On Thursday 25th May, Spanish GCSE pupils from R14 and R15 had a fantastic opportunity to practise their Spanish ‘in real life,’ when they travelled to Cardiff for a Spanish language tour of the Principality Stadium. This was followed by a Spanish lunch at nearby Curado Bar and Restaurant, where pupils conversed in Spanish with waiting staff before tucking into delicious Spanish food.

After disembarking the bus into glorious sunshine in Cardiff city centre, we travelled to the Principality Stadium where we were greeted by the smiling guide Sian, before being escorted to the sixth level of the stadium. From there, we learnt about the variety of different events hosted by the stadium, whilst sitting in the spectators’ seats and admiring the view. From rugby matches to pop concerts and motocross racing for the adrenaline seekers - it was fascinating to learn all about what the stadium has to offer.

We then made our way to the VIP lounge to learn more about the honourable guests who have been invited to watch different Welsh rugby games or music concerts in years gone by. The VIP area also provided the perfect vantage point to see the media hub of the stadium, where all the commentators sit and the main television cameras are fixed.

Jumping back in the lift, we proceeded down to the changing rooms of both visiting teams and the Welsh Rugby team themselves. ¡Qué impresionante! The rousing pre-match speech by Warren Gatland played for us in the Welsh changing room certainly sent shivers down our spines, and helped us muster the energy to run out onto the pitch and learn more about all the day-to-day work that goes on behind the scenes at the stadium to ensure that every event hosted there is a success. 

I think it’s safe to say we all left the stadium with a better understanding of its role and importance, not just in Cardiff, but nationally and internationally. Having the tour in Spanish also helped R14 and R15 consolidate some of the subject vocabulary they have seen this year in relation to their Healthy Living, Fitness, and Home and Local Area Units, and they demonstrated excellent listening skills throughout.

After all that excitement, the group hastily made its way to Curado, where we were met with big smiles and delicious food. Ben and his team put on a delicious spread of pan con aioli (bread with garlic sauce), patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce), aceitunas (olives), croquetas de jamón y cangrejo (ham and crab croquettes), and finally, paella. All pupils got stuck in trying different dishes, and attempting to describe what they were eating en español. The mocktail was a notable hit too, made with cranberries, apple, lemonade…and paprika!

It was lovely to see all pupils trying hard to practise their Spanish with both staff and each other. I was blown away with their resilience and confidence when communicating in the language.

A big enhorabuena (congratulations) goes to Ava C and Joanne S, who won the prize for being our Spanish-speaking stars of the day, and who endeavoured to use their Spanish at every opportunity.

Señorita Cooper would also like to say a special thank you to Señora Palmer and Señor Dennis, who accompanied the trip and were a great help to all. Finally, a big gracias to all pupils for representing the school so brilliantly. ¡Muy bien hecho chicos!

Señorita Cooper

Spanish Subject Coordinator