Group of Pupils Journey to Berlin for an Indelible Excursion on History and Political Studies
In an effort to promote environmental sustainability and enrich students' educational experiences, the History and Politics department at Notre Dame Sixth Form College organises an annual train trip to Berlin. This yearly excursion, which took place recently, saw a group of 30 students embark on a journey that began at 6.40am from Leeds, reducing their carbon footprint significantly by opting for train travel over air travel.
The trip, which lasted three action-packed days, provided the students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich political and historical landscape of Berlin. The itinerary included visits to iconic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Olympic Stadium, the Holocaust Memorial, and the East Side Gallery, among others.
The students' experiences during the trip were marked by positive encounters, new friendships, and a deepened understanding of the Cold War and World War II. Highlights of the trip can be found on the History and Politics Instagram page (@ndhispol).
One of the trip's highlights was a visit to the DDR Museum, where students gained insights into the daily life and culture of East Germany during the Cold War era. Another significant stop was the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauerstrasse, which offered a poignant reminder of the division of the city and the challenges faced during that period.
The students also had the opportunity to visit the Bundestag Dome, the seat of the German federal legislature, and the Jewish Museum, which provided a deeper understanding of Jewish history and culture in Germany.
The trip was not just an educational adventure, but also a commitment to reducing carbon emissions. By choosing train travel, Notre Dame's History and Politics department demonstrated a conscious effort to minimise environmental impact, aligning with climate-conscious travel practices. This approach supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting sustainable transport, responsible urban visitation, and integrating sustainability principles into students' learning experiences.
Despite no explicit sustainability program details being publicly documented, the choice of train travel itself indicates a commitment to environmental sustainability. The students' experiences in Berlin, coupled with the educational focus of the trip, contribute indirectly to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by fostering awareness of historical consequences and current political frameworks.
In summary, Notre Dame's yearly train excursion to Berlin reflects a commitment to reducing carbon emissions through sustainable travel and contributes to sustainability education, aligning with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. The students highly recommend the trip to others who have the opportunity to go, making it a successful and popular event in the college's calendar.
The Notre Dame History and Politics department's annual train trip to Berlin serves as an engaging platform for students' education, immersing them in the city's historical and political landscape while also promoting environmental sustainability through travel. Post-trip highlights from this year's journey can be found on the department's Instagram page (@ndhispol), offering insights into the DDR Museum, Berlin Wall Memorial, Bundestag Dome, Jewish Museum, and other notable sites.
