Melle 2022

On Tuesday 20th September, 38 students arrived at John Port Spencer Academy from Melle Gymnasium, a school near Derby’s twin town of Osnabruck, Germany. This was the 44th annual exchange between both schools’ Music departments which has now restarted after a two year break.

The German students and teachers joined in lessons at John Port Spencer Academy and were looked after by students who were members of the academy’s Senior Wind Band and GCSE German groups.

The German and English students developed friendships through social activities including a disco and musical activities including four concerts in three days, with the final event being a joint concert in Chatsworth Hall on Friday 23rd September before leaving for Germany on Saturday morning.

It was a wonderful concert and our special guests thoroughly enjoyed it – Philip King MBE, Heather Wheeler MP, Reverend Stella Greenwood and Etwall Parish Councillor Andrew Kirke.

We are looking forward to the 45th exchange when we visit Germany in September 2023.