Newsletter 301 /
Key stage 5 Media Studies Newsletter Entry (Prague/Berlin Trip 2008)

by Navjeet Matharu 12V

We’re all familiar with that predictable apathetic question that we’re obliged to ask, whilst still yearning to be in bed on the morning back of Half Term. “So how was your Half Term?” – A courteous question in wait of a courteous subdued reply of “Yeah it was good”. However, this was not the case on 25th February; many of you received an unexpectedly vivacious reply. Staff and pupils could not help but notice a peculiar radiance gleaming all through the school; that unusual post half term radiance, euphoric buzz and cheerful banter resounding down the concourse was due to the presence of delighted and revitalised Sixth Form students, reuniting after their incredible time in Prague/Berlin.

On 13th February 2008, a large group of Sixth Form students embarked on their educational journey to Prague (Czech Republic) and Berlin (Germany), as part of their Media Studies and History course. Equipped for a twenty hour coach journey, we set off the clock as we headed for Dover; travelling by ferry to Calais. Although we were travelling alongside one another, the Media Studies and History “crews” were actually separate; going to completely different places and doing completely different tasks which were course-specific. This was not at all a disappointment as we came together in the evenings and shared with each other all the interesting and amusing occurrences, in a bid to outdo each other. There remained this healthy amount of smug competition between the two groups; with History students graciously accepting defeat to the all mighty Media students.

When we arrived in the enchanting city of Prague, we were given the evening to acclimatise, explore the enriching cobblestone town, shop for nifty souvenirs and mingle as a year group in an amazing backdrop of fairytale-like architecture under the winter night sky. As Media Studies students our stay in Prague was brimming with early starts and activities, with so much to see and do. We started by meeting the chief editor of an important Czech political magazine called The New Presence Magazine (the Czech quarterly equivalent to The Newsweek etc). This was a valuable session where the modest editor informed us about her magazine, journalism of the political kind and the troubled history of Czech Republic. Following our introduction to journalism, we were then given a guided tour around a major Czech radio station called ‘Cesky Rozhlas’; we were shown the technical ins and outs of radio broadcasting. We had more radio learning in store for us, but this time in a heavily guarded location with immense international significance. We were fortunate enough to have access to the famous ‘Radio Free Europe’ building and sitting in the prestigious seminar hall where we were given a intense lecture on the Radio Station’s role in the international community, achievements and reputation. ‘Radio Free Europe’ is a controversial station that defiantly broadcasts to countries subjected to conflict, autocratic institutions, exploitation etc. This experience was extremely enjoyable for those with an interest in current affairs, politics and the globally-conscientious. Prague had more to offer us Media students, as we visited the main Czech Television Station and walked out with a new found appreciation for British television! We then progressed to Berlin, where we were unsuspectingly hit with the city’s first class, understated beauty and astonishing history. One of the world’s leading cities is often dismissed and you never realise the extent to what this city has to offer; flawless architecture, a blood-stained heart-rending background and crammed with unique things to savour. Our tour guide was an enthusiastic Berliner who planted the same eagerness into our minds when she opened our eyes to Berlin’s worth and the supremacy of the Germans. Have you ever wondered how millions of newspapers are published and distributed overnight? We found out when we were given a guided tour through the Alex Springer Publishing House; responsible for producing many German newspapers. The same day we were given an insight into German theatre production when we visited a highly acclaimed German theatre. The Berlin Film Museum was priceless for the Year 13s as they collected valuable knowledge straight from the experts to aid them with their nearing exams.

Surprisingly, there were no drama queens (well with the exception of Mr Booth) and there was this consensus that it was “all about the coach”. The coach journey was the only daunting feature of the trip and even that proved to be brilliant; with everyone contributing to some hilarious occasions. As part of our social time, the teachers treated us out to meals in TGI Fridays & Hard Rock Café and everyone battled it out in the hotel’s snooker hall. The stacks of pictures and videos from the trip are tribute to the amount of fun we all had; the heavy amount of learning was equalised with “berr joke”.

An exaggeration it may seem, a picture drawn of an epic-like journey; our time in Prague/Berlin was truly captivating. An unforgettable experience allowing us the opportunity to learn, laugh and bond with each other like never before; it is essentially these three aspects of the trip that have made it evergreen and memorable. On behalf of all the privileged students who attended this trip; I would publicly like to thank and congratulate Ms. Brar, Mr Blades, Ms. Lowden, Ms. Foster, Mr Booth and Mr Costello for organising such a successful trip for both groups, taking good care of us and helping make the trip what it was.

I believe that this trip is one of a kind; it managed to educate as well as keep the most hyper students (namely Adam) entertained, an achievement in itself. I sincerely hope that future generations of History and Media students at Cranford get to experience what we have; there is no better way to enlighten, mature and bring out the best in students than opportunities like this. For now, I doubt the magic of Prague/Berlin will ever wear off for the unified majority of the Cranford Sixth Form.