Published on 09/05/19
On Monday 22 April, twenty one Year 10 and Year 12 students travelled to Cartagena to experience true Spanish culture and improve their language skills.
Upon arrival, the host families welcomed them and they proceeded to savor their first Spanish dinner together. In the morning and until lunchtime, the Year 10 students had five hours of intensive Spanish lessons while the Year 12 students undertook work experience in places such as the Roman Theatre, the Civil War Shelter Museum, the Language School office and a brand new Hostel.
During the afternoon, the students experienced varied activities including a guided walking tour of Cartagena, a historically significant city with a natural harbour. It has been home to Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Byzantine civilisations over the last 2000 years. Surprisingly, the iconic Roman Theatre was only discovered in 1988 and was fully opened as an attraction in 2008! After visiting the Theatre, the students were treated to the typical and delicious chocolate y churros.
The following day the students visited the historical town of Murcia. They saw the magnificent, emblematic Baroque Cathedral and joined the 120th celebration of the Entierro de la Sardina. The festival brought the joy of the spring and the best of this tradition, centering on food, flowers, costumes, music and colour in the streets of the city.
The pleasure boat trip following the Cartagena coast was one of the highlights. Relaxed and happy faces were a true testament of their enjoyment of the breath taking scenery, wonderful music and company. At the end of the day, the students had some spare time for shopping, ice cream and FroYo (frozen yoghurt) before having dinner with their host families.
On the final day, the group walked down to Cala Cortina, the nearest beach to the urban center of Cartagena. The students relished the Blue Flag award-winner playa in recognition for the quality of the installations, the clarity of water and the environmental nature of the facilities. The students loved paddling in the clear sea and caught the last bit of sun (with sunscreen on!). Overall, the trip was a fantastic experience not only to improve pupils’ confidence and language skills but also to immerse themselves in the Iberian culture.