SECRET SANTA SHOW!

English teachers at EOI Pontevedra had their own Secret Santa Show.... because they are worth it!! This tradition started not long ago at school. The teachers are randomly assigned a mate to whom they give a gift. The identity of the gift giver is never to be revealed!! The Christmas presents are opened on the last day before they go on holiday and that is the best way to get into the christmas mood!

I got a wonderful set of glass coasters... from Salamanca! I do thank my Secret Santa for it!!

CHRISTMAS DESSERT COMPETITION AT EOI PONTEVEDRA

ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS?

It's Christmas time.... already.... Can you believe it? Time flies!! 

Do you think you are ready for it? If you are in doubt about this, I've come up with a test that can help you determine if you are!! Read the questions below, award points and add up your score at the end. If you get more than 15, you are definitely looking forward to your Christmas holiday!!! Please, let us know about your answers on the comments below!

And if you are not ready for Christmas yet.... try our Christmas Kahoot and get in the mood!!

Merry Christmas everybody!!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Why learning English through music? Because it's fun, enjoyable and 100% effective. There is considerable scientific evidence that proves that music can help second language learners improve fast. Songs are emotinal and can teach you culture, too. So, let´s get in the mood by learning with "All I want for Christmas is you".

Happy Christmas everyone!! If you want to wish everybody a happy new year, leave us a message on the comments section below!!

DESSERT OF THE SCHOOL 2016

The school is pleased to announce that the 2016 dessert competition will be held on 21 December. Students may participate with their best recipes. Entries will be paper judged and winners will be notified on the spot! Then, all visitors may try the fabulous dishes and get ready for our long hoped for Christmas holiday!!

For more information, visit the school website!!

CAFÉ CON LETRAS AT THE SCHOOL LIBRARY NEXT WEEK

White or black? 

Strong or decaff?

Make your choice and we´ll prepare it for you in the library!! 

I would like to inform you that it is time to... relax!! The school library is organising a great activity for students to share their reading experiences in different languages. The last week before our Christmas holiday will be time for English, so don't miss this wonderful opportunity to bring in your favourite book and talk about it. I´ll let you know about the activity in class. Just ask!!

OUR CLASS CONTRACT

Here are the policies, rules and regulations that my Intensive Course students have agreed on in class today. These standards will apply to each and every class we have from now on.... which means: my students will be punctual and will not do overtime at the school canteen!

As for me, I will try to do as they say. We have signed all the contracts they have written... so we are all now legally responsible. Beware if you don't follow the rules!

Excellent classwork, folks!! Well-done!! Now we all know what is expected in class.

ITip OF DECEMBER: ENGLISH VOCABULARY QUIZZES

The ITip for December will help you learn English words in a fun way. Do you need to learn the parts of the body? Would you like to revise job words? Click on the image to open the quiz site. It has over 1,000 activities to help you study English as a second language. Do not hesitate and play!!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A RADIO PRESENTER FOR ONE DAY? OBRADOIRO DE RADIO: A NOVA RADIO DIXITAL

Would you like to become a radio presenter for a day? Click on OBRADOIRO DE RADIO: A NOVA RADIO DIXITAL and find out how!!

INTERESTED IN IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH?

Hey folks!!

If you're interested in improving your English, you should try coming to some of the intercambios. They take place on Saturdays at one of the following two locations from 5pm to 7pm. You can come and leave whenever you want. You only have to pay for your drink. 

 

Good weather (not cold, not raining)

Bar Xaquín   Avda. Augusto García Sánchez, 21 bajo - 36004 - Pontevedra

 

Bad weather (cold and/or raining)

Nirvana II Frei Xoán de Navarrete, 7 - 36001 - Pontevedra

 

See you there!

MOVIE EVENING: THE GREAT GATSBY

How about joining the English Book Club meeting at the Assembly Hall on November 23 at 19.30 for a movie evening?

You will enjoy the most relevant aspects of The Great Gatsby. So, even if you are not a member of the Book Club you are more than welcome to see some of the film scenes with us and have a chat about the book. Don´t miss it!!

DONALD TRUMP DEFEATS HILLARY CLINTON

Against all odds, Donald Trump has stunned the world by deafeating Hillary Clinton in the race for the White House. He delivered his victory speech at the Hilton Hotel in New York to a cheering crowd of supporters. Here you will find a rush transcript of his speech in full. Watch the video and judge for yourselves. Then let us know your opinion about Trump´s victory in the comment section below. Do not hesitate to share your point of view with us because your opinion matters!!

