The first few days

Hi all,

                We arrived in Moncada on Sunday afternoon, and as Will mentioned below, we were taken to Schola for a presentation, and most importantly, lunch!! Laura, who owns Schola, had a lovely spread prepared which we were so grateful to arrive to! She then drove me and Vicky to our accommodation, which turns out to be Ed and Marcelo’s old place. After posting a picture on FB of the leaflets left behind with the label ‘For the next teacher’ I discovered that I’m living in Marcelo’s old room. So far I have discovered a lone sock and I am afraid of what I may find next!

We met Nacho who has been very hospitable and shown us around. He has some interesting stories about his ex-roommates which Vick and I can’t wait to hear… We also met Lara, who is so well behaved and playful. I love her! Sunday evening was spent eating and drinking in a little place in Moncada with Carolyn.

                Day one arrived and I was excited to get on with everything. The six of us (Katherine, Donna, Vicky, Roísin and Anna) met up at Schola, to be briefed on a project called CEFIRE. Most of our time has been allocated to this, which sadly means less teaching hours. We were given the details of the projected by Oanda who is leading it. It’s a course targeting 30 primary school teachers, aiming to develop their classroom skills. It centres on the communicative approach and how teachers can improve themselves by using these principles. We are starting with a pub quiz today and from tomorrow we will be helping the teachers with their fluency by having 1-1’s slots with them. I think we can learn a lot from sitting in the seminars and talking to these teachers who have a wealth of experience. We had a break in this session, which in Spain, really means a break. Nothing like England, where a break means you get to fill a kettle, boil it, and then there is no time to sit and drink your tea. We were treated by Oanda and Laura to some great coffee, fresh orange juice and some croissants which Senior Julio brought us from the local bakery (how amazing is he!). I’m loving the laid back attitude here.

                After the session Donna and I decided to head into Valencia on the train with Roísin, who left us at the Angél Guimera, whilst we made our way to the Colón station in the city centre. We went for a little explore and ended up doing some shopping! The stuff is so much cheaper here, I would have paid twice the price back in England. Self-control was very hard L

                Day two has been interesting so far. Donna and I are sharing two classes on Tuesday mornings. The students are all adults, preparing for their PET/CET exams. This should be interesting as the exam tests speaking and listening, and the lessons are focused on preparing the students. Every session one of us has to teach whilst the other goes out with Belén (who teaches the class normally) to do mock exams with the students. We should hopefully start teaching next week after observing the classes this week.

                There’s a strange occurrence in my head. Since I arrived, I have attempted to talk to the Spanish people in Portuguese, my mind has even started thinking in Portuguese. Which is really strange because I’ve lived in England since I was 10yrs, and everything I do is in English, even thinking! I called my mum this morning and explained how I was getting on in Portuguese. She was in shock as she’s not heard me speak the language in years! I hope by the end of the four weeks my brain will have sorted itself out! I keep telling myself the aim is to learn Spanish, not revert back to Portuguese!

                Well I’m off for a coffee at some local place, will write more soon!

Hasta luego!!

Life after Moncada & Valencia

Dear All

Firstly I’d like to apologize for my lack of communication with the outside world. We (Ed and I) couldn’t access internet until last Thursday afternoon (11/02) in our flat in Moncada and my computer couldn’t connect to the network at Schola (Moncada).

But now I’m back in Cardiff and life will soon go back to normal, despite the fact I haven’t seen any sheep yet.

I had an overall fruitful time in Spain - especially because of the weather and food. Learning/teaching-wise I have learnt a lot in many aspects and really have the sensation that I’m better qualified now. I haven’t ever taught teenagers and I had 2 small groups during the week (12-13 and 14-15 years old). This has greatly contributed to my personal experience, considering I only taught adults/young adults in the past, both in Brazil and in the UK.

I already said to Carolyn (UKLC) that Ed and I were privileged in matters of accommodation, in spite of the wi-fi problems: we were at literally 4 min walking distance from our school, the most spacious flat of all (!) and we had a Spanish flatmate, Nacho (Vet student) and Lana, his lovely Cocker-Spaniel, here they are:

Also, resources weren’t a problem at all. I know some of you faced/may face limited – or none (!) amount of photocopying/printing, but we were very well served indeed. Viva the Chalk!

