Geography School Trip to Barcelona

A WST tour to the Catalonia region will support the study of elements of the following exam board specifications:

AQA

GCSE

Section 3.1.1: The challenge of natural hazards

                3.2.1 Section A: Urban issues and challenges

                3.2.2 Section B: The changing economic world

A level

Section 3.1.1 Water and Carbon Cycles

        3.1.3 Coastal systems and landscapes

        3.2.2 Changing Places

        3.2.3 Contemporary urban environments

Edexcel

GCSE Geography A

Component 1:   Topic 2 Weather hazards and climate change

Component 2:   Topic 4 Changing cities

                        Topic 5 Global Development

GCSE Geography B

Component 1:   Topic 1: Hazardous Earth

                        Topic 3: Challenges of an urbanising world

A level

                Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards

                Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change

                             (Option 2b: Coastal Landscapes and change)

OCR

GCSE

Geography A: 2.2 People and the Planet

Geography B:  Topic 5 – Urban Futures

A level

                Option A – Coastal Landscapes

                Topic 1.2 – Earth’s Life Support Systems

                Topic 2.1 – Hazardous Earth

SQA

National 5

• Physical Environments: Landscape types
• Global Issues: Climate Change; Natural regions; Environmental Hazards

Higher

• Physical Environments: Hydrosphere; Lithosphere
• Human Environments: Global climate change; Energy

Advanced Higher

• Geographical issues

WJEC

GCSE

                Key Idea 2.3: Urban issues in contrasting global cities

                Key Idea 3.1: Tectonic processes and landforms

A Level

                Section 1.1: Coastal Landscapes

Barcelona Geographical Walking Tours

Regeneration of Waterfront area Guided Visit  (3 hours)

This interesting half day is guided by staff Arquitectura Reversible, an organisation formed by architects whose main objective is the diffusion of architecture and geography in Barcelona.

Since the Olympic Games of 1992 the City Council of Barcelona began a regenerating the whole waterfront of the city, ending in 2026 with the opening of the Forum Park. 

Built on the central sewage plant of the city, where the river Besós meets the sea, the Forum Park is a large scale complex of public facilities -the zoological museum, a Congress Centre, an enormous Esplanade for public acts, green areas with open-air auditoriums and solar energy infrastructures.

Groups will carry out half of this interesting walk with an architect from Arquitectura Reversible, and then cry out trail of the area in smaller groups with tablets to assist them.

Barcelona was historically one of the leading port cities of the Mediterranean. In 1751 a large area of land was built on, ‘the Barceloneta’ a popular neighbourhood, traditionally inhabited by sailors, fishermen and workers of the docks.

In more recent times the commercial activities of the port moved to a larger area, south of Barcelona, and the old harbour has been regenerated to host leisure, retail and touristic facilities, giving the Barceloneta a new lease of life.

Olympic Regeneration and Rebranding (3 hours)

The Parc de Montjuïc overlooks the port, and offers a plethora of green areas, gardens and museums, sports facilities and Olympic sites. Visit here with your city guide to consider the 1992 Olympics and the major renewal of the area underwent. You will also see the Olympic Museum/Stadium as part of a panoramic tour of the city Move on to Port Olympic, which was totally renovated to host the sailing events and now is a popular sport for tourists with its restaurants, bars and shops. The nearby Olympic village is now a popular hotel and office area and provides a pleasant promenade linking the beach to the urban areas. 

Smart and Sustainable City Waking Tour (4 hours)

The eastern part of Barcelona has lived one of the most spectacular urban transformations in the last 30 years; it has gone from an old industrial to a new model of compact city. The regeneration of this area has not only improved the look has also about made it smart and sustainable. Some of the most outstanding examples are:

• Pneumatic waste collection system.
• Compact, covered and integrated urban wastewater treatment plant, one of the world’s largest.
• District heating and cooling with a truly innovative system.
• The recovery of green and leisure spaces like parks, river and beaches.

This tour will discover the urban transformation in a chronological order, from the 1992 Olympic Games, to the Forum and the 22@Barcelona district. It includes an insight into the different strategies that buildings have used to solve the main issue of a Mediterranean city: allowing light in while keeping heat out.

La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park

In the heart of La Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park our specialist English-speaking guides from the Green Volcanic Association will assist  your group in discovering the secrets of the local volcanic landscape – the largest in the Iberian Peninsula - and the impact of this protected area on the local population and landscape.  Our recommended day options include:

1. Processes in the formation of volcanic rocks:

TOPICS:  Plate tectonics, European Rift, Volcanic landscape: uses and resources

You’ll meet your expert guide and firstly the visit Croscat, the tallest and youngest volcano in the Iberian Peninsula. Here, we will learn about the structure of cinder cones, inside and out, and the nature of volcanic materials. As well, we will look at how a rural landscape adapts to and benefits from the presence of the volcanoes.