ITip of NOVEMBER

A new month has come... and here is the new ITip for it: Real English ESL Video. It is a video and listening website for English students who want to improve their listening comprehension and speaking skills. The people in the videos are so spontaneous that you might find it a bit difficult at first... but just don´t give up, because hard as it may seem, people are speaking at normal speed. 

Choose the right level for you, the one you feel confident in and try the wide variety of activities the site offers.

Enjoy!

HALLOWEEN 2016

The spooky season has just arrived and there will be some "spooktacular" new activities waiting for you at school this week. Be prepared to be scared and have a scream this Halloween. Listen to the song here for a trickortreat special.

Why not trying the video below? You will find a lot more info on the history of Halloween when you answer the questions.

Happy Halloween!!

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME AT THE LIBRARY: SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL!

Would you like to join our volunteer programme and help the school library? We need you!! Take part in this rewarding experience and assist others in your community by volunteering today.

For more information about the programme at the library have a look at the school website.

By becoming a volunteer you are making a valuable contribution to school!

HALLOWEEN 2016: PUMPKIN CARVING COMPETITION

It's almost time for Halloween and the school is organising a pumpkin carving competition.

Bring your carved pumpkins to Conserxería and fill an entry form with your personal details. Your pumpkins will be judged according to its originality, creativity and relevance to the topic. 

DON'T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DECORATE OUR SCHOOL IN A SPOOKY WAY!!

If interested, click here to find out more on the history of Halloween, including its origins, how it's celebrated around the world and much more.

ENGLISH BOOK CLUB: THE UNPUTDOWNABLE SOCIETY

A Book Discussion Club is a group of people who meet to discuss a book or books that they have read and express their opinions, likes, dislikes... Why not joining the book discussion club for advanced English speakers at school? A great opportunity to make new friends and have a chat in English. Members must be advanced or C1 students and meetings will be held on Wednesdays from 19:30 to 20:30.

First read.... The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald. Sign up until October 26th by sending an email to "maria.muse@gmail.com"

...and let us know about your opinion on the book on the comment section below!!! Any other suggestions for next meetings?

ITIP OF OCTOBER

Hi everyone!!

as you all know, every month I´ll be posting tips for you to improve your English using new technologies. They are an excellent way to provide students with new ways to learn and to control their own learning process.

This month it is time for Ororo.tv.... which offers you the opportunity to watch series and films in English for free. 

What makes Ororo.tv really different from other similar websites is that it allows you to control the speed of any clip you are watching just by clicking on the right button, as you can see on the image below. You don´t need to register and subtitles are always in English so it is one of the best sites you´ll ever find to learn English having fun.

Talk to you soon and enjoy your learning!!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH?

Are you interested in improving your English or maybe learning a new language? The time has come!! There are still vacancies at school!!

If you wish to apply for one of them, come to the EOI Pontevedra and pick up your card in Conserxería. English vacancies will be available on Tuesday 4 October and the rest to the languages will be offered on Wednesday 5 October.

Do not miss this last chance to learn!!

WELCOME TO SCHOOL YEAR 16 - 17

Hi everybody!!

I am excited to welcome each and everyone of you to the beginning of a new school year at EOI Pontevedra. It is hard to believe.... but it is that time of the year again!!! 

I hope you had a very good summer break, and that you are all ready for a wonderful start to the new course. Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey that begins with the new school year?? There will be lots of opportunities for language learning!!!

This is a very exciting time of year for most students – learning how to navigate the new classroom, meeting new friends and the teacher, and reconnecting with the old ones will likely be the primary focus of interest for the first few days. As in any time of change and transition, this can also be a rather stressful period; these are a few things you can do to settle back into school:

1. Establish a routine to pull the bedtime back little by little. Make sure an early start on Monday is not too much of a shock.

2. Go and buy some exciting new kit!! Make sure to pick up a fun new school notebook or pen.

3. Have a positive attitude and see the school year as a new opportunity rather than the end of fun.

4. Stay organised and get into the habit of preparing everything you need to make your every day life easier.

5. Introduce a new school year´s resolution. Choose your own challenge or goal and stick to it!

If you are really looking forward to the new school year, send us your own tips in the comments section below or let us know how you are coping!!

SUMMER GREETINGS EVERYONE!!

I am sure you are all excited about this summer... chances are you will be ready to hit the beach with lots of friends!! However, you might not see some of your classmates until school begins again!! That's why I am sending out the cute summer message above to all of you, marking the beginning of the summer. 

