A Journey of Culture and Connection in Santiago de Compostela

This March, Hockerill students took part in the long-standing exchange programme with IES Rosalía de Castro, a prestigious secondary school located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. For over a decade, this enriching partnership has allowed students to experience life in one of Spain’s most historic cities, famous as the final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and home to a UNESCO-listed old town.

During the exchange, our Year 10 students were welcomed into Spanish families for a full week, immersing themselves in the language, culture, and daily life of the region. In addition to attending lessons at IES Rosalía de Castro, students explored the stunning Galician coastline with trips to the vibrant city of A Coruña, as well as the scenic Rías Baixas, visiting the towns of Combarro and Cambados, and the beautiful La Lanzada beach.

For Mr Ageo and Madame Seguin, it was a joy to see the students flourish during the trip, confidently representing the College and forming meaningful bonds with their host families. A testament to the success of the exchange was seen in the heartfelt goodbyes from the emotional host families, showing just how valued and integrated our students had become.

Experiences like these lie at the heart of Hockerill’s mission to nurture global citizens. They reflect our commitment to international-mindedness and the importance of language learning as a gateway to deeper cultural understanding.