German Exchange Programme
A Quarter Century of Partnership
For a quarter of a century, our landmark partnership with Realschule Höchstadt has offered Davitt College students an unparalleled immersive language experience.
Our Sister School: Realschule Höchstadt
The German Department at Davitt College is a vibrant, energetic department that is immensely proud of its deep-rooted partnership with our German sister school, The Realschule Höchstadt.
Situated in the beautiful town of Höchstadt an der Aisch in Bavaria, Southern Germany, the school is a thriving, mixed secondary campus with over 1,000 pupils. Crucially, Höchstadt is also the official twin town of Castlebar, cementing a profound civic and cultural bond that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Where It All Began
This trusted partnership officially began in 2002 when Mr. Ulrich Langer, then Deputy Principal of the Realschule Höchstadt, visited Mayo to pave a path of international friendship. Supported warmly by former Davitt College Principal Mr. Patsy Noone and German Teacher Mrs. Maria Carey, the foundations were laid for an exchange framework that remains vibrant and alive today.
Meet the Team
Fostering international friendships, linguistic immersion, and cultural exchange with our partner schools in Germany.
Celebrating a Shared History
5th Year German Classes
Students met their German partners at the official welcoming ceremony in Davitt College, wearing their school uniform alongside visiting students in new exchange hoodies.
Student Representation
Jade Ralph addressing German partner delegations and highlighting the strength of student voice across cultures.
Realschule Höchstadt Link
Building international friendships and educational pathways that span across generations of learners.
A Historic Milestone
Principal Conor O’Reilly welcomed Principal Markus Ott of Realschule Höchstadt to Davitt College.
Mr. Ott presented Mr. O’Reilly with one of the new hoodies, celebrating the shared history and continued connection between both schools. This enduring partnership has now successfully spanned 24 years.
Fostering cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange year after year.
Civic Recognition & Twinning Renewal
German Exchange Diaries
Explore student stories, travel archives, and cultural hosting events from our longstanding partnership with the Realschule Höchstadt.
The Spring Hosting Experience
Every spring, Davitt College extends a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to German student groups. Partners shadow Irish classrooms, take introductory lessons in Gaeilge, explore Famine history, and participate in practical wood workshops and traditional soda bread making sessions.
The Magic of Christmas in Bavaria
Our senior language learners experience total linguistic immersion during their winter trips to Germany. Alongside attending native lessons and exploring festive Christmas markets in Bamberg, students undertake vital Mock Oral Examination preparation with native German educators ahead of their Leaving Certificate.
A Milestone Era: Approaching 25 Years of Friendship
While we continually forge new paths across Europe, our relationship with Germany remains a foundational pillar of international learning at Davitt College. For a quarter of a century, we have maintained an unbroken, deeply cherished exchange link with Realschule Höchstadt in Bavaria, grounding our language studies in real-world connection and community.
As we look to the future, our newly awarded Erasmus+ Accredited Status provides the prestigious funding and support needed to completely reawaken and expand this historic partnership. Moving forward, this synergy will continue to provide our Senior German language learners with unparalleled, immersive pathways to build fluency, experience vibrant European cultures, and maintain the deep bonds of friendship that tie Castlebar and Höchstadt together.