By Poyee Li-Sumpton, Secondary Design Teacher and MYP Coordinator
From historic cemeteries to iconic football stadiums, mining-themed water parks to interactive museums, this trip offered our Grade 8 students a perfect blend of education, culture, and adventure. Friendships were strengthened, skills were tested, and memories were made to last a lifetime.
Day 1 – Exploring Maastricht and Cologne
The trip began in the charming Dutch city of Maastricht, where students wandered through cobbled streets lined with historic buildings. Their first stop was the breathtaking Boekhandel Dominicanen, a bookstore housed in a former Dominican Church. The soaring ceilings, intricate stained glass, and centuries-old architecture made it feel like stepping into a storybook. After lunch, the group visited the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, a peaceful and moving site where over 8,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during World War II are laid to rest. Students took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made and the importance of remembering history. The day concluded in Cologne with a delicious dinner at Mama Trattoria, followed by laughter-filled bowling at Köln West, giving everyone a chance to relax and bond.
Day 2 – Football, Industry, and Water Fun
The excitement continued at Signal Iduna Park, home of Borussia Dortmund. Students explored the stadium’s stands, locker rooms, and behind-the-scenes areas, guided by experts who shared stories of legendary players, passionate fans, and the club’s rich history. Next, the group traveled to Gasometer Oberhausen, a former industrial gas storage facility now hosting stunning exhibitions. Students marveled at the panoramic views from the rooftop while learning about the region’s coal and steel heritage. After a tasty dinner at Centro Oberhausen, the day took a playful turn at AquaPark Oberhausen. This unique water park, themed around the city’s mining past, offered slides, wave pools, and an 18-meter-high winding-tower diving platform. Even the changing rooms were inspired by old miner’s locker rooms, adding a fascinating historical touch to the fun.Day 3 – Climbing and Cologne Museums
After an early breakfast, students faced thrilling challenges at Blackfoot Climbing, testing their strength, balance, and teamwork. Later, back in Cologne, the group split to explore one of two immersive museums. At the Chocolate Museum, students followed cocoa beans from their origins in Central America to European chocolate factories, learned about famous brands like Lindt, and tasted freshly made chocolate—a delicious way to connect with history and science. At the Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum, students experienced Germany’s sporting legacy firsthand, taking part in interactive challenges, learning about Olympic athletes, and exploring the evolution of competitive sports. The day wrapped up with dinner at Hard Rock Café Cologne and some well-deserved downtime at the hotel.Day 4 – Movie Park Germany, Bottrop
The final day was all about thrills and laughter at Movie Park Germany in Bottrop. Students raced down rollercoasters, explored themed attractions, and enjoyed rides inspired by famous films. Exhausted but exhilarated, they returned home ready to share their stories and enjoy a relaxing weekend with their families.
