This year’s 5th and 6th Form Spanish trip moved to Seville, which we had hoped would be warmer than Salamanca at this time of year.
The trip followed the same format as before though: four hours of classes every morning followed by a large Spanish lunch and a range of cultural visits in the afternoons.
This year we visited the ancient port of Cádiz, and saw its famous camera oscura, enjoying views far out to see and all around town, while learning of the town’s pivotal role in trade with the New World. Pupils were housed by local families and spoke Spanish throughout.
We were especially pleased to receive so many compliments on the academic strength of our pupils and on their excellent behaviour throughout the trip.
Other afternoon highlights included a private flood-lit tour of the gardens of the Alcázar, the famous fortress and palace in the centre of Seville, and which was made specially available to us.
We also had the experience of attempting to learn flamenco dancing which proved to be extremely demanding although Alex Wilson demonstrated a certain flair for it.
The evenings were spent enjoying the rich array of tapas bars throughout the town: particular favourites were the little rolls of baked goats cheese and the tortilletas de camarón – little disks of fried potato and fish.
Despite the weather breaking just in time for our arrival and more rain falling in the few days we were there than in the previous five months, the trip was a resounding success: all returned with a significantly improved confidence in the language and a renewed passion for all things Spanish.