Students Immerse Themselves in Valencian Culture

At the end of last term, 23 of our Year 10 and 11 students enjoyed an unforgettable four-day trip to Valencia, giving them the opportunity to experience Spanish culture first-hand and put their language skills into practice.

The adventure began with an early start on 18 October as students departed for Gatwick Airport. Despite arriving in Valencia to rainy weather, spirits remained high as they embarked on a guided tour of the city, taking in its sights and atmosphere. The day concluded with a paella workshop at Valencia Club Cocina, where students learned about one of Spain's most famous dishes before cooking and enjoying their own evening meal.

On the second day, students travelled to the cinematic Coves de Sant Josep (San José Caves), where they explored Europe's longest navigable underground river. The lagoons were other-worldly and serene and luckily nobody fell in! Later, they visited Valencia's bustling Central Market and surrounding historic streets, where they sampled local cuisine and experienced the city's vibrant food culture.

The afternoon included a tour of the iconic Mestalla Stadium, home of Valencia CF. Students enjoyed learning about the club's history and, of course, many took the opportunity to pick up official merchandise from the club shop before heading out for a traditional evening meal at Pato Mareado.

The following day was spent exploring Valencia's renowned Science Museum and Oceanogràfic Aquarium. From interactive exhibits to fascinating marine life, the attractions more than lived up to their world-class reputation. Students also had some free time to purchase souvenirs and enjoy a final evening together before returning to the hotel.

On their final morning, students made the most of one last opportunity to practise their Spanish while visiting a local supermarket and ordering snacks. They then travelled to the airport for the journey home.

After four busy days of discovering a new culture, practicing their Spanish and exploring a new city, a group of weary but happy travellers were greeted by their parents and carers at the Uplands gates, and the journey had come to an end.  

Mr Nation-Tellery, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, said:

"The trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to be immersed in Spanish culture and to put their Spanish into practice with native speakers. Experiences like this help to bring language learning to life and build students' confidence in using their Spanish in real-world situations."