At Palma College, learning is never just limited to the classroom! That’s why the new year has begun with two exciting trips to inspire and inform students across a range of subject areas. January saw the students setting off bright and early for a day trip to Madrid to explore the history, geography and culture of the city.
Especially key for the Art students was a visit to EL Prado where they viewed classic paintings by Goya, Velazquez and Bosch amongst others, followed by a visit to the Maruja Mallo exhibition at Reina Sofia. A particular highlight for the history enthusiasts was getting to see Picasso’s Guernica. Meanwhile, Geography students had the unique opportunity to complete a field study of Usera and surrounding areas, giving them a hands-on investigation of urban geography, sustainable city planning and regeneration. An incredibly full day where a lot was learned, and plenty of material and ideas brought back to inform further work in the classes.
Putting classroom knowledge into practice, students on the BTEC Travel and Tourism programme alongside those studying Sport Tourism as part of their BTEC in Sports, had the wonderful opportunity to visit the iconic Melia Palma Bay; with its direct link to the Palau de Congressos and international recognition for its sustainability, this was a great setting for students to develop their understanding of My Country as a Tourist Destination and Sustainable Travel. During the visit students gained valuable insights into the design and operation of this large, successful hotel, and got straight to work afterwards writing and reflecting on everything they had learned.
Palma College is committed to finding opportunities for diverse visits and forming links with local enterprises. Headteacher Joan Aguiló says “stepping beyond the classroom allows our students to bridge the gap between abstract theory and professional reality, providing all-important, real-world context for their A Level and BTEC studies