Historians in Berlin
Historians Experience an Unforgettable Trip to Berlin
Our A Level History students have returned from an unforgettable and deeply thought‑provoking trip to Berlin, where they explored key historical sites connected to the Nazi era, the Cold War, and modern German history.
The visit began with a powerful and reflective experience at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Here, students learned about the realities of life under the Nazi regime and took time to reflect on the human stories behind the events they study in the classroom. This set the tone for a trip filled with meaningful learning and personal insight.
Over the next few days, the group explored many significant historical landmarks across the city. Their itinerary included the Topography of Terror, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag Building, the Brandenburg Gate, the site of the former Führerbunker, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. These visits helped students understand the contrasting narratives of dictatorship, division, and democracy that have shaped Germany’s past and present.
The students also enjoyed stunning panoramic views of Berlin from the Berlin TV Tower, following a visit to the impressive Berlin Cathedral. They later walked along the East Side Gallery, the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, covered in artworks reflecting themes of freedom and unity.
Another powerful moment came with their visit to the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial, the former Stasi prison. Here, they learned about life in a state built on surveillance, control, and political repression during the Cold War.
On their final day, the group explored the interactive DDR Museum, which recreated everyday life in East Germany, before heading to the Volkswagen Group Forum to see iconic vehicles that shaped decades of European motoring. The trip concluded with time in Alexanderplatz, made all the more memorable by a light fall of snow across the square.
The Berlin visit offered students a unique opportunity to deepen their historical understanding, experience key locations firsthand, and reflect on the importance of democracy, human rights, and remembrance.
A fantastic end to an enriching and inspiring trip for our A Level historians.
