Students studying GCSE Spanish at Hartsdown Academy in Margate have been on a four day educational trip to Barcelona.
The excitement started early with a flight that took them over the stunning spectacle of the Pyrenees mountains. Visits included such highlights as the Monistrol de Montserrat which saw students taking the Funicular Cremallera Train up the mountain range to a height of 2,362 feet.
They also explored the city of Barcelona, including the famous La Boquería Market and Las Ramblas, and took the metro to the spectacular Sagrada Familia. Trips to the Nou Camp and the stunning Poble Espanyol, including seeing a flamenco dance and music demonstration, completed a very busy few days in beautiful sunshine and Spanish culture which gave the students the opportunity to practise their Spanish-speaking skills in real-life scenarios.
Head of Modern Foreign Languages and Trip Leader, Sarah Zuñiga said: “As a school we strive to provide all our students with enriching experiences beyond the classroom that develop confidence, character, leadership and real-world readiness.
“For some of the students this was their first time flying, visiting a foreign country or spending a significant time away from family. This was the second such trip in three years for GCSE Spanish students at Hartsdown Academy and such experiences provide a valuable learning opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Headteacher Ian Wallace added: “As a school, our mission of providing students with an ‘Education for an Amazing Life’ sits front and centre of our ‘Opportunities’ pillar, and cultural visits to such a beautiful and historical city as Barcelona has provided 34 of our students with experiences that enhance their learning and language skills that will impact their lives moving forwards.”
Barcelona is an odd choice for Spanish students as the main language spoken there is Catalan rather than Castilian Spanish which is the more prevalent form of Spanish which they will be studying. Not trying to sound nerdy, just that I too went there years ago when learning Spanish and it wasn’t the best place to practice. And not that it really matters either ‘cos it sounds like a great trip!
Well, now they’re back I hope they visit Ramsgate Tunnels as the design of these were informed by those dug out in Barcelona during the Civil War.