Barcelona 2026: An Unforgettable Spanish Adventure

Forty pupils from Years 9–11 recently returned from an incredible five-day trip to Barcelona, packed with culture, language, sightseeing and plenty of fun. Led by Mrs Schumann, the group was accompanied by Deputy Leader Mr Wildsmith, alongside Mrs McIvor and Mrs Cherry. Together, they enjoyed an action-packed itinerary that brought classroom learning to life while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Day One: An Exciting Start

After an early start, the group flew from Belfast to Barcelona to begin their Spanish adventure. Their first stop was the immersive Spotify Camp Nou Experience, where pupils explored the history of FC Barcelona and gained an insight into the exciting redevelopment of one of the world’s most famous football stadiums. Although the stadium itself remains under construction, the interactive exhibits proved to be a highlight for many football fans in the group.

Day Two: Majestic Views

Day two offered spectacular views of Barcelona as pupils travelled on the Montjuïc Cable Car before exploring the historic Castell de Montjuïc, a fortress overlooking the city and harbour. Later, the group visited Barcelona Aquarium, home to thousands of marine creatures and one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The evening concluded with a lively bowling competition, where pupils demonstrated varying degrees of sporting talent and enthusiasm!

Day Three: Thrill Seekers

For many, Friday’s visit to PortAventura World was the highlight of the trip. From adrenaline-fuelled rollercoasters to spectacular shows and attractions, pupils embraced every opportunity to make the most of their day. It was wonderful to see pupils (and staff!) stepping out of their comfort zones, encouraging one another and sharing in each other’s excitement and achievements.

Day Four: Taking in the Sights

Saturday provided a more cultural focus. The group explored Poble Espanyol, a unique open-air museum showcasing the architecture and traditions of different regions of Spain. Pupils had the opportunity to appreciate Spanish craftsmanship and culture before embarking on a guided walking tour of Barcelona. The experience offered valuable opportunities to practise language skills while deepening pupils’ understanding of Spanish history and heritage.

The trip culminated in the traditional quiz and awards ceremony. Throughout the trip, pupils were divided into four teams to take part in a series of inter-group challenges. Friendly rivalry quickly developed between Wildsmith’s Winners, McIvor’s Muchachos, Schumann’s Superstars and Cherry’s Chicas. Teams earned points through quizzes, use of language, challenges, teamwork tasks and cultural activities, adding an extra layer of excitement to each day. Congratulations go to McIvor’s Muchachos, who emerged as the overall winners and proudly claimed the title at the end of the trip.

Before beginning the journey home, the group enjoyed some final free time at La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and picking up a few last-minute souvenirs.

Reflections

The success of the trip was due not only to the carefully planned itinerary but also to the outstanding behaviour, enthusiasm and resilience shown by our pupils throughout. They represented Wallace High School impeccably, embracing every challenge and opportunity with maturity and positivity.

Mrs Schumann commented, “It was a privilege to share this experience with such a fantastic group of young people. The pupils fully immersed themselves in the culture, supported one another and created memories that will stay with them for years to come.”

The Modern Languages Department would like to thank all pupils, parents and staff who helped make Barcelona 2026 such a memorable and successful trip. From football and rollercoasters to culture and cuisine, it truly was an adventure to remember.

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Want to find out more about previous language trips? Please see the article embedded below:

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