During the Summer Term, Years 5 - 8 enjoyed an exciting week in Catalonia, Spain. Passports, covid passes and PCR tests were at the ready as we set off for MSJ's first overseas trip since the pandemic hit.

The lovely, early summer sun allowed us to hit the pool as soon as we arrived at the hotel. Two days of water sports followed. Teachers and the centre’s staff were equally impressed with the 'can do' attitude of pupils who were windsurfing around the bay (no mean feat), kayaking into caves, paddle boarding and sailing catamarans. Some particularly brave girls could be seen skimming the Mediterranean Sea hanging from a sail harness.

Next on the agenda was a walking tour of Barcelona's gothic quarter. This allowed pupils to take in the hidden roman city below, with many giggles about 'El Caganer' a figure depicted in the act of defecation to fertilise the soil, always present in the Catalan nativity scene.

We journeyed to the Gaudi Village 'Parc Guell' overlooking majestic Barcelona, where we devoured ice creams as big as our heads. A huge highlight of the week was a night at La Masia in Tordera. Every girl threw herself into the flamenco workshop, which was followed by such a fabulous feast, we worried about getting the 'meat sweats'!

The girls danced their way to midnight and as if by magic our carriage arrived to take 35 tired girls back to the hotel.

Sadly, our final day had arrived. Bags were packed as we laughed over memories made, and friendships forged. One final pitstop to the Olympic Village from Barcelona 1992 and we were airport bound, arriving back into parents’ arms and ready for a half-term rest.