Our Head of Languages, Mrs Daubney, reflects on this year's memorable trip to Cantabria, where students developed their Spanish through authentic experiences while exploring the rich culture and history of northern Spain:
This year’s Languages Faculty trip to Cantabria was an unforgettable experience, packed with exciting activities, cultural enrichment and plenty of opportunities for our students to practise their Spanish. From start to finish, the trip was a tremendous success, and we could not be prouder of the students who represented our school so brilliantly throughout.
Our adventure began in the beautiful city of Santander, where students attended Spanish lessons and had the chance to develop their language skills in an authentic setting. It was wonderful to see them embracing the challenge of communicating in Spanish and gaining confidence through real-life experiences. Following their lessons, we enjoyed a relaxing boat cruise along the stunning coastline, taking in spectacular views of the city and surrounding scenery. Students were then given some free time to explore Santander, soak up the atmosphere and experience Spanish culture firsthand.
The following day was equally action-packed. We visited the world-famous Altamira Caves, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art,” where students learned about the fascinating history of the region and viewed remarkable examples of prehistoric cave paintings. From there, we travelled to Cabárceno Nature Park, where students were thrilled to see a wide variety of animals living in expansive natural habitats. One of the highlights of the day was taking the cable cars high above the park, giving everyone a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the landscape and its wildlife.
After such a busy day of sightseeing and exploration, students were able to unwind with a swim back at the hotel, the perfect way to relax and reflect on everything they had experienced.
What made the trip truly special, however, was the attitude of our students. They were impeccably behaved throughout the visit, showing maturity, enthusiasm and respect at every stage of the journey. Whether participating in lessons, engaging with local culture, or supporting one another during activities, they were outstanding ambassadors for our school. Their positive attitude ensured that the trip was enjoyable for everyone involved and made us incredibly proud.
A huge thank you goes to Miss Hayes, Mr Clifford, Mr Thompson and Mr Villa who helped organise and supervise the visit, and to the students who made the experience so memorable. The Cantabria trip has created wonderful memories, strengthened language skills and inspired many students to continue their language-learning journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
¡Hasta la próxima, Cantabria!
Mrs Daubney