Students visit Hellenthal, Germany

News - Jul 21

30 Colyton Grammar School students have recently returned from an immersive language trip to Hellenthal in Germany, following a jam packed program which they all thoroughly enjoyed.  

The first day saw the student brace the dizzying heights of a high rope course, where they were wholly instructed in German. Thanks to the fabulous native instructors, the students pushed themselves and tackled a number of challenging climbing stations, including a moving pole for pool noodle jousting, the labyrinth and a leap of faith. Having worked up an appetite, they set off to Hellenthal’s Eiscafe for a thoroughly deserved ice cream. All students ordered in German, with Spaghetti-Eis being a popular choice.  

Day two involved a trip to Cologne where students visited the Lindt Chocolate Museum, a working chocolate factory that Willy Wonka would be proud of. Having devoured their complimentary Lindor chocolate, students followed the path of cocoa from the harvest to the major stock exchanges of world trade and then transportation to the factory. The flowing chocolate fountain also did not disappoint.  

Fueled by chocolate, students then made their way to the cable car station, taking a short trip across the Rhine to take in the views of Cologne from above. After this was a trip to Cologne Cathedral. At 157m, the cathedral is the tallest twin spired church in the world and a world heritage site. Here, students marveled at the Gothic architecture, the stain glass windows and the shrine to the three wise men. Following a short shopping spree for gifts and souvenirs, students returned to their youth hostel for an evening of team building activities, led again by native speaking instructors. The task involved getting the whole group (teachers included) up a very high wall and onto a platform with no climbing aids. Thanks to some of our taller students, they rose to the challenge, apparently becoming the fastest group to complete the task.  

Day three was all about seeing adrenaline. Phantasialand in Bruhl is regularly voted one of the best theme parks in the world, boasting the third fastest multi launch coaster ‘Taron’ amongst its high action rides. Our students particularly enjoyed the thematic setting of the park with sites such as Mexico, Berlin, Mystery and Fantasy.  

Back at the hostel, there was time to squeeze in a quick football match and a few rounds of table tennis for both students and staff before departing. Well done to all of the students who took part in this exciting trip and a big thank you to Mrs Bentall, Mrs Hudson and Mr Hawkes for making it such an enjoyable and worthwhile trip.