Productive trip to Spain for students at Longridge Towers School near Berwick
Students at a school near Berwick have returned from a Spanish Languages trip having appeared on national TV.
Longridge Towers School linked up with Maristas School in Toledo as part of a cultural visit led by languages teachers Maria Borrego-Jimenez and Krysia Westthorp that blended historic and modern culture with social experiences.
As well as visiting the Royal Palace, Madrid’s main cathedral, the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena), and government buildings dating from the 16th Century, the students were invited to the Castilla-La Mancha media studios – where they were welcomed live on Spanish TV and recorded radio interviews.
One of the pupils who went on the trip, Daniel, said: “It has given me a different insight into Spanish culture and its history from meeting locals and immersing in the culture.
“My favourite part was having free time to walk around Madrid and experience the city. I feel more confident now about going into shops or restaurants and speaking Spanish.
“Everyone was really welcoming at the school too, the students were nice and that was a fun day.”
Other students said it gave them confidence to consider a gap year in Spain, or going there or elsewhere in Europe for study or work.
Mrs Borrego-Jimenez believes opportunities for young people to experience European countries first-hand is crucial to their development.
She added: “We had an unforgettable few days in Spain, for many reasons. But the key was that they experienced many things with Spanish people their age – and so it goes beyond simply practising another language.
“Our students embraced every opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture, creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.
“From exploring the historic streets of Toledo and Madrid to visiting world-famous landmarks, each day brought new experiences and adventures, which is how they develop and learn as individuals.
“One of the highlights was the visit to the Castilla-La Mancha television and radio studios, where they were part of the audience for a live television and radio broadcast and that was a fascinating insight into the world of Spanish media.
“Another memorable experience was the visit to a culinary school, where students worked with Spanish chefs to make dishes including paella, tortilla Española and arroz con leche.”