• Comenius, Socrates 2003-04
• Comenius, Socrates 2004-05
• Survey
• Leaflet
• Spanish Exchange
• Letters
• Photos Gallery
• Presentation 1
• Presentation 2
• Presentation 3

As part of the Comenius, Socrates School Project on National Stereotypes, a group of 14 Year 9, 10 and 11 Ruffwood pupils have taken part in a Spanish exchange with a school in Ortigueira, Galicia, Spain. All pupils participating are studying Spanish. From March 13th to march 20th we visited the Galician town of Ortigueira. This is a town of 10,000 inhabitants in the north west of Spain.

While in Ortigueira our pupils stayed with Spanish host families. We attended school on two days and went on excursions to Betanzos, Santiago de Compostela and La Coruña. On the last day we were treated to a wonderful barbecue and in the evening the pupils went to a disco organised by the Spanish pupils.

The families hosting our pupils were very pleased with our pupils and in many cases our pupils were invited to spend the summer with them.

From the 18th to the 26th of April the Spanish pupils visited our school. They stayed with host families in our community. They attended school on two days and were treated to English, IT, Drama and PE lessons. They also assisted in Mrs. Martinez Spanish lessons giving valuable aid to the year 11’s with their preparation for the Speaking Test. They took part in excursions to Liverpool, Blackpool and Ormside. On the last day they went to a disco at St. Mary’s in Kirkby.

Our pupils have formed lasting friendships with the Spanish pupils which was evident on the night of their departures. It has been a valuable experience in understanding the cultures of Spain and learning that this is no barrier to friendships.

The participating pupils from our school were:

Year 9

• Liam Messham
• Chris McShane

Year 10

• Paul Mutch
• Jennie Keane
• Penny Mercer
• Jenny Moran

Year 11

• Joanne Sullivan
• Chris Branigan
• Louise Thompson
• Lisa Rudkin
• Rebecca Garnett
• Danielle Mitchell
• Sarah Mulville
• Tracey Macauley

Staff

• Mr D Brennand
• Ms E Martinez

From Ortigueira

1. Araceli Novo
2. Leticia Lorenzo
3. Martina Fojon
4. Carla Vilela
5. Luis Gomez
6. Javier Quintiana
7. Zaira Bustabad
8. Iria Rodriguez
9. Sonia Lorenzo
10. Vanessa Panceira
11. Lucia Martinez
12. Maria Otero
13. Cristina Montgomery
14. Noelia Ferreiro

Staff

• Pilar Banobre
• Asunción Del Valle
ST MARY, Kennelwood Avenue, Kirkby: Tears and goodbyes to our Spanish friends from Ortigueira