Recently 16 students from St John’s School & Sixth Form College, Bishop Auckland, took a long journey to Zaragoza from Newcastle to take part in an exchange with el Colegio Del Salvador.
Upon arrival they received an early morning welcome from the host families and teachers and the students’ Spanish was put to the test! Despite taking the British weather with them, students were fortunate enough to visit and experience some of Zaragoza’s most important landmarks and traditions. Some of the highlights from the trip included a visit to the Aljafería Moorish Palace, a Merengue dance class, where students got their hips shaking to Shakira and a visit to the Goya museum where student’s turned their own drawings into engravings!
On the penultimate day, they made a trip outside of Zaragoza to the Parque Natural del Monasterio de Piedra (Nature Park of the Stone Monastery) where they saw some beautiful waterfalls, met some birds of prey and picnicked together before heading back for their last day in the city.
Several tears were shed on the final day when Spanish and English students met together to share their experiences, watch a slideshow of photos capturing some of the amazing memories from the trip and say their goodbyes.
One month later the Spanish students landed at Newcastle airport and the weather did not disappoint! Students spent a week exploring some of the greatest landmarks the North East has to offer and all in glorious sunshine. Some of the highlights included a trip to St James’ football ground, Beamish Museum and Durham Cathedral. The Spanish students also ventured further afield and spent the weekend exploring the beautiful Lake District.
Students from el Colegio Del Salvador also had the opportunity to shadow their exchange partner and experience life as a St John’s stuents, including some very traditional games such a cricket and rounders. In Spanish lessons, Year 7 students jumped at the chance to practise their skills with native speakers.
The Spanish and English students spent their last evening together at St John’s laughing, dancing, singing and crying. This was an invaluable exchange which allowed students to immerse themselves in a different culture and put their knowledge of Spanish into practice in a meaningful context. In addition to this, St John’s students have made some lasting memories and more importantly life-long friends!
