Spanish Exchange to Madrid

The ever-popular Spanish Exchange took place this year in September with 30 students, ranging from Year 8 to Year 13, making the exciting journey from Canterbury to Madrid. Once there, the students took full advantage of the amazing experience of living with a Spanish family; learning first-hand all about Spanish lifestyle and culture, whilst immersing themselves in the Spanish language. This was the eighth time this successful partnership between Barton Court Grammar School and Institute Las Rozas has taken place.

After a night with their host families, we spent the next day travelling with the Spanish students to visit the beautiful city of Madrid.  During the day we visited El Palacio Real (palace), Museo del Prado (museum), Parque del Retiro and the Centro histórico (historical centre).  After a fun-filled day, the students spent the evening back with their host families.

The following day was spent visiting the beautiful Monasterio de El Escorial. The students had a wonderful time learning all about the history and culture of the monastery and the surrounding area.

The next day, we were lucky enough to experience a day in the Spanish School itself. The Spanish students had prepared an amazing presentation in both Spanish and English telling the students everything about Spain including the different regions, famous beaches and mountains as well as historical sites to visit.  They also did a general knowledge quiz based not only on Spain but around the world.  Our students were also fortunate to have a music lesson in Spanish where they learnt to play instruments and sing to a well-known tune. The students had a great day and we really appreciated the great effort the Spanish Students had gone to in order for us to have such an interesting day.

The following day, Saturday, was spent in Toledo; eating delicious food, enjoying the wonderful weather and visiting interesting monuments.  The students were also given a good amount of free time so they could really explore and get to know the city.

On Sunday, the students had the chance to spend the whole day with their host families and on Monday, we travelled back to the UK after emotional goodbyes with the students' amigos nuevos!

The weather had been amazing and reached an average temperature of 27 degrees so it was quite a shock to come back to the cold of the UK!!

Many of the students have already arranged to keep in contact with their exchange partners and some will be returning next summer once the Spanish pupils have visited Barton Court.

 

All in all a successful trip!

 

Mr Garcia