FRBV26 INC CAEC Visit to Bruges, Belgium

Bruges: From cobblestones to carbon-neutral

The programme began at school with a comprehensive introductory session. Students were briefed on the geographical and historical evolution of Bruges—from its 14th-century status as a global trade hub to its preservation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This session also addressed the modern-day challenges facing historic cities, providing students with the necessary context to appreciate the site not just as a tourist destination, but as a living, evolving urban space.

After that, the group headed to the city itself. The students were led by a history teacher and an English teacher, who took the group for an exploration of the city. Key highlights included the Begijnhof, established in 1245, where students observed the white-painted facades and the tranquil convent garden covered with daffodils. The route continued past St John's Hospital, St. Salvator Cathedral and along the canals to the Burg, Jan Van Eyck Square and finally the Markt, dominated by its 13th-century, 83-metre Belfry. Throughout the walk, teachers provided historical and architectural context while addressing contemporary issues such as over tourism and carbon footprint reduction.

The day concluded with a period of independent exploration. This allowed students to navigate the pedestrianized city centre autonomously, practising their orienteering skills and enabling them to visit places we hadn't been able to enter as a group....

Students were really excited to visit one of the most famous and beautiful towns in Belgium. They successfully connected classroom history to real-world experience by exploring Bruges’ medieval architecture and trade history. They improved spatial independence through self-guided navigation and cultural literacy. They uncovered Northern Renaissance art and traditional Belgian craftsmanship. They also gained a firsthand understanding of heritage preservation and the benefits of a sustainable urban environment.