#GPCNuremberg pupils reflect on their first weekend with their German host families. They visited local attractions such as the Teufelshöhle (devil's cave), participated in a traditional Kärwa or fest, visited München and tried the Fränkische speciality, Schäufele (pork shoulder)

#GPCNuremberg pupils spent a very wet Monday visiting the Reichsparteitagsgelände in Nürnberg. Despite the rain, the pupils learned a lot about the history of the area and had a chance to visit the Dokumentationszentrum to learn more about this chapter in Nürnberg's history.

Today's #GPCErlangen trips to Staedtler and the Bayerischen Rundfunk gave pupils a behind-the- scenes at the pencil production process, as well as the chance to witness a live radio recording in studio! A huge thanks to both companies for such a thorough and informative tour.

The first blogs about our German Pupil Courses 2025 are on our website! In Nürnberg, the group have been experiencing cultural traditions first hand, whilst the group in Erlangen have explored the city and started their Thematic Workshop. Read here: ukgermanconnection.org/yp/get-involve…

Some of our #GPCNuremberg pupils accompanied their hosts hinter die Kulissen for a back-stage tour of Nürnsberg's theatre and opera house. Absolute highlights were seeing the Perückenmacher make wigs and beards and discovering the wide range of ballet, theatre and opera costumes!

#GPCNuremberg visited Würzburg in Unterfranken today for a tour of the city. It was interesting to learn that it was an Irish monk, St Kilian, who brought Christianity to Würzburg from Ireland in 686! No surprise therefore that Würzburg has over 60 churches!

#GPCNUREMBERG pupils display their work at the Melanchthongumnasium Hausgwärch - Sommerfest - a visual display of their home towns and audio postcards of their impressions of Nürnberg. Pupils discuss with visitors curious to find out more about the Deutschland Plus programme!

#GPCNUREMBERG Our Deutschland Plus visitor from Scotland striking up a spontaneous Dudelsack tune with a former pupil at the school's Hausgwärch

On Friday, Pupils visited the beautiful city of Bamberg, known as 'Franconian Rome'. From the pictures, you can perhaps see why! Pupils had time to explore its many shops and start thinking about gifts for their hosts! #GPCErlangen

That's a wrap on #GPCErlangen! At last night's leaving party, hugs and goodbyes were exchanged over a delicious buffet. We were also lucky enough to have some live music from a band rehearsing for a school festival! What a lovely city and a great time we have had. UK-German Connection

#GPCNuremberg pupils are now back on the road with the #GPCErlangen group headed towards Munich airport and their flights home. It has been an intense two weeks full of new experiences, insights, and friendships! Danke to all families and teachers at the Melanchthon Gymnasium!

Our Erlangen and Nürnberg groups' final days on the German Pupil Courses were action-packed, with city tours, project work with host siblings, and farewell celebrations. Congratulations to all who participated! Read more about their adventures: ukgermanconnection.org/yp/get-involve…

Viel Glück und viel Spaß to our final group of GPC participants! We can't wait for updates on all your learning, new experiences, and adventures over the next 2 weeks in Germany! #GPCBadIburg UK-German Connection

First day of school today! After a welcome from their hosts, lessons started off with an introduction to Germany's political system, followed up by a collaborative activity which helped the pupils get to know each other and solidify their knowledge! 🇩🇪

Day 2 of #GPCBadIburg involved a warm welcome at the Rathaus, a visit to the historical Clock Museum & Schloss Charlottenburg to learn about the town's history and links across 🇩🇪, and of course a well-deserved stop for ice cream!

After learning about the entwined histories of the UK & Germany, the group experienced a real highlight: visiting a local Grundschule to help out in the first ever English lesson for some Year 3 pupils! Very interesting to see how English is taught! #GPCBadIburg

Back in school after a busy weekend: on Monday the group worked on their thematic workshop presentations, all about scandals and attitudes to sport in 🇬🇧 & 🇩🇪! They also got to interview some Year 12 pupils, which was a great opportunity to really hone their German.

After an authentic Deutsche Bahn experience, we got to visit beautiful Bremerhaven. At the Klimahaus we learnt all about the effects of climate change, not just in Germany but world-wide. The crocodiles and fish in the pools there really drive the message home! #GPCBadIburg

In #GPCBadIburg, on Wednesday we had grammar revision, perfecting our perfect & imperfect tense knowledge, and then the group got to experience the power of nature at the 'Kletterwald' in the Teutoburger forest. Trees, water therapy, and teamwork!

The final day of the course has arrived, and the group is making its way home! The last few days saw presentations, lessons, and a farewell party. We have learned so much, heard from some incredibly interesting people, and made new connections and friendships. #GPCBadIburg