Successful fourth Spanish Immersion Day / NCEA Workshop

The Spanish Programme of the University of Canterbury, in conjunction with the Embassy of Spain and the collaboration of LatAm CAPE (Latin America Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence), and Spanish teachers from Burnside High School, Cashmere High School, Christ’s College, Hillmorton High School, Middleton Grange School, Rangi Ruru Girl’s School, Rolleston College, St Andrew’s College and St Margaret’s College, organized on Tuesday 8th June 2021 the fourth Spanish Immersion Day / NCEA Workshop for high school students of Spanish from Christchurch and the Canterbury area.

This year we had 272 high school Spanish students who prepared for their NCEA exams over two academic sessions organized for 15 groups of students of NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3, taught by 12 amazing teachers of the schools involved and 6 UC senior Spanish students.

There was also a digital Scavenger Hunt organized by UC lecturer Sergio Esteban for the students attending which allowed them to immerse themselves in the Hispanic culture and to familiarize themselves with key buildings/landmarks of the University campus.

Complementary morning tea, sponsored by the Embassy of Spain in New Zealand, was offered to all the participants, and two Spanish and Latin American food trucks were invited to campus for lunch time.

We had a lucky dip where several prizes donated by the UC Marketing and Outreach Department, the Spanish Embassy in New Zealand, ImmerseMe, Instituto Cervantes, LatAm CAPE and Bella Jewellery of Merivale were given away.

The event drew to a close where all participants danced to a popular Spanish song “Resistiré” (“I will endure”) which is all about resilience and hope!

Even though the day was very intense, all participants left very happy and with a smile on their face.

The staff from the Spanish Programme, Dr Victoria Escaip, Sergio Esteban and Carla Fernandez, were very pleased with the outcome.

Special thanks to our Administrator, Jill Winfield, who played a key role in the organization of this very successful outreach event.