After lunch, you’ll head off to Sant Joan les Fonts, where we will look at the basalt formed when a lava flow solidifies.  You will also examine the lenticular formations and basalt columns formed as the lava flow cools and the three lava flows that coursed along the valley of the river Fluvià.

An ideal visit for discovering pyroclasts and basalts resulting from volcanic eruptions.

2. A volcanic system and eruption sequence

TOPICS: Plate tectonics, European Rift, Different types of eruptions, Eruptive systems,  Analysis of volcanic material: pyroclasts and lava flows

Begin the day with a walk up to the crater of the Santa Margarida volcano. This cinder cone was formed by the first phase of the eruption and the crater’s width gives us some idea of the initial power of this eruption. You’ll then head for Croscat, the youngest volcano the Iberian Peninsula. Its pyroclastic deposits provide clues as to the 2nd to 5th phases of this eruption, now Strombolian in nature. Next you will visit La Pomereda, where the lava flow from the final effusive phase is revealed. Finally, you will visit the Fageda de’n Jordà, a beech wood standing on Croscat’s ‘aa’ lava flow, where you can walk on its roughened surface and visit some of its remarkable blisters.

An ideal visit for discovering the true nature and power of volcanic eruptions and just how they mould and influence the landscape.

3. Human Impact: How Would You Run a Natural Park

TOPICS:  Management in a protected area, Human impact in an important area for tourism, Plate tectonics

Head for a day in the Natural Park to enable students to find out how the park is run. You will visit sites as diverse as the main car parks, the information centres, the former rubbish tip, private houses, various tourist sites and the volcano of Croscat.

Each student will be given the task of carrying out an environmental impact of the areas, with the details of the subjects that need to be tackled. At the end of the day, the groups will draft a document with recommendations for managing this protected area.

4. A case study: how to manage a natural park in a humanised peri-urban landscape

TOPICS: Management of a protected landscape, Human and Social impact, Reconciliation of landscape conservation and economic activities

In groups, students will be given roles of local interest groups to play during the day. Each group will be given information on their interest group’s motivations and aims before undergoing a guided exploration of many different sites in the park to analyse the elements and activities that characterise this protected area including the park’s HQ and a business venture, before a joint summary of each group’s opinions.

Coastal Landscape and Ecosystem Analysis Study Day (Full Day)

From the bay of Roses, a coastal landscape and coastal ecosystem analysis will be carried out in one of the most beautiful Mediterranean coast spots, Costa Brava-Cap Creus.

In the morning undertake a landscape interpretation based on maps and your guide explanations of the geology of the area, human changes in the landscape, main features of the landscape). 

Your groups will also conduct a human impact analysis, assessing human impact, identifying key issues and possible solutions.

After lunch, discuss coastal maritime ecosystem theories with your guide with opportunities to carry out data gathering in 2 differing locations.

Delta del Llobregat Guided Study Day

Enjoy a guided visit with a site specialist to Llobregat Agricultural Park, located in the floodplains of the delta and the valley of the Llobregat River, occupying a central position within the metropolitan area of Barcelona.

This day is organised around 6 concepts that help to understand  the delta and its formation as well as its specific characteristics, accessing the areas, shape, composition, gradient, size, evolution and land use.

The delta holds notable botanical and zoological singularities closely connected to the wetlands: the end of the river, lakes, and coastal pinewoods on pristine beaches with dunes and rare vegetation.

Cape of de Creaus Nature Reserve Guided Study Days

The first maritime-terrestrial park in Spain is an area of unique geological configuration as well as exceptional biological and scenic quality. Combined with the rich vegetation, in which Mediterranean and continental elements coexist, there are numerous strange species, some endemic. We offer two walks led by an expert guide;

1. This beautiful walk takes the coastal path from follows an age-old trail along the rocky coastline as far as a lighthouse at the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. On the way, the path passes between dry-stone walls, visits lonely coves and in spring is a riot of colour. Eagles, seabirds, orchids, butterflies all await your group. Your guide will share their knowledge of the parks features along the way. Distance: 3.5 miles spread over a full day

2. A guided walk from Cap de Norfeu, a special protection area, back to Roses along the wonderful coastal path. You’ll pass along one of the best-preserved sections of the Costa Brava to the interpretation centre at Punta Falconera. You will examine the geology of the area  and  take a look at both the flora and fauna , whilst enjoying wonderful views over Roses Bay. Distance of 5 miles spread over a full day.

