RGS Welcomes German Exchange Students

We were delighted to host our German Exchange students from Emden, North Germany, from our partner school Johannes-Althusius-Gymnasium (JAG Emden). The pupils arrived in Worcester and attended RGS, staying with their English partners from Years Nine and Ten.

During their visit, all of the pupils enjoyed a day trip to Oxford last Friday, followed by a visit to Worcester Town Hall on Monday. RGS pupils were accompanied by their German partners to their regular lessons on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Every year, RGS pupils embark on exchange trips to France, Germany, and Spain. These trips offer an exceptional opportunity for pupils to immerse themselves in the culture of the host country, forge new friendships, enhance their language skills, and cultivate qualities of independence and self-reliance. Such experiences are invaluable, particularly with the emphasis on oral and listening proficiency in GCSE exams.

Regardless of the destination, our pupils are supported daily by accompanying teachers who ensure they feel comfortable with their host families. Aside from weekends, teachers either meet daily at the exchange school or accompany pupils on day trips. This structure allows pupils to participate in school lessons, explore the host city and its surroundings, and actively engage their language skills throughout the day.

We understand that exchanges can be daunting, especially when communicating in a foreign language. However, our host families are incredibly welcoming and go out of their way to organise weekend activities for our pupils. Our experience shows that exchange trips often transform pupils’ perspectives on the language they study, its people, and its culture, all within the nurturing context of a host family and through friendships with peers.

For more information about our exchange programmes, please contact Mrs Maria de Risio,  mgd@rgsw.org.uk