During February half term, a group of year 12 students spent a week in Aachen, Germany completing a Work Experience placement.  I am proud to say that this is the fifth successful year of the programme, which is organized externally by Halsbury Travel. From student comments, it is clear that the trip was once again, a rewarding and invaluable experience for all.  As well as gaining experience of working in Germany, students also benefitted from the taste of independence it afforded and the opportunity to practise their language skills in a real-life working environment.  All students also benefitted socially as they gained the confidence to meet and interact with new people and make new friends in an environment very much out of their usual comfort zone. They also showed great strength of character after being subjected to a longer than usual journey due to the weather which involved an impromptu overnight stay in Dunkerque! However this did not dampen their spirits and they threw themselves wholeheartedly into the trip, embracing every second. It was no doubt an unforgettable experience from which they have also gained valuable social skills as young adults.  The group has returned full of enthusiasm, confidence and energy and are keen to demonstrate their enhanced linguistic skills in the trial examinations this month.