There are few destinations as appealing as Barcelona. The Catalan capital is bursting at the seams with culture, history, and stunning architecture, which ensures that it is a bril-liant place for a school trip that can provide valuable cross-curriculum experiences. No matter the subject focus for your trip, it is sure to be a fun and eye-opening experience for your group and one which will certainly ignite their passion for the subject.
Here are a few subjects that school trips to Barcelona can cover:
History
School trips to Barcelona are perfect for history teachers aiming to educate their group on Spanish history and fundamental historical concepts. As the capital of Catalonia it is an important example of the separatist movement; recent events show that this is still a key part of the city. Spain is also a great example of a country built from multiple autonomous principalities by a monarchical dynasty, with Barcelona showing evidence of the consequences of unity imposed by a ruling family.
The city has dozens of excellent historical attractions that students will get a real kick out of, but Montjuïc Castle should certainly be on your shortlist. The impressive bastion has played a pivotal role throughout Spain’s history, including the War of Spanish Succession, the Civil War, and Franco’s regime.
Football
It is no secret that Barcelona is also home to the immensely successful, popular, and glamorous Barcelona F.C. – one of the world’s most powerful and supported sports teams. Those on a school sports trip will appreciate the facilities, experiences, and pas-sion for sport throughout the city, but particularly for the football team who are an impor-tant symbol of Catalan culture.
Students and aspiring players will be in awe of the Camp Nou, which is regarded as a Mecca for any football fan. Students can tour the legendary stadium which will certainly be an inspirational and unforgettable experience. Additionally, players can participate in master classes from a Club coach and put their skills to the test in a friendly with a local team.
Art & Architecture
Art and architecture is the beating heart of the city and a primary reason that so many people fly in from all around the world. Unlike most destinations where you must crowd into a museum to uncover the art and its significance to the city, it is everywhere you look in Barcelona and a key part of its cultural identity. This allows your students to fully immerse themselves in art and enjoy exploring the city and seeing many world-famous examples first hand. This includes Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada FamÃlia and La Pedrera amongst many other highlights. The stunning and unique buildings, sculptures, monu-ments ,and general artistic presence throughout the city will inspire any aspiring artist.
Music
Budding musicians can’t help but fall in love with the Catalan capital as music is such an important part of the city’s identity. Music fills every backstreet and groups are encour-aged to play in designated public spaces – this means that your group can perform to the welcoming locals for a fun and valuable experience. Barcelona is also known for embracing a wide range of genres, including classical, opera, jazz, and pop.
There are many notable music venues around the city, with L’Auditori, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, and the Palau de la Música Catalana amongst the most prestigious and highly worth a visit.
The great city of Barcelona provides plenty of cross-curriculum educational opportunities. No matter the subject, students will return from school trips to Barcelona with a new found vigour and enthusiasm which can help them to succeed in their studies.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in educational travel for school and youth groups. Whether you’re planning school trips to Barcelona, New York or India’s Golden Triangle, you can trust both the educational and economic value of their itineraries, whether ready-made or specifically designed to suit the needs of your group.