There’s been very much a German flavour to the Senior School these past few days, and in the early hours of Sunday morning (29th November), Years 7-Upper Sixth girls set off for the Cologne Christmas Markets.

Boasting seven markets, Cologne’s main market is situated in the beautiful setting of the cathedral quarter.

The trip offered the girls the opportunity to experience the special atmosphere of the town in the festive season and, for many, to enjoy a first taste of Germany.

Frau Lessig, Head of German, said: “The girls loved the markets, especially the Lebkuchenherzen. They were also intrigued by the Farina-Duft (fragrance) Museum.”

Then, when back, on Tuesday 10 girls from Years 10-Lower Sixth had the chance to take part in a session about the German language, given by Dr Heike Bartel, Head of German at the University of Nottingham.

The girls learnt what it takes to manipulate language, be logical and work with words when creating a poem, following the example from Ernst Jandl, an Austrian poet.

Frau Lessig added: “Girls wrote their own concrete poems using opposites and changing grammar; and it showed how much German they’ve already learnt and how one can adapt language to whichever level one chooses.

This was an inspired insight into what it looks like to start studying German at university.”

At lunchtime Dr Bartle also gave a talk to girls studying all languages explaining how languages can open doors to a future career.