Senior School Spanish students from The Queen’s School travelled to Barcelona to experience first-hand the language, art and culture of their subject.

During the October half term 52 pupils from Years 8 and 9 set off to bring their lessons to life.

The fun-packed trip started with a visit to Montserrat, with its sacred basilica surrounded by mountains and beautiful landscapes, followed by a visit to Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum full of quirky shops.

Over the next few days the group visited the Science Museum, one of the most famous in Europe, as well as the Catalunya F1 circuit, where girls had the opportunity to see F3 cars in action and to sit on the same seats as world-renowned drivers.

They strolled along the famous Las Ramblas, saw Gaudï’s breathtaking architecture in Park Guell and had a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, where girls used iPads to explore the history and progress of his masterpiece.

The surprise visit to the magic fountains of Montjuïc was a treat and more so as girls were witnesses to a real, movie-style marriage proposal complete with a rose petal love heart.

Despite the long fun-packed days, the girls were able to enjoy exciting evening activities such as aqua gym, basketball, a disco and a salsa-dancing workshop and try typical Spanish food such as paella and delicious chocolate con churros.

The girls had plenty of opportunity to practice their Spanish and were able to record their experiences in a diary every night.

Michael Chapman, of Spanish Star, who organised the activities, had high praise for the girls and teachers who went along.

He said: “Quite frankly in the 12 years of conducting trips in Barcelona with schools from all over the UK, Queen’s students were simply the best in all areas – polite, considerate, well mannered, caring and mature. The staff are exceptional and the students clearly know that they are in the care of adults who are enthusiastic and energetic in all that they teach.”

“The environment and atmosphere were just so overwhelming! Every part of this Spanish trip was the best experience. The people were so nice,” added Year 9 pupil Saima Khanum from Mold.