Kim was very proud to support a school partnership between an Oxford school and a school in Brühl, Germany, by designing and running a range of activities linked to biodiversity. This is the report written by the teachers from Brühl.
Cherwell School – Gesamtschule der Stadt Brühl School Partnership
From 17 to 21 September 2025, students from Gesamtschule Brühl (Germany) visited The Cherwell School in Oxford (UK) as part of a school exchange programme financially supported by UK-German Connection. In the UK phase of the partnership, the central theme was: “Experiencing, Protecting and Promoting Biodiversity"
Under the guidance of sustainability educator, Dr Kim Polgreen, the German students took part in a variety of hands-on environmental activities together with their British peers. In joint UK-German teams they identified local animal and plant species on the school's own ecology garden and at the newly created pond. Students learned about the habitat, behaviours and ecological benefit of the observed species.
In a symbolic act of friendship and sustainability, they planted a school friendship tree (an apple tree), conkers and a hedgerow, strengthening both ecological awareness and the bond between the two schools. Moreover, the gift of an insect hotel from Gesamtschule Brühl to Cherwell School, demonstrated the students’ commitment to biodiversity and cross-cultural exchange.
In addition, the students contributed to the “Oxford Nature Park” initiative by mapping trees, ivy-covered buildings and walls, wild areas, and cultural references to nature in the local area. This allowed them to connect biodiversity with local identity and urban ecology. While roaming through Oxford in their joint teams, students also enjoyed social time together.
The goals of the project were closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11–15, which focus on sustainable cities, climate action, and biodiversity on land and in water. The exchange also promoted international understanding and intercultural learning, as students engaged in meaningful dialogue and built new friendships across borders.
Both schools are members of the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) programme and participation, involvement and politics was a common interest for students from both countries. The theme of biodiversity resonated powerfully, with animated discussion of the relative success of the UK and Germany in protecting and promoting biodiversity in their own countries.
The staff and students of Gesamtschule Brühl are already looking forward to welcoming the British students for the return visit in spring 2026, where the collaboration will continue and deepen.
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of UK-German Connection, whose funding made the exchange accessible and impactful for all involved.
Reflections of UK students from Cherwell School:
On mapping: "I noticed things I wouldn't have been able to notice otherwise, so I learned more about the area around me." (Mia)
On showing Oxford to new people through mapping: "It was an eye-opening experience as it made me see the area that I am very familiar with in a new light as we were looking, sharing and documenting things that I normally pay no attention to." (Alexandra)
On project approach: "This shared experience discussing and being in nature helped to bridge the cultural gap as we realised we had much in common." (Marlene)
On the exchange: "I loved being proud of my school and my peers and being able to show the German students what we have created [in the ecology garden]." (Charlotte)
On activities: "Catching insects and moths was really fun - and even became competitive!" (Maya)
On bugs: "I'm not a big fan of insects but it was actually very interesting, which was nice." (Marnie)
On conversation topics: "We discussed everything from the recent political climate to school differences and even differences in time given for road repairs!" (Marnie)
Reflections of German students from Gesamtschule Brühl:
Translations:
“I really loved exploring the ecology garden and the pond. It was fascinating to discover how many species live right on the school grounds! I learned how to identify different plants and insects, and it made me think more about how important biodiversity is in urban areas. The best part was working with the British students – we had so much fun and even exchanged contact details to stay in touch.” (Sarah)
“I enjoyed taking part in the Oxford Nature Park mapping project. It was exciting to walk through the city and look at nature with different eyes. I had never thought of ivy-covered houses or wild corners as something important – now I do! Working in mixed teams with the English students helped me improve my English and made me feel more confident.” (Gabriel)
“I like the idea that the insect hotel we brought from Germany will be put up at Cherwell School. I learned that such small things can make a big difference for biodiversity. The exchange gave me a new perspective, and I really enjoyed getting to know the British students. We still chat online!” (Ole)
“One of my favourite moments was when we planted the apple tree together. It was teamwork, and we laughed a lot! It felt good to do something lasting for the school environment. I also liked talking to the English students about how nature is treated in both countries. We found a lot of similarities and some surprising differences too!” (Amelie)
“At first, I was a bit nervous about speaking English all the time, but the British students were really open and kind. We worked together to identify species around the pond – I had never done that before! It was both fun and educational. I definitely want to take part in the return visit next year.” (Sophia)
Teacher Reflections
German teacher, Claudia Reschke, said:
Translation:
“This exchange has been an unforgettable experience – not just for our students, but for us teachers as well. Watching young people from two different countries work together, explore nature, and engage in meaningful conversations about sustainability and biodiversity was truly inspiring. The collaboration with The Cherwell School was incredibly warm and open, and the students formed real friendships that go far beyond the project itself. We’re already excited for the return visit in spring and can’t wait to continue this wonderful partnership!”
UK teacher, Charlotte Richer, said:
“It's clear from reading the comments and hearing some of the stories just how much the students took from the experience. It means so much to them and to the school to be able to continue to grow our partnership - both literally and metaphorically, in this case - and to see so many new friendships flourish. It's clear that it's formed memories and shaped new attitudes that the students will keep for a long time to come.“
