At SBW Talent-Campus Bodensee, the Futura 10th school year gives students time, structure, and support to prepare for vocational training or further education. As part of the programme, students participate in hands-on learning experiences — one of which was a recent trip to the UK.
In March, teachers Sarah Rappold and John Robinson, took the Futura group to Cambridge for a guided tour of the city. With the Cambridge English exams just a few weeks away, the visit offered not just a change of scenery, but also a timely dose of motivation.
Two students, Sophia and Leevi, reflected on the trip afterward. Here’s how they experienced it — in their own words.
Sophia: "An unforgettable experience"
Our trip to Cambridge was one of the highlights of the Futura course. It was not only a fun day out, but also an inspiring experience that made me think more deeply about studying English and preparing for the Cambridge exam.
Sophia describes how the atmosphere of Cambridge left a lasting impression and sparked new motivation. Strolling through the historic streets and listening to the guide’s engaging stories made the experience come alive. Sharing it with classmates added a social dimension. Altogether, it created a sense of connection — not just to the language, but also to its cultural heritage.
It reminded me that learning English isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary, it’s about discovering new cultures and opening doors to the future.
Leevi: "An interesting and educational day in Cambridge"
Leevi’s perspective blends detail with reflection. From train connections to tourist-filled streets, he paints a vivid picture of the day. What stood out most to him was the energy of being in a real English-speaking city just before taking the Cambridge exam.
All of us were a bit nervous, as the Cambridge Exam was approaching. However, being in the city itself—surrounded by its prestigious colleges and academic atmosphere—gave us a strong sense of motivation to study harder and do our best. Although we were only in the UK for a few days, the experience definitely helped us. Listening to native speakers interact in English naturally improves your pronunciation and expands your vocabulary.
His takeaway? More schools should offer trips like this, especially before major exams — because nothing beats being immersed in the language and culture you're learning.
Real experiences. Real results.
And how did it all end? In May and June, all nine Futura students — including Sophia and Leevi — took B2 First for Schools (FCE S) or B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) exams. Every one of them successfully passed and earned a well-deserved Cambridge certificate.
The visit to Cambridge clearly paid off. It gave students an extra push at just the right time, reinforcing what they had been preparing for throughout the Futura year. It is a great example of how learning becomes more meaningful when it connects to real experiences — and goes beyond the classroom.
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