Viva Espana – Spanish style and sophistication has been celebrated by children at Newington Community Primary in Ramsgate.
The school embraced all that’s best about the heritage and culture for its second annual themed day exploring the country.
A lively dash of colour was added to a busy programme of events by pupils who dressed in vibrant red and yellow – the colour of the national flag – or in traditional outfits such as Flamenco dancers.
Each year group enjoyed a different journey, exploring festivals and events that are important to the people and their traditions, finding out about landmarks and sculptures, trying their hand at dancing.
Year 1 and 2 got to taste some Spanish food including chorizo and salchichon sausages, Serrano ham, gazpacho soup, and manchego cheese.
They also took part in their version of the San Fermin Festival known as ‘running of the bulls’, as well as getting creative and colouring in tiles to decorate the school’s Spanish room.
Valencia Fallas, the festival about the arrival of spring, saw Year 3 and 4 pupils learn about the tradition of creating large wood and papier mache caricatures of people, animals and celebrities before burning them. Inspired by this, these two year groups created their own clay caricatures.
Year 5 and 6 explored the San Fermin, La Tamotina and Valencia Fallas festivals before planning their own Spanish holidays to one of these events, looking at flights, hotels, activities and much more.
Teacher Marcus Nelson, the school’s Spanish lead, organised the event. He said: “The buzz and excitement from the children was amazing, with them able to flaunt all they have learnt throughout the year in a fun and enjoyable way.”
Head Teacher Hannah Tudor said: “This was a celebration of our children understanding another culture, from the language and food to the heritage, culture and social events.
“It is important that our pupils embrace the wider world and our own festival day was a culmination of exciting learning.
“The atmosphere around the school was lively and energetic with inspiring activities that had pupils thoroughly engaged. It was a well-organised event and staff joined in, including our wonderful kitchen staff that served a tasty themed lunch that was very popular.”
