Pupils from two Scottish schools have gained new enthusiasm for learning after spending two weeks at a summer academy in Barcelona (home to artist Antonio Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, pictured).

The youngsters, who study Spanish at St Ninian’s High in Kirkintilloch and St Ambrose High in Coatbridge, travelled to the Catalan capital after taking part in Summer Academy @ Strathclyde.

The academy, aimed at pupils going into fourth year who might lose interest in learning, was the inspiration for a similar project in Barcelona.

Christine Percival, director of the academy, said: “The youngsters immerse themselves in a different culture. It’s about seeing how other people live and eat, how hot it is in the summer. They really have to work hard to immerse themselves in the language and the culture.”