Designed to immerse students in the language and culture, the trip included interactive language classes, time with their Spanish host families, and plenty of opportunities to converse with the locals. “We picked up a lot of new vocabulary and improved our fluency whilst learning about Spanish society,” Upper Sixth student Isabella Matson said.
“The location is a favourite for school trips, due to the neutral Spanish accent of the region,” added Lara White.
A sun-soaked day in Madrid
Their adventure began with a sun-soaked day in Madrid, where they explored iconic landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the Puerta del Sol. This was followed by a scenic two-hour drive to Salamanca, marking the next stage of their journey.
On the second day, after attending language classes and enjoying lunch with their host families, the girls took part in a lively flamenco dancing session. They then climbed the cathedral towers, marvelling at breathtaking views of the city. By this point, their language skills were developing impressively. A delightful tapas tour including Tostadas con Jamón and Croquetas, capped off with a fun-filled karaoke session – singing in both Spanish and English, made for a memorable end to the day.
A guided evening stroll to admire the city lights and most famous landmarks
Day three started with a traditional Spanish breakfast of churros before the group embarked on a fascinating city tour – browsing the shops, taking in the lively atmosphere and deepening their understanding of Salamanca’s rich history. A guided evening stroll to admire the city lights and most famous landmarks, set the scene for their final meal of paella and an enjoyable time with their host families. Lower Sixth student, Olivia Gioffredo enjoyed spending time with her host family: “My hosts were absolutely lovely, I am definitely going to stay in contact with them.”
Returning to Madrid for their final activity, the students visited the renowned Reina Sofía Museum. This was particularly valuable for students studying A-level Spanish, who had the chance to view Picasso’s Guernica and Dalí’s surrealist masterpieces.
The trip was an unforgettable experience, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in Spanish culture while exploring two of Spain’s most beautiful cities.