Sixth Form Spanish Students Visit the BFI

Students from our Sixth Form enjoyed an inspiring academic visit to the British Film Institute in London this week, where they took part in a specialist Spanish study day exploring how cinema captures the legacy of dictatorship and historical memory.

The trip, organised by the Modern Foreign Languages department, gave Year 12 Spanish students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of key historical and political themes within the A-Level curriculum while experiencing world-class film education in one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural venues.

Throughout the day, students engaged in sessions delivered largely in Spanish, allowing them to immerse themselves in the language while exploring complex global issues. The programme centred on contemporary Spanish-language cinema and examined the lasting impact of the dictatorships of Francisco Franco in Spain and Augusto Pinochet in Chile.

A highlight of the visit was a screening of the powerful documentary The Silence of Others, introduced by film specialists at the BFI. The film follows victims and survivors of Franco’s regime as they continue their decades-long search for justice. Through guided analysis and discussion, students explored themes such as political repression, the legacy of the “disappeared”, and the ongoing debates around historical memory in modern societies.

Beyond the classroom, the trip provided a valuable opportunity for students to experience how academic study connects with real-world culture, politics and media.

Experiences such as this highlight the exceptional opportunities available to students studying languages at Charters Sixth Form. By combining rigorous academic study with enrichment activities, specialist events and cultural immersion, students are able to develop the linguistic fluency, analytical skills and global awareness that prepare them for success at university and beyond.

For many students, days like this offer a glimpse of the kinds of discussions and academic exploration they will encounter in higher education. Through experiences such as the BFI study day, Charters Sixth Form continues to empower students to pursue their passions, deepen their understanding of the world and move confidently towards their Post-18 ambitions.