There is a local café’ (Bar Valencia) close to Schola and I am very pleased to have met Senor Julio and his wife. He is an aficionado supporter of the Valencia FC and you can see pictures since 1971. In the first week he gave us a bag full of juicy oranges (naranjas) from his own production. Also, at least with me, we had good chatting all the time. Ah! I can’t forget to mention the ultra-delicious tortilla made by his wife that I bought 3 pieces. Absolutely wonderful – and nutritious! Oh my God, and the bocadillos... And a very nice Radio Rock Station too! Good repertoire all the time!

For the teachers who are now in Schola – Moncada, please send my best regards to Senor Julio and wife. Tell him that I couldn't say goodbye on Sunday because we left before he was open.

I would like to recommend the pizzeria Piccolina as well, just 15 metres from Schola. I know you're in Spain but they are lovely people and the dough is good.

I also would like to thank Carolyn for her promptly support when I most needed, even if via texts/skype and all the people at Schola in both school and office.

But the biggest thank you of all goes to all the students who attended my lessons and those of the other trainees’ also. People with different backgrounds and different life stories; people who believe in a better future. It's been my honour to be with you. Face to face, I was only yours. Each one has been a teacher for me, even if they still have a long way to travel on their journey to learning English.

Farewell Valencia!

Well what a month it has been! I’m feeling very bittersweet. I’m now home and glad to be back. Yesterday's journey home was very long. I’m exhausted, sad and realise how much I’m going to miss everything that has happened this month. Now I must adapt back to the life back in Wales and the reverse culture shock and uncertainty of what's next.

This month has been a huge learning curve, full of insight and discovery about myself. I’m taking back with me lots of invaluable experiences and ideas. I’m very glad to have been a part of this programme and am leaving with no regrets.  

I’ve learnt a lot more about life as an English secondary school teacher here in Spain and the highs and lows that come with the job. I’m very lucky to have had an access all areas look inside a semi-private school in Valencia. I have been able to follow the English lessons of my teachers Katy and Inma. I absolutely take my hat off to them and how busy their work lives are. Despite the hectic schedule they both follow they always made time for me to observe them, assist them and teach their classes. They made time at the end of each lesson to check if I wanted to teach any of their classes and what I wanted to do from the textbook and fitted it around what their classes needed to learn and cover. It has been nice to watch their rapport and energy with their classes and being given a chance to experience the students they work with day in and out.

I won’t deny that I did want a bit more freedom with what I could teach and the materials I could use and could have had a few more opportunities to teach. However, they had a very supportive nature and didn’t want to push me completely out my comfort zone. The curriculum is unfortunately very textbook-based and grammar heavy. However, don’t let the textbooks dampen your creativity as an ESL teacher. I tried my best in my lessons to subtly drop games and more interactive activities into the mix and the teachers and students seemed to enjoy this on the whole. Please, please don’t be afraid to try out new ideas and take small steps outside of the textbook status quo. The students at the end of the day really do benefit from learning English in a more practical way and it's really worthwhile to get them talking as much as you can while you're there!

 I also can't emphasize enough how much I loved teaching year 6 primary. It was such a nice age group to have the opportunity to work with. These classes gave me a great chance to be much more creative with games, songs and lots of other activities. I also got to teach the same lesson three times, so really developed a good sense of what worked well and ways to develop. I also got on really well with the class teacher Carmen and the trainee teacher Alba. Both of whom were incredibly friendly. I loved the conversations we had and getting to know them both. The atmosphere in the primary classroom felt very different and made me feel comfortable and appreciated. I look forward to keeping in touch with the both of them. I was also incredibly grateful for my leaving gift from all the teachers. They got me a customised teacher’s mug which was a thoughtful gesture and a gift I will cling onto with pride.

 I am really going to miss my classes and the wonderful qualities and challenges that came with each. Just as I was teaching each class more and more and developing rapport it is time to leave. I will also miss my school routine. I will miss my school lunches, the teachers and the students constantly greeting me inside and outside of school. Finally, I will miss everyone who has also been a part of this project. I have forged some long lasting friendships and have really learnt a lot by talking to each and every person. Thank you all for the adventures, laughter, jokes, conversations and memories we’ve shared this month. For instance, Ed’s constant comparison of the Spanish lifestyle to Gloucester!

