¡Hola Todos! On 6th November, our Year 13 Spanish cohort had the most amazing opportunity to visit the city of Valencia on the East Coast of Spain.

We had an enriching experience, taking part in various activities. For example, we took part in a flamenco dance workshop where we learnt flamenco choreography, immersing ourselves in the vibrant and passionate culture of the country. 

In addition to our dance workshop, we explored the rich history of Valencia by visiting museums that showcased the city's cultural heritage. We were fascinated by the exhibits that brought to life the centuries-old stories and traditions of this captivating place. One museum we visited was called “Museu Faller de València” which featured posters, photography and informative videos, which tell the story of the Fallas Festival. The Fallas Festival is a festival where they burn ‘ninots’ every year, but they always keep one ninot each year to put in the museum. In the museum, we saw hundreds of these ninots, which are sculptures that represent famous people, politicians or extravagant fairy tale characters.

One of the highlights of our trip was the visit to the aquarium, where we marvelled at the diverse marine life. The dolphin show was a spectacular display which left us in awe. From colourful fish to majestic sea turtles, the aquarium offered a glimpse into the fascinating world beneath the waves. The main mission of the aquarium is to protect and preserve marine life. We learnt why the dolphins are in real danger and what the aquarium is doing to help them.

Our time in Valencia was not only educational but also filled with fun and camaraderie. We tried local delicacies, wandered through the charming streets, and interacted with friendly locals, practising our Spanish language skills. We had the opportunity to practise our language skills not only in Spanish lessons but also outside of the classroom in Mercado Central.

In Valencia, our Spanish class also relished a fantastic day at the beach on the East Coast of Spain where we enjoyed the golden sands and the Mediterranean Sea. It was a relaxing time playing beach games, including a lively round of volleyball, and soaking up the sun. The beach outing was a great break from our routine, creating memorable moments in our Spanish journey in Valencia. 

This trip has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all of us, deepening our appreciation for Spanish culture and history. We want to say a huge thank you to Ms Nunez, Ms Jerez and Dr Wood who made this trip possible and gave us memories of a truly unforgettable experience that has not only enhanced our understanding of the language but has also enriched our lives. ¡Hasta luego!

Dua Gollaku, Year 12