Im Rahmen der Europaschule und des BSP Baltic Sea Projects hatten wir erstmals die Gelegenheit, einen Austausch für Schüler*innen des 9. Jahrgangs mit einer Schule in Finnland zu organisieren. Vom Minus 16 Grad kalten Orivesi kam die finnische Reisegruppe im „angenehm warmen“ Großhansdorf an.
Der Besuch der finnischen Jugendlichen und ihrer Lehrerinnen, der von Frau Bloem, Frau Digon, Frau Knigge und Frau Lentz organisiert wurde, fand direkt zu Beginn des zweiten Halbjahres statt. Die Reise nach Orivesi, nahe Tampere, wird im April – kurz vor den Osterferien – stattfinden und von Frau Bloem und Frau Knigge begleitet.
Hier findet sich ein kleiner Überblick über die Aktivitäten am EvB:
Day 1: Arrival at the airport
The first day started completely differently from what we had planned. Our guests from Finland were scheduled to arrive around 12:00, and we had planned to meet them in the centre of Hamburg. Unfortunately, their flight was cancelled, and they had to take another plane, which finally arrived in Hamburg at 22:10.
Day 2: Getting to know the EvB
Our second day started at 8:30. First, we played some games to get to know each other. For example, we played some name games and Bingo. After that, we split into groups and showed our Finnish guests the EvB.
Before we took them to our classrooms to show them what lessons are like at our school, we had a 20-minute break.
At the end of the school day, we had a music workshop with one of our music teachers. First, we had to be creative and find an adjective and an animal that begin with the same letter as our surname. The last activity we did was playing a music game called 'Hitster'.
For the rest of the day, the Finnish students were able to spend some time with their host families.
Day 3: Baltic Sea Project and Cold Matters
As expected, we started our day at 8:30 in the morning and met at the EvB. First, we watched some videos (filmed by students from Year 11) about the environment of the 'Tunneltal' and the Cold Matters Project at school.
Afterwards, we took the underground to Ahrensburg-West, where we met two guides who shared interesting insights about the forest, the local environment, the Ice Age, and the ancient reindeer hunters of the 'Tunneltal.' We walked a lot and saw some fascinating things, but unfortunately, the weather was cold and gloomy. So, it was a pleasant surprise when we were treated to biscuits and hot punch to warm us up a bit.
Later, we had the chance to throw an arrow like the hunters of the Ice Age, which was a really cool experience. On our way back, we crossed a long and wobbly bridge. Overall, it was a day filled with great impressions!
Day 4: Excursion to Hamburg
Today was an unforgettable day in Hamburg. We took the underground from Kiekut to Landungsbrücken. We started our tour of Hamburg by visiting the Elbe River Tunnel, where we walked through and also used the elevator. For the next hour, we went on a guided boat trip with an English-speaking guide. It was very interesting; we saw St. Pauli from the river and lots of interesting buildings.
Next, we explored the 'Portugiesenviertel,' where there were some nice restaurants and cafés. The 'Michel' (St. Michael's Church) was interesting too. In front of it, you could see a sculpture of Martin Luther with a Bible in his hands. Inside the church, it was white with some gold and blue elements.
Afterwards, we had a short break where we could buy some food and drinks.
Then, we walked to the Elbphilharmonie Plaza and the Speicherstadt, where we could see the canals and the harbor of Hamburg. From the Elbphilharmonie Plaza, we saw the stunning view of the city skyline and also the other side of the harbor.
Day 5:Breakfast and departure
We met once again at the EvB and had a nice breakfast together with all the students and teachers involved in the Finnish-German cooperation. Then the Finnish group took the underground to the airport and luckily arrived safely and without delay in Finland.
We had a very nice time together and look forward to meeting them again!
Texte: Emily und Emma, Julius und Romeo, Jannis und August (9. Jahrgang, deutsche und finnische Schüler*innen), Celia Digon, Kathrin Lentz
Fotos: Sarah Bloem, Celia Digon und Kathrin Lentz