TY Spanish Exchange 26/27

On the 13th of September, 22 of our Transition Year students welcomed Spanish students from Sevilla to Ireland as a part of their two week exchange. The students, from IES Punta Del Verde, arrived at the airport Sunday afternoon. They received a warm welcome from a group of excited St. David's Transition Year students. 

The students were greeted bright and early on Monday morning at St. David's. They were briefed about the school before being given a tour of the impressive campus. From there, it was straight into classes! 

On Thursday, the 17th, the Spanish students and their Irish partner headed off to Howth for an action-packed day in the beautiful coastal village. It was an early start, with a prompt 8:45 Dart. The enthusiasm was tangible as the students left for Howth. 

When they arrived at 11:15, Ms. Matthews and Ms. Slee revised the plan for the day. The adventure commenced with a leisurely walk along the scenic harbour, leading into the Howth Cliff walk. This breath-taking walk winds up the coastal cliffs. The sunshine ensured all students were in the highest of spirits! The dramatic views provided ample photo opportunities too. 

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After making their way back to the heart of the village, the students were free to explore. They had an hour and a half to get lunch, visit shops and even buy souvenirs!  At 2 o’clock, the students and teachers regrouped to head home in style. They boarded the Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dún Laoghaire. The weather changed as they boarded, and the Spanish students were given a taste of the wind and rain! Students enjoyed both the indoor and outdoor deck of the boat as they cruised toward home. 

After the one hour boat trip, they arrived safely at Dún Laoghaire Harbour.

A final dart back to Greystones concluded the very successful and enjoyable outing for the group. Both the Irish students and their Spanish friends had a blast!

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During the second week of their stay in Ireland, the Spanish students experienced the magic of Dublin city.

On Wednesday, the 23rd, they hopped on the 9 o'clock dart alongside their St. David’s buddy. The first activity on the agenda was Epic, The Irish Emigration Museum. They experienced Irish culture in this very interactive and engaging exhibition. The students learned about the unique experience of Irish people in the past as they walked through the 20 rooms in the museum. 

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After this experience, the students had an hour and a half to grab lunch, go shopping and explore all that Dublin has to offer! 

Once they gathered on Grafton Street at 2 o’clock, it was time to head to the GPO for a walking tour.

The students learned all about Irish history at this location of great significance. Once the hour tour was concluded, the students headed home on the dart, arriving in Greystones just before 4 o’clock. It was an eventful day, enjoyed thoroughly by all!

As their departure from Ireland was quickly approaching, it felt necessary to give the Spanish Students a taste of Traditional Irish Music.

On Thursday morning, both the Spanish and their Irish partners gathered in the dining hall for Period 2 to listen to our very talented Trad Group! The students enjoyed a variety of tunes, allowing them to experience this beautiful genre of music.  After being serenaded by the group, Mr. Carey came into the dining hall to bid the Spanish a farewell. This ensured that they left their last day of school in St. David’s on a definite high note!

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On Sunday afternoon, the Transition Years said goodbye to their students at Dublin airport. Much gratitude was exchanged as well as many hugs. The group of Transition Years are eagerly anticipating their two week stay in Sevilla next March!

A huge thank you to Ms. Matthews and Ms. Slee for organising a great experience for everyone involved!

Reporter: Sara Tidd

Photographers: Sara Tidd and Poppy Smith