Latymer Upper School’s Hamburg Exchange 2025

During the Easter holiday a group of Year 10 Latymerians and students from Godolphin and Latymer travelled to Hamburg for the return leg of our Hamburg Exchange. Having got on so well when they met in London in October, everyone was looking forward to seeing their partners again, meeting their families and exploring this part of Germany.

As ever, the teachers at the Johanneum school had put together a varied and exciting programme of activities and trips. Most were based in and around Hamburg itself, visiting different parts of this beautiful and vibrant city, but we also visited the pretty Hanseatic city of Lübeck. Highlights included visiting the Green Bunker, going on a street art tour, and visiting the court. Students also spent time with their partners in school, taking part in lessons and gaining an insight into the German school system. The weekend was spent with families enjoying the fabulous spring weather.  

Towards the end of the trip, our Head, Su Wijeratna, who has been keen to visit the Johanneum, came out to join the group in Hamburg.  She spent time with the Head, Inken Hose, whom she had met on a couple of previous occasions, when Inken came to London to celebrate the Exchange’s 75th anniversary and also Latymer’s 400th celebration at St Paul’s.  Inken and her colleagues were delighted to welcome her and Su also found time to go out on one of the excursions with the group.  Everyone agreed the 10 days had passed very quickly and although they were very sorry to say goodbye at the airport, they know they will stay in touch.

Author: Sohni Malde