Forty five Year 9 and 10 Newton Abbot College language students travelled to the popular destination of Murcia in southern eastern Spain for an immersive language and cultural experience to help with their foreign language studies.

Returning to the popular Arbolar Centre in Cartagena, an activity residence programme run in Spanish and managed by native instructors, students enjoyed the language and culture of the region, taking part in various activities throughout their stay.

A daily tailored Spanish lesson was followed by activities utilising the learnt vocabulary. Students enjoyed cookery lessons, making and trying local speciality dishes, Latin dancing sessions, trips to the local town of Murcia and market visits, as well as games on the beach and time to relax with friends. 

Year 10 student, Kitty Prince, had a great time: “It was a great opportunity to see a different country and experience new foods and culture. We were taught by Spanish instructors and it was fun to try and engage with them and speak in Spanish as much as possible. This will really help in my upcoming exams, especially in the listening module.”

Team Leader of Modern Foreign Languages, Hannah Brown, said of the visit: “The trip to Spain is a real highlight in the College calendar; returning for the third consecutive year was no different. The immersive approach taken by the group leaders has ensured that students’ command of the Spanish language has improved significantly and is something they have continued in their curriculum classes upon their return. The staff were nothing but complimentary about our students’ exemplary behaviour and willingness to participate and we are very proud of them all.”