind the Iron Curtain in East Berlin. A tour of the Olympic Stadium provided a look at the influence of Nazi architecture and how Hitler used propaganda to further his political goals. The students balanced their learning with fun, spending time at the Tropical Islands Water Park where they enjoyed the water slides, relaxed on the beach, and swam in the pools. In the evening, the group marvelled at the Festival of Lights, a spectacular event that lit up Berlin’s streets and buildings. A visit to Alexanderplatz allowed the students to experience the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most famous squares.

The final day of the trip was both moving and educational, as the students visited Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, before wrapping up their trip with some shopping at the Mall of Berlin.

It has been a busy month for the school with another group of students getting to visit Nice. The group of 28 students, accompanied by their French teachers, flew to Nice, where their adventure began. After arriving and settling into their accommodation, they wasted no time in exploring the stunning French Riviera. Their first stop was Antibes, a charming coastal town where the group enjoyed a leisurely lunch followed by a walk through the picturesque old town. A quick dip in the Mediterranean added a refreshing touch to the afternoon. In the afternoon, they travelled to the glamorous city of Cannes, famous for its film festival. The highlight of the day was an exhilarating speed boat tour around the Bay of Cannes, giving students a unique view of the coast. The group wrapped up their first day with a late dinner back in Nice.

On Friday, the group ventured to Monaco, where they explored the Musée Océanographique de Monaco, a world-renowned aquarium and museum dedicated to marine sciences. Afterward, they strolled through the elegant streets of Monaco.  The day ended with an evening of kayaking back in Nice,before heading to a French restaurant for dinner. 

The final day of the trip was spent shopping in the vibrant markets of Nice before heading to the airport, filled with memories of a fantastic blend of language immersion and cultural exploration.
 

The aim of the trips was to enhance their language skills and cultural understanding, a key part of their educational experience.