There are experiences that go far beyond the classroom and stay with students for a long time. For nine of our students, their recent trip to Berlin for the Odyssey of the Mind German Finals at the beginning of the month, was exactly that kind of moment - a mix of creativity, challenge, discovery and growth.

Accompanied by their teachers Peter and Nikita, the group, aged between 10 and 16, stepped into a competition that celebrates imagination as much as problem-solving. Originally launched in the United States in the 1970s, Odyssey of the Mind (OM) brings together students from around the world to tackle complex, open-ended challenges. While France does not yet host a national competition, Germany welcomes international teams each year, turning its finals into a vibrant, multicultural event.

The students competed in two long-term challenges: “Lost in Omerland” and “The Tall Tales of John Jivery.” Each team had to prepare a performance over several months, alongside solving a spontaneous challenge on the day (a task revealed only minutes before).

Preparation began in September, gradually taking shape through weekly sessions. From writing scripts to building sets, costumes and even a robot, the students worked step by step, learning to collaborate despite the usual ups and downs of teamwork.

In Berlin, the atmosphere made a strong impression. The students were both in awe and full of energy, inspired by the creativity of other teams and the scale of the event. They embraced the experience with enthusiasm and confidence.

Beyond the competition, they also discovered the city, from the Berlin Wall memorial at Nordbahnhof to landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Simpler moments stood out just as much: train rides, sharing döner kebabs and time spent together at the hotel.

The highlight of the trip came during the closing ceremony, when the students stepped onto the stage to the sound of applause, which was a powerful moment of recognition for their hard work.

More than anything, the experience helped them grow in confidence and creativity, each in their own way. The youngest participants, who did not speak English at the beginning, made particularly remarkable progress.

The students returned with lasting memories and a shared goal: to do even better next year. They are already preparing to present their work at the school fair in June, where they will showcase their performances and organise a mini spontaneous challenge.

A trip best described as fun, creative and full of team spirit… with just a touch of chaos.

‍