In May, Year 6 and Year 7 students embarked on an exciting adventure to Madrid – a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture, practice their Spanish (which many of them have been learning since pre-school) and step outside their comfort zones.
Everyone was buzzing with excitement as they boarded the coach at 6am, and the journey to Heathrow was filled with upbeat chatter. Following a very smooth airport check-in, students and staff were soon seated on the plane, awaiting take-off.
Landing in a sun-drenched Madrid only added to everyone’s excitement. A transfer rep was on hand to take the group to their centrally located hostel and, with no time to waste, they headed to their first activity – a visit to the Museo Reina Sofia to admire spectacular works by Picasso. After a few hours of art, they returned to the hostel for dinner and some much-needed rest.
Day 2 began with an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast – a big hit all round! In the morning, there was a guided walking tour of Madrid, winding through historic streets and passing iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor – each one showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. After lunch, students and staff visited the national zoo and aquarium, marvelling at an array of exotic creatures.
On Day 3, the Palacio Real was a real feast for the eyes, with its magnificent rooms adorned with chandeliers, paintings and statues. The armoury – filled with knights and horses, and even an armoured dog — caused much amusement! The tour was awe-inspiring and students were captivated by the splendour of the palace. Later, everyone enjoyed a flamenco class, enthusiastically embracing the rhythmic beats and vibrant spirit of Spanish culture.
Day 4 was the most popular day of the trip, with a tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the morning, followed by an exhilarating visit to the Warner Brothers Theme Park. Students formed groups, based on their bravery, for the thrilling rides! The day flew by, leaving everyone exhausted but happy.
On the final day there were mixed emotions; students were excited to return home and see their families, but sad to leave such a beautiful city. They spent the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs and enjoyed lunch at Plaza Mayor, savouring a Spanish delicacy – Bocadillo de Calamares.
The trip was a resounding success. The students were impeccably behaved and made the most of every moment, with lots of Spanish spoken and memories made. Alessa from Year 6 commented: “I enjoyed making friends with the Year 7s.” Sienna said: “The zoo was spectacular – I liked the gorillas the best!” Isabelle’s favourite part was the theme park; she especially enjoyed the Gotham City rollercoaster, which she described as “terrifying and exhilarating“.