MasterChef Barcelona 

If you’re looking for a meaningful, interesting & really fun activity that will provide a focus for your students and help them develop both their Spanish vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful context look no further!

MasterChef Barcelona allows your students to experience the thrill of cooking with your friends in a professional kitchen in Barcelona. Shop, chop, cook, eat and drink real Spanish & Catalan tapas and sangria

• Choose: Groups will choose the recipe/tapas they want to cook and will have to shop for the ingredients in the supermarket
• Cook:  Start chopping and cooking in a professional kitchen
• Eat & Drink: Time to sit and enjoy what everyone has created. All participants will try all the dishes everybody has cooked

Remember! It’s a competition so there will be a prize for the team which the Chef believes has produced the best tapas.

BARCELONA

Everybody who visits Catalonia should spend at least one day in Barcelona. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, you have so many opportunities here to soak up Spanish Culture. 

Las Ramblas

Enjoy wandering along this famous street that runs through the heart of the city. Take in the street artists, market stall, shops and cafes.

Las Ramblas Treasure Hunt

A great way for your students to some free time whilst exploring the Las Ramblas area. Our exclusive, free 90 minute Treasure Hunt along Las Ramblas encourages groups to interact with the street, take photos and have fun together,

La Sagrada Familia

The iconic landmark of Barcelona, this famously unfinished masterpiece is one the most well known sights of Barcelona.

Plaza Cataluyna

Located at the top of Las Ramblas this is the main hub of the city and packed with shops, department stores and cafes.

Camp Nou

The world famous football stadium, home to Barcelona FC. With the ‘Camp Nou Experience’ you will see their trophies on display and learn more about the values, heritage and history of the club. There’s a great new multimedia area with interactive screens and tables and you can even walk through the player’s tunnel. 

Montjuic

Rising up from the harbour area Montjuic offers superb views of the city. The site of much regeneration for the 1992 Olympics, Montjuic offers a range of visits including the Olympic Stadium, Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), museums, funicular railway and parks and gardens.

Gothic Quarter

The old town and historic quarter of the city. You can wander around the small windy streets, shop for souvenirs, admire the architecture and soak up the atmosphere from a pavement café.

Port Vell

Located on the harbour this is a recently developed area of Barcelona, with a great range of shops, museums and tapas restaurants. You’ll also find the IMAX Cinema and the Aquarium here.

Parc Güell

Located to the north of the city this park is packed with samples of Gaudi’s work. There are great opportunities to sketch his pieces, or to sketch the views of the city from its elevated position, or just relax and soak up the atmosphere.

The Gaudi Experience

This is a unique 4D experience located 5 minutes from Parc Güell. Visitors will take an interactive journey through the creative universe of Antoni Gaudi. Along with the 4D experience, you can also spend time in the interactive exhibition to discover how nature inspired his creations. 

Gaudi Houses – Casa Mila (La Pedrera), Casa Batllo

Two of the most famous buildings designed by Gaudi they are instantly recognisable amongst the architecture of Barcelona. They can be viewed from the outside or you can go inside to look closer at Gaudi’s attention to detail.

The Magic Fountains of Montjuic

An evening highlight in Barcelona, this is a fantastic display of light, colour and water acrobatics. Displays are usually at weekends only and at various times in the evening dependent on the season. Please contact us for times.

COASTAL AREAS

You will find a more relaxed atmosphere along the coast with great opportunities to dip into the history and heritage of the region. 

Girona

This beautiful medieval town is great to wander around to soak up the culture, with its old buildings, narrow streets, and gothic cathedral.

Figueres

A well known centre of art and culture with the Dali Theatre Museum, the final resting place of Salvador Dali which contains the widest range of his work. 

Tossa

An authentic Spanish seaside town, picturesque location, great to wander around the cobbled streets, pick up souvenirs or walk around the old walled town and up to the lighthouse. 

Montserrat

Located inland from the Costa Dorada Montserrat is a religious site famous as home to the Statue of the Black Madonna. Visit around mid-day and you can experience a performance from the world famous boys choir in the Cathedral and take in spectacular views.

Tarragona

A historic roman town where you can view a series of ruins including the amphitheatre and the ‘devils bridge’ aqueduct.

Tapas Tasting

A must when you visit Spain if you really want to get a feel for the culture, you can try a range of traditional Spanish dishes. Available as an evening activity in all resorts.

Flamenco show

A fun evening activity and a true cultural experience. Full of passion, colour and art.

RESTAURANTS

Traditional paella or a lively evening at Hard Rock Café, make a restaurant meal part of your night out.