Spanish language immersion at Arbolar case study case study

Stella Gibson, MFL Teacher St Peter's Catholic High School

“The Learning Objectives for the trip are to learn and practice speaking Spanish in an authentic setting, to improve confidence in spoken Spanish, as well as to get a better understanding of Spanish life, culture, history and geography. The students certainly come back with more confidence in speaking Spanish.

The monitores at the Arbolar centre make the trip. They are enthusiastic, cheerful, full of energy and they cannot do enough for you. With our group of 36 students we had 4-5 monitores, who met us at the airport and stayed with us throughout the trip. They speak Spanish to the children at all times and try to avoid English unless really needed, such as for the watersports sessions. The students really enjoyed spending time with and speaking to the monitores.

One of our favourite activities was the Salsa dancing, led by a professional teacher. It was Zumba style with some salsa steps, with all directions and counting in Spanish. Very energetic and great fun.

The students also really loved the Spanish games on the beach, especially the photo beach race, which I have copied to use at our European day of languages in school, because it gets the kids thinking about Spanish and working as a team.

As with everything else, the monitores accompanied us on our excursions to Cartagena and to the local market, briefing students on a shopping challenge, helping staff, encouraging students to speak Spanish and organising a town trail quiz, all in Spanish of course.

The farewell party was a lovely way to round off the trip, with music and games, plus we organised some prizes for best salsa dancer and shopper!

In terms of timing, we’ve previously taken this trip in June but decided to travel in March this year mainly because it is much cheaper, though it was also much quieter and the Arbolar centre was able to provide single rooms for all staff (at no extra cost). And despite it being March, the students enjoyed the sea with no complaints!!”