It hasn’t all been plain sailing living in a very small apartment and sharing a tiny bedroom. However, I can’t begin to express how incredibly lucky we’ve been to get on like a house on fire and to all have supported each other through and through. We have had moments of hysteria and real highlights. I literally couldn’t have asked for a better roommate. Jody, you have been the most patient, calm and supportive person I know. I know we’ve both learnt a lot about compromise and how tolerant we can be. In essence, it’s been a pretty spiritual journey. Also thank you Jody for teaching me how to breathe properly in yoga and the many other joys mindfulness can bring. You have taught me a lot and have been a real role model.

 Now to round off with my final thoughts. This experience has made me a lot more confident teaching large groups of teenagers. I have a much clearer idea of the ages I enjoy teaching and how to manage each age group. I got to see and do lots in Valencia including the Biopark, the beach, Jardines Del Turia, the old city and have enjoyed tapas, paella and Agua de Valencia. The weather has been truly glorious on the whole and the people in the city have been friendly. It has been great to learn more about Valencian culture and all about Las Ffallas. I just wish perhaps the 15 of us, who were spread out, could have had more opportunities to meet-up and share experiences each week.

I’ve really learnt that if I put my mind to something and stay calm that I can do it. This month has been a real test of being adaptable, considerate and patient and communal living. But it has reaffirmed the joys of living with others and helping each other. I have been able to cope with new and often times challenging situations with living and working abroad. I am incredibly appreciative to have had a network of support throughout and have never felt alone once. I am taking back with me more self-confidence, more experience and growth. I am taking back new found friendships and lots of new ideas and classroom management techniques. I can’t wait to work for UKLC this summer. A big thank you to Carolyn and UKLC, Schola and Eramus for making this experience happen.  

Sending lots of love and well wishes to the next lot and I look forward to hearing how you all get on. I will be thinking of you all this month.

I will now leave you with some photos of some great memories I've made.

 

 

Sunday 14th February. Getting there.

We had a 3am start to get to Gatwick airport from the LiL training centre near Chalfont St Giles. After a bit of a delay taking off (French air traffic control apparently were updating their computer systems). We flew into Valencia airport around 11:20 local time, with a bit of chop as we approached from the sea. After disembarking the aircraft we had a happy meet up with Carolyn of UKLC and Elisia of the Schola programme, I grabbed a proper coffee from the first cafe I saw in the airport, then we headed over to our coach and headed out to Moncada. Talli, Kathrine, Donna and myself dropped our luggage at the apartment we are staying in with the very friendly owners of the apartment (they live bellow us), we then drove on to Schola itself to be given our induction presentation and perhaps more importantly, some lunch. The Schola staff are all extremely welcoming, quickly getting us all oriented with what we will be doing and where, as well as passing on any bus or metro tickets we need, our months food money, maps and useful guides for the area.

Anyway, time to sign off and eat some home cooked Spanish Tortilla (thanks Talli!), a quick note, bring some seasonings with you, everywhere is closed on a Sunday in Spain and there is no salt or pepper in the apartment!

GOOD BYE SUMMERTIME

Hi, well all good things come to an end, as I hug the green sofa of Miss Scola herself in my seclusion a few metres from her lovely swimming pool. I cant help but wonder if only it was summer time and maybe I would take a few dips in that lovely water offcourse fully "combarted" just incase you lot get any creepy ideas. Well am looking forward to going home as I have MISSEEED my family as my Valenciano learners would say.

On the other hand I feel am living a big gap behind me, English has to be spread across this summer resort.The learners wrote me some personal notes that I intend to open with my family or during the flight home. Very curious to find out what is in all these 30 to 40 notes but am expecting some money if am really lucky or maybe worst case scenario nice to see the back of this hyper handsome black man, no kidding. I t was mixed emotions as I couldnt get myself to say goodbye to all the teachers, as am  not very good at good byes, so just hugged my man bares Vicente, great personality, fantastic man waiting on his email with the recipe for a british paella. Now am wondering why I didnt ask for the African version of it, weird guy.

