A-Level Spanish Revision with SHIP in Barcelona

Spending the Easter holidays at Mónica’s home in Dosrius, Barcelona, has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my A-Level Spanish preparation. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely at home. Mónica, her lovely parents who live upstairs, and her two adorable golden retrievers, Rumba and Samba, welcomed me with open arms (and paws).

I shared the experience with my classmate and friend Jessica — we both study A Levels at David Game College in London, where Mónica is also our Head of Spanish. As an Edexcel examiner, she knows exactly how to guide us through the speaking exam, and her insights during the week were incredibly helpful.

Throughout the week, we focused on revising our IRPs and all the key themes for Paper 3 Speaking. We also reviewed Paper 2 in depth, covering the film El laberinto del fauno and the novel Como agua para chocolate. On top of that, we worked extensively on translation skills, which was especially useful since Mónica is also a qualified translator.

Our lessons were dynamic and intensive, with Eva and Pilar also contributing to our learning during the academic year in London. The blend of academic rigour and real-life immersion made a huge difference. From personalised feedback to everyday conversations in Spanish, I feel way more confident and fully prepared for the June exams!!!

On the cultural side, we’ve been beyond busy with multiple excursions around Mónica’s area, the stunning Maresme Coast. From Dosrius and Argentona to Mataró, we explored it all. Mataró, in particular, took us by surprise — a lovely coastal town with a charming town centre, a lively beach, and a picturesque port.

And of course, no visit to Catalonia would be complete without exploring Barcelona city centre. We visited iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the breathtaking Sagrada Familia. We also wandered through the Gothic Quarter, strolled along Las Ramblas, and followed the route all the way to the port and the beaches of La Barceloneta.

What made this experience even more special was seeing Mónica outside of the classroom. She’s a perfect blend of being structured and practical, but also incredibly fun. It was lovely to see her become one of us during this trip — sharing stories, laughing with us, and making the whole experience unforgettable.

This week has not only improved my Spanish skills but also given me lifelong memories. I can’t recommend the SHIP programme enough!