At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we are passionate about giving our pupils opportunities that broaden their horizons and inspire them to dream big. Recently, a group of our pupils returned from an unforgettable international visit to Estepona, Spain, as part of the government-funded Turing Scheme.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience enabled our children to explore a new country, immerse themselves in a different culture, and grow in confidence, independence, and global awareness.
A Memorable Journey Begins
The adventure started bright and early as pupils travelled to Leeds Bradford Airport before flying to Málaga. For many of our children, this was their first time travelling abroad, making the experience even more exciting and significant.
From the moment they arrived on the Costa del Sol, pupils embraced the opportunity to learn, explore and make lasting memories.
Learning Beyond the Classroom in Spain
A key highlight of the trip was our partnership with Queen’s British Grammar School in Estepona, where our pupils received a wonderfully warm welcome.
During the week, children were fully immersed in Spanish school life. They:
- Joined lessons alongside Spanish and international peers
- Built friendships with their pen pals
- Shared experiences and learning across cultures
This unique collaboration helped pupils develop their communication skills, confidence, and understanding of a different education system.
Exploring Spanish Culture and Heritage
Beyond the classroom, pupils enjoyed a rich and varied programme designed to bring Spanish culture to life.
Highlights included:
- A guided visit to Estepona’s bullring museum, learning about local traditions
- Sampling authentic Spanish cuisine, including a traditional paella lunch
- Practising their Spanish language skills in real-life settings
These experiences helped deepen pupils’ cultural awareness and appreciation for life beyond the UK.
Special Visits and Unforgettable Experiences
The trip also included several memorable excursions that brought learning to life:
Meeting the Mayor at Estepona Town Hall
Pupils had the honour of visiting the Town Hall, where they met the Mayor and learned about the local community and its history.
Wildlife Discovery at Selwo Aventura
At Selwo Aventura, pupils explored a vast wildlife park and discovered the importance of conservation and protecting our natural world.
Relaxing by the Coast
There was also time to enjoy the beautiful Spanish coastline, with pupils spending time on the beach and appreciating their stunning surroundings.
A Cultural Visit to Málaga
On their final day, pupils travelled to Málaga, where they:
- Visited the city’s iconic cathedral
- Explored its vibrant streets and culture
It was the perfect way to end an incredible week before returning home to the UK.
Building Confidence, Independence and Global Awareness
This Turing Scheme visit truly supported our mission at St Joseph’s by helping pupils develop:
- Confidence and resilience
- Independence
- A broader global perspective
Experiences like this ensure our children are well-prepared for their future education and beyond.
A Word from Our Headteacher
Headteacher Alice Gibson-Crone reflected on the impact of the visit:
“We were absolutely thrilled to provide our children with this life-changing opportunity. For over half of the group, it was their first time travelling abroad, which made it even more special. It was incredible to see friendships, first formed through letters, come to life in person and to watch our pupils fully immerse themselves in Spanish culture.
The visit has already had a powerful impact, developing their confidence, resilience, independence and global awareness. At St Joseph’s, we are committed to ensuring every child has access to experiences that raise aspirations and show them they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Thank You to Our Partners
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Queen’s British Grammar School in Estepona for their warm hospitality and support, which made this visit such a success.
Creating Opportunities That Inspire
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we are incredibly proud of our pupils and the way they represented our school throughout the trip. Opportunities like the Turing Scheme allow our children to step beyond their local community, discover the wider world, and realise their full potential.
