WEST Somerset College is celebrating fifty years of cultural and educational exchange with its German partner school, Freiherr von Stein Gymnasium from B?nde.

The College recently played host to staff and students from Germany and exchanged gifts to celebrate what is thought to be the oldest German-English exchange in the UK.

The exchange takes place every year, alternating between B?nde and Minehead. It is an opportunity for young people to experience life and culture in a different country – as well as picking up valuable language skills to help with their examinations.

This year’s packed programme included trips to Longleat and Bristol as well as opportunities to experience the beauty of Exmoor first hand. There were also trips to The Valley of the Rocks, Lynton, Lynmouth and Wimbleball Lake during the course of the week.

The week began with international games; tennis, football and capture the flag, followed by a cookery lesson, where German students were taught how to make a cream tea.

Mark Tranter, co-ordinator and stalwart of the German Exchange said: “The exchange is the ultimate educational activity. Our students have learned so much about each other’s countries, languages and culture and most of this learning has happened outside the classroom.

"We are very lucky to have such a strong partnership with such a wonderful and supportive school in Germany. This is something quite special and is cherished.”

The German students stayed with host families in West Somerset and were accompanied by two German colleagues who work closely with the staff at the College to make the trip a success.

“On the German side, the exchange is always vastly oversubscribed as we have so many students wishing to come to England to experience English life. We appreciate this great opportunity for our students and we do hope that we can continue for another 50 years!” said Sandra Heuer, German School co-ordinator.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the exchange, the College presented a golden rose bush and a painting by Fran Bullard, a Year 13 student, to the German school.

In return, the college received the kind gift of a handmade and hand painted bench from the Germans, which will reside in the playground at WSC.

Acting Principal Jane Aplin said: “This is a moment for us to pause and remember our bonds with our European neighbours. Whatever the political climate, our young people are our future and will need to maintain peace and harmony in a changing world. Learning experiences like these are an excellent place for all that to begin.”