“I
could go on for hours about what I’ve learned. It was truly an
irreplaceable experience and I’m already looking forward to the next
seminar in Lytham” (student comment, further student comments in italics)
At AKS we believe that, although we are incredibly successful academically, the education we provide is far more than grades alone. Moreover, it is these additional skills that will prove to be invaluable when our pupils leave AKS.
Our annual, tri-nation, International Science Seminar, in collaboration
with Gymnázium Boženy Nĕmcové (Gybon) in
Hradec Králové (Czech Republic) and the Siebold Gymnasium in
Würzburg (Germany), provides opportunities for pupils to further
develop themselves and highlights many
of the attributes that we believe make AKS students
so special.
We
believe that an AKS student is knowledgeable; they can think critically
and creatively, with well-developed skills of inquiry and the capacity
to solve problems. Nothing highlights this more than our
involvement in the scientific and historical aspects of this
seminar.
During our
first day in Hradec, we were fortunate to spend much of
the day studying the science of our solar system and the properties of
dry ice. Using this knowledge, pupils then created their own realistic,
venting comet. This was a real highlight of the seminar and enjoyed by
all. On the second day, we were able to expand our horizons further
through our visit to the University of Hradec Králové,
conducting many experiments, including observing alpha
particles and electrons in a cloud chamber. On the Friday we
visited IQLandia in Liberec. After a wonderful, bright and
vibrant demonstration by one of IQLandia’s scientists, pupils
were able to explore the exhibits further for
themselves - a particular favourite was the
lightning cage. During our trip to Prague, on the Saturday, we were able
to visit Prague Planetarium, where pupils were expertly guided
through the development of our universe by Jan Vesely.
“I found the focused astronomy side of the trip interesting and the experiments incredibly engaging”
“It was really cool experimenting with dry ice to make a comet (and our own ice cream)”
At
AKS, we also strive to provide opportunities for pupils to develop
their communication skills, whilst being mindful of their own
wellbeing and that of others, acting with responsibility and compassion.
Much of the science and history was done in groups of four,
comprising of two Czech pupils, alongside one German and one English
student. This was both interesting and challenging, and meant that
pupils had to develop relationships and communicate well to solve
problems. Many of these initial working relationships quickly developed
into friendships. During our visits to
Hradec Králové’s historic White Tower, a bell tower completed
in 1589, as well as The Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock
in Prague, our Czech friends become excellent tour guides. We
learnt an incredible amount about the history and culture of the Czech
Republic from these trips. Our pupils felt pride in being able to
help the Czech and German students with their English, whilst practising
their own German and learning a few phrases in Czech along the
way.
“The
trips, along with the hosting, allowed us to discover the absolute core
of the Czech history and culture, something I am particularly
interested in. The key roles, which this area has in global
history, were fascinating. Genuinely, there is so much underrated
beauty outside of Prague in Czechia. I am convinced that everyone should
witness it”
The
nature of this exchange highlights the tenacity and courage of our
students, who have all taken themselves out of their comfort zone by
staying with host families for the week. In a time, where
these types of exchange are becoming increasingly rare, we feel lucky to
be able to offer this incredible opportunity to our pupils, whilst
saluting their bravery for participating. Our hosts were wonderful
and so generous with their time, attention and money. Outside of the
school-based programme, our pupils were taken to the cinema, museums,
stately homes, on walks around the area, and to an ice
hockey match, to name but a few. Despite Mountfield
Hradec Králové losing, the ice hockey game was a highlight for
many of the students, getting involved in an electric atmosphere,
developing another common bond with our Czech and German friends, whilst
finding a new sports team to support.
“During
the ice hockey match, while we were chanting, it felt as if we are all
linked or related (English, Czech and German). An amazing feeling was
when Hradec Králové scored and we all screamed and waved
our scarves, it cemented a true friendship between us all”
“The
(host) family were so accommodating, it could feel like home at
times, and the food and comfort were notably exceptional”
“My
favourite part of the trip was making new friends and learning a little
of a new language. I got invited to stay for a week with two of them
next summer”
“On Sunday we had a great time in the mountains with our host families”
We
believe that these are the unique experiences that make an AKS
education special. It couldn’t have been possible without our continued
cooperation with our Czech and German counterparts. This is a
relationship that has been in place for over 25 years, since Julian
Wilde (ex-Headteacher of KEQMS) first visited Gybon in
Hradec Králové. Our 2019 visit to The Czech Republic
only cemented this relationship further whilst highlighting to
a new crop of AKS adventurers what a special
place Gymnázium Boženy Nĕmcové is.