An unforgettable week of language, culture, friendship and adventure
2026 marked the 40th anniversary of our German exchange programme, celebrating four decades of a highly successful and much-loved partnership between LEH, Hampton School and the Ellenrieder Gymnasium in Konstanz.
At the end of the Summer Term, 26 lucky Year 10 pupils set off for Konstanz, beginning their summer holidays with an unforgettable week of language, culture, friendship and adventure.
The exchange provides students with a wonderful opportunity to put their German language skills into practice in an authentic setting, while experiencing everyday life in Germany and staying with welcoming host families. Having welcomed their German exchange partners to LEH the previous October, our students were particularly excited to reunite with their friends nine months later.
Pupils Sayana and Emily reflected on their experience:
“After hosting our German exchange partners last October, we were excited to finally reunite with them nine months later. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we put our language skills to the test, speaking as much German as possible and immersing ourselves in the culture.”
The week was packed with memorable experiences. Students enjoyed swimming in the beautiful waters of Lake Constance, sampling German snacks and, of course, eating plenty of ice cream! There was also an exhilarating day of waterslides, a peaceful boat trip across Lake Constance and an adventurous hike, culminating in breathtaking views towards the Swiss mountains.
Languages at LEH
We believe that mastering languages is more than an academic achievement; it’s a gateway to the world. Our rich and supportive language programme empowers pupils to communicate with confidence in new languages. As their fluency grows, so does their ability to connect, collaborate and think across cultures, skills that are vital in a globalised world.
Language lessons at LEH are designed to challenge and inspire. They nurture resilience, adaptability and self-assurance, while complementing every other subject from the Humanities to the Sciences. Through languages, students gain deeper insight into global issues, international perspectives, and their place in a broader world.