School students from Spain, Italy and France have been treated to a taste of the Cornish lifestyle thanks to a partnership between Newquay Activity Centre, Kings Language Academy and Newquay Tretherras School.

Over two weeks in July the 30+ children, aged between 11 and 17, participated in daily activities with Newquay Activity Centre trying their hand at everything from surfing and kayaking to bushcraft and Super SUP. When they weren’t on the water enjoying the stunning coastline around Newquay, the students joined lessons at Newquay Tretherras partnering up with Cornish students who in a cultural exchange, introduced them to scones and Cornish clotted cream.

Now in its third year the trip has become an annual event and is one half of an exchange which sees students from Newquay visit the Kings Language Academy in Valencia to improve their Spanish.

Facilitated by direct Ryanair flights, the Newquay/Valencia partnership was born from a friendship between the owners of Newquay Activity Centre and Kings Language Academy, who were themselves students at Newquay Tretherras.

“It’s fantastic to think that the fun I had growing up in Newquay, and the friendships that I made, have led to students from across Europe experiencing Cornwall and our amazing coastline,” comments Rob Barber, owner of Newquay Activity Centre. “Working together to showcase our town is what Newquay does best. It is a huge privilege to be partnering with Tretherras School and Kings Language Academy and I look forward to welcoming many more students for years to come.”

Richard Treacy who co-owns Kings Language Academy with his brother, John, moved from Cornwall to Spain over 20 years ago: “There’s always been something about Newquay that has drawn me back. Collaborating with my old school and childhood friend to ignite that passion in the next generation provides a massive feel-good factor.

“Newquay has done us proud, especially with the fantastic weather. Many of the students will be back to explore on their own.”

Mr Richard Higginson, Senior Assistant Headteacher at Newquay Tretherras commented, “At Newquay Tretherras we are proud to be working with some of our ex-students, to provide an international language school programme and high quality water sports experiences for our visitors to Newquay via NAC and in providing a fully cultural language experience for Newquay Tretherras students in Valencia.”

To follow in the footsteps of the students and experience fun on the water, visit www.newquayactivitycentre.co.uk or go to www.livethedreamspain.com to find out more about exchange opportunities in Valencia.