PUPILS donned traditional Spanish costume and sampled tortilla and chorizo, before learning flamenco dancing as part of their celebrations to mark European Day of Languages.

The Spanish-themed day at SS Alban and Stephen Infant and Nursery School in St Albans included Spanish lessons, a workshop on Spanish culture and all staff and students came dressed in traditional Spanish clothing or wearing the colours of the Spanish flag.

The school, which teaches French across all year groups, chose Spain because of its World Cup success and because a number of students speak Spanish already.

All pupils at the school enjoyed the colourful day and were particularly impressed by the flamenco dancer, Anita La Maltesa, and flamenco guitarist, Ramon Ruiz.

Adele Jeffery, who is a senior teacher who teaches French, said: “It was such a great day for the children and the parents, who were invited in the afternoon to see the children flamenco dance. They also got to see the professionals do it, which was very impressive.”

The school has now launched a Spanish club for students to learn the language, in addition to their French, and is planning to put on an Italian-themed day for next year’s event.