Hola España!
A Week of Language, Culture and Fun
From the 10th to the 14th of March, a group of lucky Year 9 and Year 10 students embarked on an unforgettable trip to Spain, immersing themselves in language, culture, and adventure.
Here’s a recap of their incredible experience recounted by Mr. Miranda, our Head of Year 9 and Spanish teacher.
Monday 10th March – A Warm Welcome
The trip kicked off with an early 4:30 am meeting at Gatwick Airport, where tired but excited students and parents gathered for the journey ahead. Upon landing, students were greeted by Rebecca, the Bilingual tour director, before heading to their hotel for check-in.
After a picnic lunch in the school gardens, students set off on a walking tour of La Cala del Moral. The day ended with beach sports and a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, featuring berenjenas con miel de caña (aubergines with cane honey) and arroz con pollo (chicken with rice).
Tuesday 11th March – Language & Flamenco
Students started the day with Spanish classes and cultural workshops, followed by a traditional lunch of tortilla española and pasta bolognese.
The highlight of the afternoon was a Flamenco show and workshop with local artists, where students had the chance to try the steps themselves. The excitement continued with a visit to La Cueva del Tesoro (Treasure Cave), where they explored the fascinating underground site. Dinner that evening included ensalada verde con anillas de calamar (green salad with squid rings) and hamburguesa con patatas (burger with fries).
Wednesday 12th March – Cultural Exchange & Town Quiz
After another morning of Spanish classes and workshops, students had the chance to meet and interact with local Spanish students. They practised their language skills while making new friends, then took part in a bilingual quiz in English and Spanish.
The fun continued with a town quiz in La Cala, where students raced around town asking locals for key information. Afterward, they enjoyed some well-deserved free time—buying ice creams, playing on the beach, and visiting the park. Dinner was a delicious ensalada mixta (mixed salad) and pollo en salsa con papas a lo pobre (chicken in sauce with rustic potatoes).
Thursday 13th March – Exploring Granada
An exciting excursion to Granada took students to the breathtaking Alhambra Palace and gardens. Despite the heavy rain, they explored the historic site, soaking in the incredible views and rich history.
Afterward, students had free time to explore Granada. Some indulged in churros con chocolate, others shopped for souvenirs, and a few sampled local delicacies.
Back at the hotel, a hot shower was a welcome relief before a hearty dinner of mini pizzas and a choice between paella solo carne (meat-only paella) or paella de verduras (vegetable paella).
Friday 14th March – A Memorable Farewell
On the final day, students visited a local Spanish secondary school for another cultural exchange, giving them the opportunity to enhance their language skills and socialise with local students. Many exchanged social media profiles, forming new friendships.
The trip ended with a visit to Málaga, where students explored the city and picked up souvenirs. A final tapas lunch at Bar de Tapas Picasso rounded off the experience perfectly before heading back to the airport, reflecting on an unforgettable trip.
This incredible trip gave students the chance to experience Spain beyond the classroom, improving their Spanish skills and deepening their understanding of Spanish culture. They returned with lasting memories and a newfound confidence in their language abilities.