Well I have been lucky to work with the most diverse range of adult learners, very humerous, the Spanish are loud but well am equally hyper so it was a perfect combination. Though a few things wouldnt have gone past the Ofsted inspector about teaching material and language use by some very few naive learners. Humour comes in handy to handle such situations.

Oooooo just remembered I have 40 minutes between the plane landing and my train at Gatwick to Euston then Manchester, so incase you see me flying past you at the airport it wont be because of a stomach upset but rather trying to get to my family as fast as I can.

I have had fun in my own awkward way and visited many beautiful places, got some videos at the beach and in the national park, in the river bank/valencia park well beautiful place, El Palmar for the paella, the lovely grand mosque in Aragon etc. Hands down sorry guys Spain is welcoming, the food, people, weather fantabulous.

Now looking forward to going home and holding onto my lovely memories that I get to take home with me. Chao guys. Good luck to my homeboy Sam and the crew, maybe see you in summer if am let loose by the one and only.

Fantabulous time in Spain

Well the experience has been fun except for the fact that am having so much fun,,,,,, The people are very welcoming, and friendly. There food is quite good if fish is your thing. Not that I have so many options due to my fear of eating the wrong kind of food. And I discovered I have become a very rusty cook since I got married, I managed to cook rice for 2 hours, yes 2 hours Sam witnessed this, so painful, I just couldn't get the right balance. Enough about me and about the experience.

Class is amazing, i ended up in the biggest school, which meant alot of students with diverse experiences, challenges, looks and common name Carlos, Sakhio and Adrian. So I came up with an amazing 15 minute challenge to know the learners by name and their interests first time I met them, worked brilliantly. Now because I have numerous classes and learners this meant by the time I met them again well so many names you know the rest... but I always have my Carlos and Sakhio to fall back on.

The teachers have been very helpful, open to pass on their classes to this clueless guy but seeing me teach, managed to convince them that maybe I "knew what I was talking about" even i was surprised am like you carry on like this you might get away with murder. Smile, nod your head, affirm you know, seriously its been alot easier and fun at the same time.

The learners here are so well behaved, listen to instructions and all take part in activities, brilliant attitude with a crazy sense of humour.

I have been doing some conversation lessons with the teachers who have again some next crazy level humour and banter, that has gone really well as they get to speak English non stop for an hour. Some teachers have very good Englisg levels already and have embeded this in their classes.

Well weetabix( I dont like cherios)
Later

Halfway point

I cant believe it's just over halfway! I feel somewhat mixed about it. I'm really getting into the teaching and getting to know my different classes and I know soon it'll be over. At the same time I am tired and missing some creature comforts.

I'm going to go straight into my experience teaching year 6 primary. The classes are so eager, friendly and a pleasure to teach. Guys, please don't be afraid to try out all the great ideas we acquired at Newland Park. I've done flash flips, singing and chanting, acting out flash cards and kept it all very active and on the whole they really like it! It's actually really useful doing the same lesson with three different classes to really get an idea of what works well and how they react differently. They especially love the 'hot and cold' game (idea courtesy of Rhiannon) to drill particular vocabulary. Me and the primary teacher were in hysterics watching the class squeal 'going to theme park' chorally while one student couldn't find the flashcard hidden under a student's book.

This experience has definitely given me a clearer idea of the age group I'm particularly interested in working with in the future, but also a good idea of how to adapt lessons and teaching skills accordingly for each age group I've taught. I've seen the differences and great qualities each group brings to the table.

I want to also second what Raynal said about teaching CLIL lessons, it's really not too daunting! I've been assisting with primary Art in which I've helped the teacher explain the tasks laid out in the student's art books and give them guidance in English on their art projects. It's been nice with lots of quietness and creativity and honestly I don't know why I was so scared!

Briefly, I want to mention that the Bio Park is a must see! A very enjoyable warm Saturday afternoon with Raynal was spent looking at the animals and getting really close to them. And what a great selection of animals it was. I could have watched the monkeys all day.

Finally, today was Rhiannon's birthday. We couldn't find a birthday card anywhere! Apparently people don't do birthday cards in Spain. So we made her a home-made card which she really appreciated! It's the thought that counts. Diana made a tasty home-made birthday cake and we toasted her day with some beer in the evening. Penblwydd Hapus Rhiannon! Hope a great day was had basking in the Valencian sunshine and our company to match :)