[debra g]

Hi all

I was wondering if anyone else is going to on the German embassy fact finding trip for history teachers this half-term? I'm really excited about it but would quite like to get in contact with some others who are going on it too!

Thanks

Debbie

[BarbaraH]

I went last year and it is absolutely fab! Interesting people, interesting places to visit - and I even made a profit because by the time they paid my expenses in euros the exchange rate went in my favour! Let us all know how you get on.

[Mark H.]

Sounds interesting-what are the details? I know nothing about this.

[debra g]

Mark H., on 27 September 2009 - 07:51 PM, said:

Sounds interesting-what are the details? I know nothing about this.

Hi Mark - have a look here:http://www.london.diplo.de/Vertretung/london/en/06/Scholarships/Geschichtslehrer/Geschichtslehrer__Seite.html

Not very detailed, but the itinerary they've sent me looks interesting - visiting schools to see how history is taught there, museums etc. Thanks Barbara it's good to know you had a good experience!

I assume its closed now for this year but could be worth applying next year if your interested - I found out about it on the Historical Association website.

I'll let you know!

Debbie

[debra g]

Well- as to this, I can only say how fantastic it was. We were well looked after, and saw several sites - i.e. Jewish Museum, German Historical Museum, the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall, the Bundestag... the guide was full of knowledge! Everyone was very welcoming, especially at the two schools we went to observe teaching at (bilingual schools) My only criticism was that there wasn't much space for individual exploration of the city - just no time! Which wasn't really a major issue for me, but others were disappointed.
Keep an eye out for it - it might be advertised again on the Historical Association website.
Debbie

[caldwell]

i went a few years ago on this and one of my Department was able to go a couple of years ago. It was brilliant, I echo the praise given for the guides and we met great teachers. My trip was 3 centre !!! Berlin/Dresden/Bonn
I think they have calmed that bit down, however I would rate Berlin highly as a venue.
They do like it if you show you teach post '45 German history, e.g. the Cold War at GCSE/A Level, or even in 3rd year.

The idea that pupils study Hitler's Germany at 3rd year/GCSE and A Level is from their point of view unhelpful, I tend to agree as I don't think it is 'good teaching' to focus on the same perriod of time at these stages either so it was easier to show how the 30's and 40's were part of progression in our curriculum.

In addition we were able to empathise with the problems of reunification as the division in our society led to the teaching of history from a conflict resolution point of view. We were able to appreciate how difficult some issues in the past can be yet recognised the need to have them taught. It was what our hosts regarded as 'over exposure ' of the period which needed addressing I think.
I definitely would like to take a group there but from our area it is very expensive.