THE college has a strong relationship with its partner school in Breisach am Rhein. The link began as a result of contact between teachers, and hundreds of students have visited Newton Aycliffe and Breisach.

Many lasting friendships have been established and families have visited each other over the years.

For both schools, the exchange contributes to a widening of horizons and experience and gives a European dimension to the curriculum. The exchange takes place every two years.

In November 1999, Woodham set up a video conferencing link with students from the sixth form and from Hugo Hofler Realschule, in which Prime Minister Tony Blair took part.

We are also developing links with out partner school in other curricular areas.

In September Vocal Chords were on tour with the exchange and performed in Breisach and at our partner school. Some of our students' art work was exhibited in Breisach as part of an exhibition of children's art from Europe last September.

German exchange report by Jenny Cooke, year ten:

After a tearful departure from Germany in September, everyone was looking forward to arrival of the German exchange partners. Everyone was excited to rebuild the friendships they had made last year in Breisach.

The day that the visitors arrived, and the following day were spent with families.

I can only speak for myself, but I am sure everyone else thought that these two days were very awkward at times, when we ran out of things to say in German.

Monday was spent partly in lessons and the rest of the time at the council offices. The German visitors were introduced to the Mayor of Aycliffe, and they were given a brief history of the town and the council.

Tuesday arrived and everyone was pleased that they would be missing lessons for the day and visiting Durham, the MetroCentre and bowling.

Firstly, we visited the cathedral and went up the tower. We then looked around Durham, browsing the markets and shops until we all boarded the coach and set off to the MetroCentre. Once we arrived we were allowed to tour the shops until we all eventually met up to go bowling.

The whole group covered half the lanes and everyone competed for the best score.

The next day we arrived at school early, and we set off for York. We visited the Minster and climbed the tower. After a general browse and lunch we went the York Dungeons, where we learned about various forms of torture and the lives and deaths of Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes. After being scared witless we looked around the city centre and visited the Shambles.

Thursday was the day everyone had been waiting for, the trip to Flamingo Land.

As usual, the British weather failed and we all knew we were in for a soaking. Our shoes may have been dampened, but our spirits definitely were not.

The party that night was also very much enjoyed and no one wanted to think that this was the last night the German visitors would be here.

The very early start the following morning left everyone yawning at the train station. When it was finally time for the Germans to leave many tears were shed as we said "auf wiedersehen".