From 26th–29th November, twenty-five Year 10 and Year 11 pupils studying Spanish had the opportunity to visit the capital of Spain and immerse themselves in Spanish culture and daily life. This marked the first-ever trip to Spain organised by the MFL department, and all participants had been eagerly looking forward to this exciting experience.
Despite the cooler weather compared to Athens, the sun accompanied the group throughout the trip, allowing them to fully enjoy exploring the city centre on foot. They wandered through the historic heart of the city, discovering beautiful and fascinating locations such as Plaza Mayor, the old Moorish quarter and the Palacio Real, all while learning about Madrid’s rich past. This wonderful experience was enhanced by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Javi, who made the city tour even more enjoyable.
Throughout the trip, pupils were also given a daily “mission” consisting of fun and practical tasks designed to encourage them to practise their Spanish in real-life situations. Working in teams, they enthusiastically completed the challenges by interacting with locals and observing their surroundings, with the winning team receiving a small treat at the end of each day.
The second day of the trip was dedicated to visiting two of Spain’s most important museums: the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum of Contemporary Art. There, pupils had the opportunity to admire masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age (16th–17th centuries) by renowned artists such as El Greco, Velázquez and Goya, as well as some of the world’s most significant Flemish paintings dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
In the afternoon, the group headed to the nearby Retiro Park to enjoy some free time before returning to the hotel.
Day three was one of the pupils’ favourites, as they went on a day trip to the picturesque medieval city of Toledo. There, they visited one of Spain’s most important and impressive cathedrals, marvelling at its vast size and remarkable architecture. Exploring Toledo’s narrow, cobbled streets was a truly memorable experience.
That same evening, another unique experience awaited them: a captivating traditional flamenco show in the heart of the city, which impressed pupils with its passion, rhythm and unmistakable charm.
