All students in Grade 6-10 went on a field trip to the BUGA (Bundesgartenschau). BUGA 23 is a not just a flower show as the name may say, but will improve the sustainable quality of life and lifestyle in Mannheim.

The Bundesgartenschau is a stretch of green over 7km long, creating new walkways, places to play and relax. At the same time, it will improve the city`s air quality and climate. BUGA is also part of Mannheim`s North East Green Corridor Project, connecting 230 hectares of green areas forming a corridor stretching into the city centre.

BUGA 23 is an innovative experimental field for living together in the city sustainably. It complies with the UN sustainability goals which are incorporated in Mannheim`s mission statement for 2030. Solutions to problems and challenges of our time will be explored relating to climate, the environment, sustainable agricultural production and food security.

One of the major highlights was the 2 km long overhead cable car system spanning the river Neckar, and connecting Luisenpark with the BUGA-Grounds, which the students rode from Luisienpark. With the clear weather there were some spectacular views.

Students then had the opportunity to explore the grounds in small groups and take time to see and reflect on several purposely built small gardens that represent the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) which are integrated into the school curriculum.

Students were asked to consider and reflect upon what the garden looked like, how it represented the sustainability goal and then write down their thoughts and ideas.

SAB

Grade 10 spent the Week Without Walls outdoor adventure trip in Furtwangen, the highest city in Baden Württemberg in the Black Forest.

We stayed at the Bregtal Hostel, which is also „Eliteschule des Sports”, a boarding school for students doing nordic sports such as ski-jumping, biathlon and cross-country skiing. Our last activity on Wednesday, the summer biathlon, took place at the training stadium where the competitions of the professional athletes are taking place, too. This was a great experience and a successful finish of an overall joyful and fun trip.

BK

On the first day, we arrived in Furtwangen and did archery. It was extremely fun, we did a lot of progress in archery by learning the correct method and improving our aim as well as power. Later we also played table tennis and kicker in the games’ room as well as basketball and volleyball in the sports room with the others. We interacted with the others in the class and had fun. The challenging part for me (Aadi) was mainly improving my team coordination when our group played the checkers game with Daniel and to remember the pattern where he was stepping.

On the second day, We went to Europa Park. It was a fun experience as we got to do multiple roller coasters, some easy and some thrilling. I (Soham) tried roller coasters for the first time and was able to get rid of my fear. Some challenges that we faced, were that we had to navigate the whole park, which took a lot of time. At Europa park, we got to visit ‚ many countries’ and do country-themed rides such as Euro-Sat and Euro-Mir. We also took exciting photos. After arriving, we had a rest, along with dinner later.

Thirdly, We went to the Summer Biathlon, which consisted of running and rifle shooting. We tried shooting with laser while laying down and standing up. It was a new experience. However, it was a little exhausting as mistakes resulted in a penalty of doing extra rounds running. We were good at shooting while laying down but shooting while standing up was difficult as our arms couldn’t stay still.

Later, we took a short walk in the forest and a retired forester, Mr. Kaltenbach, explained the landscape to us. It was interesting to learn that the word ‘sustainability’ came into existence when the Black Forest was chopped down to only 20% of its original size, making the people realise that it should be protected and the trees regrown. On our way back to Heidelberg, we played verbal games such as Akinator with the others and had an amazing time overall.

Aadi & Soham

The highlight of WWW were, Europa park especially riding blue fire, playing billard and eating snacks in our down time . A challenge was the weather as it was raining both during archery and when we where in Europa Park. Another challenge was managing our time at Europa Park to make sure we got the most out of our visit.

Aliyah, Joanne & May

Our three days in Furtwangen were a great part of this school year. We enjoyed spending time together, getting to know each other even more and learning new skills like biathlon and archery. Both things were definitely challenging at the beginning, but as we did different exercises and practiced we improved in our abilities and confidence. Our biggest highlight was spending a day at Europa Park as we rode on the multiple rollercoasters and felt the rush of adrenaline. We think it was a really great way to end our MYP experience and hope that many classes after us will also be able to participate in this.

Laura, Maria & Filiz

Last week H.I.S. entered the Heidelberg Stadtschulmeisterschaft for grade 9&10 Girl’s and grade 9&10 Boy’s volleyball tournament.  As some of you maybe aware they have been practicing volleyball in their Physical Education lessons and have become really good at playing it.

All of the students had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed playing in the games against the other schools from Heidelberg.  The girl’s team won one of their games and had a positive experience.  The boy’s team came so close to winning the tournament but nevertheless played well and finished second.

Congratulations to all of the participants and we hope you continue to enjoy playing volleyball in the future.

JK

We recently celebrated the first cohort of H.I.S. students who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. They received their certificates and silver pin in honour of their achievements in  a secondary assembly just before the Spring Break. Congratulations to our eight Grade 11 students.

Over this year the current Grade 10 students have participated in a several hikes to improve their fitness and prepare them for their weekend expedition.  This weekend will see the last of the day hikes for the students in preparation for their first overnight expedition next weekend.  Students have had numerous training sessions over the year including a camp craft workshop and a First Aid course which all support them in completing the expedition part of the DoE Award scheme.

During the expedition, students are expected to walk 12-14 km per day carrying all the equipment they require for camping. This includes the tent, sleeping bags and mats as well as their food and the cooker (Trangia) that they must use to cook a hot meal for breakfast and dinner each day.  Students will have planned their routes and their menus in advance in their groups.

We wish the students the best of luck over the next few weekends and hope that the weather remains warm and dry.

SAB

The German Language and Literature students visited an inspiring and hilarious performance of „Kleider machen Leute“ at the Heidelberg Zwinger Theatre in April.

The play was an adapted version of the novel by Gottfried Keller that the students studied in class. Watching the play on stage was a great opportunity to deepen the understanding of the novel and to gain new insights through a modern production. We all had a fun time!

Reading some student comments below, it is obvious that next to the theatre visit some stops along the Hauptstraße on the way to the Zwinger were also very important and a nice-to-have. Many thanks to our Performing Arts teacher for chaperoning the trip.

BK                                                                                                                                 

The play was very well scripted and interactive as well. It was about a poor man named Wenzel Strapinski, who was mistaken for a rich nobleman. The characters portrayed each character flawlessly, in which they switched clothes to match their personalities.

It incorporated the audience by gesturing at them, shaking his hand and even laughing together. They wildly portrayed their emotions, happily dancing, anger, shock and sadness. Even true love! The best part was when Wenzel Strapinski stretched his hand out to our German teacher.

Sanpi

Today we went to the theatre with the tram. We made a quick stop at Ditch to get pizza. Once we arrived at the theatre, we saw that there were many different classes from other schools and they were pretty loud. The play was fun to watch and we especially liked the dancing, the costumes and the details. Some of the characters were weird, for example Wenzel Strapinski. There was too much kissing and was pretty long.

Hannah, Stella & Hanna

Before we left, everyone was very excited. Then we went on the tram and drove to Bismarckplatz and walked down the Hauptstraße and stopped at a bakery where we got a mini pizza.

After that we walked to the Zwinger Theater where the play started with the actors trying to find the best actor playing a person feeling cold and hopeless. The play was very interesting and funny.

After the play we walked back and stopped at an American candy shop which was very expensive, after that we stopped again at the bakery and some of us ate another pizza. Everyone was very sad to go back because we still had a Spanish test. But the play was interesting. We want to thank our German Teacher for making this possible.

Philipp & Aiden

The play was getting long at the end but was very fun. The actors danced and their face expressions were very good.

Joan

BK