By Ms Barbosa, Head of Spanish & MFL

Our adventurous Year 8 students set off early on 1st July from Heathrow Airport, ready to begin their residential Spanish language trip to Ávila and the breathtaking Sierra de Gredos. Leaving behind a grey and breezy Ealing, they were greeted by glorious sunshine on arrival in Spain. After settling into the Gredos Centre, nestled in the heart of the mountains, the students immediately immersed themselves in a range of exciting activities, all conducted in Spanish.

The programme began with a Spanish cookery course, where students learned how to make a traditional ‘tortilla española’, before exploring the local village and browsing the bustling street market. They also enjoyed an archery session, combining teamwork, resilience and plenty of fun while continuing to develop their confidence in using Spanish.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the magnificent medieval city of Ávila. Students explored the impressive city walls, discovered the city’s rich history and enjoyed some free time wandering through its charming streets, practising their Spanish as they shopped for souvenirs. Back at the Gredos Centre, everyone took part in a creative workshop, designing and painting their own personalised T-shirts.

The final full day included a fascinating ecological walk through the Sierra de Gredos, where students learned about the region’s unique ecosystems and native wildlife while taking in the spectacular mountain scenery. They then put their knowledge of Spanish culture to the test in the lively quiz show ‘¿Cuánto sabes sobre España?’ before rounding off the trip with a memorable farewell party.

The residential provided a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their Spanish through authentic, real-life experiences while discovering Spain’s culture, history and natural beauty. It was an unforgettable few days, filled with learning, adventure and lasting memories.

A huge thank you to our teachers for making this such a fantastic trip: Mr Piesse, Miss Aranowska, Mrs Manderioli and Ms Li! Special thanks to Mr Piesse for leading the trip and to Ms Ormesher for organising it so brilliantly.

¡Estupendo!