Holmleigh Primary School

Portugal – Feb 17

The group comprising 3 teachers and 4 children from Year 6 flew to Porto on Sunday 19th February. We arrived to meet sunshine and a friendly welcome from our Portuguese hosts! The children were met by their families and set off for their first experience of Portuguese home life and a good night’s sleep after a busy and exciting day!

20.2.17

Today we went to school in Famalicao. It is a secondary school so our children are the youngest, and they were soon very popular! The teachers met to discuss the week’s activities and the children explored the school with their Portugese friends. After lunch we walked through a wonderful park up into the hills above Famalicao to have a drink in a lovely cafe! Then back to the town and off to families! Another busy and fun day!

21.2.17
Today we gave our presenation about the UK in the main auditorium! Our children did us proud making sure every word was heard. They even helped with the Polish presentation. In the afternoon we proceeded  to Porto. Such a beautiful city! We visited the Lello Bookshop, which inspired J.K.Rowling to begin writing the Harry Potter stories. (She was teaching English in Porto at the time). Then we explored the city, ending up watching the sunset on the riverside! Such a lovely view. Home late and back to families after another brilliant day!

22.2.17
The morning was spent playing in a volleyball competition with mixed teams from all partner countries! The Portuguese PE Teacher did a training session and warm up which really helped our children. Although they are the youngest, they took part really well.
In the afternoon we cooked! We all made delicious ‘lazy cake’ in the microwave, then we made apple crumble and custard as our UK Specialty!
This was shared, with all the other dishes from partner countries, at a lovely presentation dinner in the evening, put on by the school’s catering course students! The children returned to families late and very tired, clutching their certificates. A lovely and very busy day!

23.2.17
This day was all about  history. We went to Guimaraes – a medieval city which was the ‘birthplace’ of Portugal. It is a world heritage site and is wonderfully preserved. We visited the castle and the old town, stopping for a drink and cake in a lovely cafe! The weather has been beautiful all week, bright and sunny.
Then it was off to Braga and the Dom Jesus cathedral, set in stunning gardens high up in the hills above the city. Then Braga itself, another fantastic cathedral, more lovely medieval streets, and sunset. Gorgeous!
Then back to school and families. . . .  late, tired but very happy!