Tudor Hall students of German have just returned from a four-day  oncein a lifetime trip to Berlin.  Visits to museums and important sights enabled pupils to learn about the history of divided Germany and the Berlin Wall, setting the scene for the highlight of the trip: participation in the celebrations for the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

From their vantage point in front of the Brandenburg Gate, students enjoyed the privilege of witnessing first-hand the Festival of Freedom, which was televised all over the world.  Highlights included a classical concert conducted by Daniel Barenboim, addresses from key world politicians such as Angela Merkel, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nicolas Sarkozy, Gordon Brown and Hillary Clinton and an impressive representation of the fall of wall using 1000 painted dominos, which toppled between Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate.  The party culminated in live performances from Bon Jovi, with their aptly titled ‘We weren’t born to follow,’ and the song ‘Freiheit’ (freedom’), performed by classical group, Adoro. 

Despite rainy conditions, group members were thrilled to participate in this momentous occasion.  LVI student, Soryah McLaughlan-Haggarty neatly sums up the immensity of our experience “As well as learning about Berlin’s history, we became part of it.”