Benfield School was successful in applying for the UK’s Turing Scheme funding last year, with help from International Newcastle and Newcastle City Council (School Effectiveness). This funded a group of Year 9 pupils from a range of diverse backgrounds to go on the trip of a lifetime to Barcelona and Zaragoza in June.
Planned with their partner school, IES Valdespartera in Zaragoza, the visit had a cross-curricula focus on Spanish language, Geography and Travel and Tourism. Students were able to experience two Spanish cities and their culture, people and perspectives, enriching their educational experiences and inspiring future learning and progression. The intention was to raise aspirations and have a significant impact on their personal and academic development and broaden horizons and ambitions for education and career paths.
Through virtual collaboration and by visiting Spain, students forged international friendships and were able to practice and experience Spanish language and culture in context. Students helped plan the visit and gained real world experience of the Travel and Tourism curriculum. Study visits to Barcelona and around Zaragoza were included to enhance both these subject skills and knowledge, as well as form part of their Geography fieldwork.
Throughout the project students will also develop key employability skills including oracy, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability, flexible thinking and emotional resilience, as well as well as research, data and leadership skills. The learning outcomes and skills pupils gain through this project will significantly boost personal development, broaden worldviews, nurture adaptability and be assets for their future, education and careers.
Feedback from pupils on the trip
I loved spending time with friends outside of school in a different country.
Being able to speak to people in their own language was amazing.
The architecture was lovely, like the cultural landmarks which were just amazing to see in person.
It was so rad.
The food was really nice, especially the tapas.
The markets were really nice and reminded me of my home country with the traditional and cultural values.
I probably just liked the feel the whole time, being able to walk around a different country with my friends.
The cable car was the best because it was really fun and scenic.
It’s hard to pick a favourite moment when I enjoyed the whole trip in general.
Benfield School successfully applied this year for Turing Scheme funding for a further visit to Spain in 2026 and will be taking a large group of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, underrepresented groups and who have SEND, in accordance with Turing Scheme principles. This funding enables pupils to visit partner schools abroad, who would otherwise not have the opportunity, but who can gain valuable skills and experience and broaden their perspectives.
