Larbert High School pupils selected for European Youth Exchange in Germany
Four pupils from Larbert High School have been chosen to represent the UK at a ten-day European cultural exchange in Hannover, Germany from 27 July till 5 August.
The project, Conversations on Conflict, is an international youth collaboration organised by the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund) to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Young people from Estonia, Germany, Poland, Hungary, and the UK will come together to explore the legacy of conflict and the importance of remembrance.
Larbert High School was invited by long-standing partner organisation Never Such Innocence, a London-based charity that has worked with the school for the last decade to give pupils a voice on war and conflict through its annual global competition.
The programme will include excursions to historical sites, creative workshops, and discussions about how past wars shape the present and how future conflicts can be prevented. Pupils will explore hidden traces of the war and consider questions such as: What does remembrance mean to you?
The students from Larbert High School are Kai Blackmore, Aidan Gallacher, Ekua Osei and Joanna Bolton
Mhairi McAinsh, Teacher of Art & Design and DYW Co-ordinator, Larbert High School said:
This is an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with history in a meaningful way while developing their understanding of international relations.
“Being chosen as the UK representative is a real honour and I have no doubt that our young people will make the most of this life-changing experience.
Councillor Iain Sinclair, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Education said:
Programmes like this show the real value of international learning.
"These students will return with fresh ideas, greater confidence, and a deeper appreciation of our shared history.
Thanks to funding from the German Government and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, travel and accommodation costs are fully covered, with a small contribution of £100 per pupil.
Jon Reid, Director of Education added:
This opportunity reflects the exceptional commitment of Larbert High School to global learning and personal development.
“Experiences like this give young people the chance to gain new perspectives, enhance their skills, and forge friendships beyond borders.