On Sunday morning at 07.00, 29 enthusiastic Year 11 pupils gathered at Gatwick Airport for their post-GCSE adventure to Barcelona. After a swift journey through Gatwick, they boarded the plane and set off for their destination.

Upon arrival in a briefly rainy Barcelona, the group boarded a coach that took them to Calella, located northeast of the city. The hotel featured a rooftop pool and was just meters from the beach. On the first evening, pupils familiarised themselves with the hotel and enjoyed a refreshing dip in the sea. The beach volleyball net quickly became a favourite spot for pupils, with many inclusive rallies taking place.

The first night coincided with the local celebration of Sant Joan, where the summer solstice is marked by fireworks and firecrackers. This vibrant celebration offered a culturally rich introduction to their stay and led to a slightly sleepless night for everyone!

On Monday morning, the pupils visited La Rambla in Barcelona for some shopping, sightseeing and an opportunity to embrace the local culture. We then headed to Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914. The pupils enjoyed exploring the park, marvelling at its vibrant, imaginative architecture and colourful mosaics that blend natural and architectural elements seamlessly.

In the afternoon, we toured the magnificent Sagrada Familia, learning about the history and ongoing construction of this iconic structure. This large, unfinished Roman Catholic basilica, also designed by Gaudí, is one of the most famous and visited landmarks in the city. Construction began in 1882, and despite ongoing work, it remains incomplete to this day. The basilica is renowned for its unique architectural style, combining Gothic and Art Nouveau elements. Gaudí's design includes intricate facades, soaring towers, and a stunning interior filled with symbolic elements and natural light.

That evening, the beach once again proved popular as pupils relaxed and took in the beautiful surroundings.

Tuesday began early with a trip to PortAventura, a popular theme park and resort located in Salou, Tarragona, near the Costa Daurada. It is one of the largest and most visited theme parks in Europe. The pupils enjoyed various roller coasters and water rides, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Wednesday was the final day of the trip. After checking out of their rooms, the group headed to Barcelona for an immersive tour of the Barcelona Football Club Museum. Football fans relished the opportunity to browse the shop and purchase official merchandise. The final stop was Castell de Montjuïc, a historic military fortress located atop Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona. It offered stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea and a chance to learn some history while enjoying a last ice cream.

Throughout the trip, the Year 11 pupils represented the School with exemplary behaviour and cooperation. Teachers Mr Wright, Mr Wyllie, Mrs Southee and Miss Ward were immensely proud of them. This trip was a perfect celebration of the pupils' years at the School and an ideal opportunity for them to create lasting memories as a group.

Mr Wyllie