Students swapped Norwich for sunnier climes, when they headed to Granada for a Spanish adventure.

The group from Hellesdon High School – which is part of the Wensum Trust – enjoyed four days of exploration and cultural immersion, with highlights including geographical marvels, historic architecture, poetry, and Spanish dance.

“Granada was an exceptional trip,” said Modern Foreign Languages Teacher Pedro Valente, who accompanied the students. “We landed in Malaga to the sun, after endless months of grey skies in the UK.

“Students were mesmerised by the music, dance, and voice of flamenco”

“Our first visit was to the Nerja Caves. These beautiful caves, dripping with stalactites, and covered in stalagmites, blew all of our minds away, allowing students to forget the long journey, which had started at 4am.”

Other memorable moments included a walk to the Alhambra, a 13th-century Moorish fortress renowned for its Islamic architecture and gardens; a visit to the House-Museum of Spanish poet, playwright, and theatre director Federico Garcia Lorca; a trip to the neighbourhood of El Albaicin for views across the Alhambra; and a final-day tour of the Real Monasterio de San Jeronimo, the Basilica de San Juan de Dios, and the Jardines del Triunfo.

There was also plenty of time for the students to relax and soak up the Spanish culture, with opportunities for shopping, and an evening of traditional flamenco entertainment.

“We had our flamenco show at La Alborea Tablao de Flamenco, where students had front row seats to spend an hour mesmerised by the music, dance, and voice of flamenco,” continued Mr Valente. “We literally walked away with students dancing along.”

“On Day Four, we went for our last walk around, and then it was goodbye to Granada, and the journey back,” he added. 

“I, for one, really enjoyed it, and I know the students did too. This is why trips are important, and I wish to be able to run more in the future.”