1st ESO Project

The second week of the projects began with 1st ESO, who had prepared presentations on either their 'dream team' or their 'dream holiday'. Once again, we were really impressed with the standard of their work. 

As we had expected, the sports teams were full of F.C Barcelona players! Many students chose to design a football team and there were some brilliant creations. It was clear that you know your football! We saw a whole host of legendary names and partnerships, from Beckenbauer and Puyol to Maradona and Messi, and the students even managed to discuss the tactics that their teams would deploy using an expansive range of English vocabulary. Not everyone chose football. We saw some creative work on a range of different sports, including tennis, ballet and rugby. We were even introduced to a sport that we had never heard of before we came to Catalonia - padel!

The presentations on holidays were equally impressive. I was amazed at the level of detailed planning that had gone into the work. We saw some luxurious hotels, exotic restaurants, and adventurous activities for thrill-seekers. Afterwards we were desperate to go on one of your holidays!

Here is a selection of photographs taken over the course of the 2 days.

 

  

Congratulations on a great set of presentations!

''El Puente''!

Apologies to any of our followers in England, but I just wanted to take some time to update you on a beautiful day in Vilassar de Mar. Today is el Día del Trabajo (Labour Day). It is a public holiday in Spain, meaning no 8am starts at school for me or Brendon. We have already had 3 days of rest thanks to an ingenious invention by the Spanish known as 'el puente', which directly translates as 'the bridge' and simply signifies an extra day off work in between a weekend and a public holiday. It appears that the reasoning behind these bridges is something along the lines of: "If we have Tuesday off, why bother going in for one day on the Monday?" Good enough for me!

This weekend I have played football, visited Barcelona, and spent a night out in Mataro. In the football match on Saturday, Brendon scored his first ever goal on Spanish soil. He celebrated accordingly...

Today is very sunny, so after I finish writing this blog entry I'm going to go and sit on the beach. It's a hard life!! Here are some photos of the view from the terrace at the top of the apartment block I live in.

The next post will be about last week's 'dream project' presentations!

James

3rd ESO Interview Project

After the brilliance of the first two days with 2^nd ESO, 3^rd ESO had a lot to live up to! Thankfully, our expectations were met and even surpassed in some cases. In addition to the questions we set beforehand we created new questions based upon the students’ introductions, forcing them to think on their feet. This prompted a great range of ideas, including some slightly outlandish and worrying ones. The project provided an insight into the twisted mind of Gonzalo, who told us that he belonged to a cannibal sect and was looking forward to getting his first taste of English flesh!

Once again, photographers were on hand to capture some memorable moments...

Joe made an appearance to rally the troops at the halfway stage

The cannibal in question (left)

Well done to everyone involved. We hope that you enjoyed the experience as much as we did. An official prize-giving ceremony will be held next week!

James and Brendon

Interview Analysis

After a successful first week we would like to update you on the progress of the job interview presentations.  We’ve both enjoyed seeing the efforts you have put into your posters and hearing a range of creative ideas. The standard of English has been very high, and we hope that next week continues in a similar fashion with the Dream Project.  

2^nd ESO

On Monday and Tuesday we held the 2^nd ESO interviews in the dining hall. Although much preparation has gone into this project in class, we were unsure as to how the day would pan out. Pleasingly, from the first group of Edu and Marc through to the last of Carla and Berta, the standard of the project posters and question responses was extremely impressive. Many of you would have been given the job!

Here is a random selection of photographs of 2nd ESO students and their project posters:

We were particularly impressed with the design of the following poster by Dani and German. Look how it unfolds to reveal their CVs and personal statements:

The Job Interview Experience

TOTAL SUCCESS!!!
Just a few words to say how well the students in 2nd ESO are doing with their presentations in front of a tough couple such as James and Brendon. I know it's been a terrible experience for some of the students... speaking IN ENGLISH!!!! in front of those pitiless judges... but I also think it's an excellent activity/experience because it's like a challenge, and it's like a "real" situation, so keep it up and keep studying hard!  

Joe

Cabo de Gata: a microclimate

Here is Joe's account of his holiday to Almeria during the Easter break. I think he sells it well... perhaps he's working on their tourist board? (J.G)

On March 30th, at about six pm, we started our eight-hour journey to Almeria. A small village with a weird name -Las Negras- was waiting for us. We got there at midnight and went to bed, all excited, knowing that we were going to have a great time there. Las Negras is a fishing village, with a nice pebbled-sandy beach full of cosy bars where you can have a "con leche", some "cañas & tapas" and, of course, lots of fish.
My brother-in-law lives there. He "discovered" the place for us. He's a professional diver and has his own diving centre in a village called Rodalquilar, just six kilomentres far from Las Negras. It all started about ten years ago... but that's quite a long story, so I'll just tell you that if you want to enjoy yourself in a quiet place, away from crowded places and beaches, Las Negras could be your next destination.

Joe