A summer time greeting is the perfect way to start the season... so, I'm looking forward to your wonderful summer quotes in return!! Share them on the comments below!!

Happy summer!!

HOW TO DEAL WITH EXAM STRESS

Are you under a lot of stress because of exams? beginning to feel a little overwhelmed? Unfortunately, we teachers don't have a magic wand that can make exam pressure go away but I can give you some tips to help you stay focused and ready for your exams!! 

1. Change the way you think about your exam!! Try to manage the pressure you feel by understanding what makes you feel stressed. Start taking control by writing down what can make you feel better. 

2. Keep hydrated, which is very important for brain function.

3. Nourish your body and eat regularly. Do not forget to stay away from fizzy drinks and chocolate!! It's true that they'll give you a boost initially, but you'll start feeling sleepy afterwards. 

4. Keep to your sleep routines and give yourself at least 30 minutes to wind down before you go to bed. 

5. Set yourself study goals. Make a daily study calendar and try to stick to it. 

...and most important, let it go!! Accept there are things you cannot change. Your exam is coming and it will soon be over. So, don't waste your energy on worrying about it!!

For more information on how to deal with exam stress, have a look at previous blog entries here. 

In the exam, make sure you read the questions thoroughly and fully understand what the examiner wants before you begin. Avoid a mental block!! Breathe deeply and try to relax. Always trust yourself!! You know much more than you think you do!! 

Good luck in the exam, everyone!!

ITIP OF JUNE

My Itip for this month is called "Aprende Gramática de Inglés". This app has been designed for basic level students. It includes 44 lessons that work on grammar and vocabulary and you won't need an internet connection to work with it, so it is worth a try!!

COMING TO AN END.....

I can't finally think this year is almost over!! I have started remembering things from the pictures I took at school all year round. I  feel weird with feelings of both happiness and sadness at the same time and I would like to share a selection of some of those happy moments with you. 

Just click on the "Play" button below and enjoy the presentation. I hope it reminds you of the great time we had in class. If so, do not hesitate to tell us which has been the best moment for you. Do you remember any funny anecdote? Please, tell us all about it in the comments section below!!

THAT'S ENGLISH! SUMMER COURSE

The That's English! summer course has been designed for students to try the That's English! website and improve their English in summer. You can access all different modules and units and practise your English online from 20 May to 31 August at an unbeatable price!! You will only need your computer or tablet and an Internet connection!

Do not miss this unique learning experience and register now on their website to keep up hard work in summer.

HELP US IMPROVE OUR SCHOOL LIBRARY!

A user feedback questionnaire is always the best way to find out how satisfied users are and find ways to improve service. By filling out the quick questionnaire here, you will provide our school library with a benchmark from which they can sensibly answer the question: How to improve the satisfaction of those students using our library? 

Thanks a lot for participating and giving us the genuine feedback we need to keep up hard work!!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN A LANGUAGE?

Does learning a language always have to be dull or tedious? The answer is a resounding "No!". 

Mastering a foreign language should be challenging but not necessarily dull. It can be enjoyable when our approach to learning is aimed at having fun. Nowadays we can learn a new language simply by social media, movies or even playing games on the computer. That is why, as a teacher, I am trying to throw out my old teaching techniques to explore new realms of knowledge! These involve my students in different ways of using the language in a dynamic learning atmosphere.

So rather than paying attention at standard learning, I try to motivate my students and get positive attitudes to learning from them. So, they should be the ones commenting this post, letting me know whether they are really improving!! To start with, just a few pictures of how focused they are on learning!! Look at them!! They won´t even take their eyes off the computer in the school lab!!

AND THE WINNER IS.....

...Paula!!! She has been awarded one of the prizes after participating in the Film Festival organized by our school library last month. Hope this special award encourages everyone to keep up the hard work, continue reading a lot and enjoy coming to school as much as I do!!

Congrats Paula.... and thanks a lot to all of you who took part in the activity!!

ITIP OF THE MONTH: ENGLISH PRACTICE

Hi everyone!!

As you can see on the right side of our blog, I´ve just updated the ITip of the month section!! A new month is coming over and May is already here, so it is time for a new ITip. 

This time I´ve chosen English Practice, an easy app you can download on your mobile to practise your English according to your level. The app includes simple quizzes, questions, lessons and flashcards to make you love English grammar!! It also includes and English Chat Room to make friends and practise your English at the same time!! Isn´t it awesome?? Let us know if you try!!

LETRAS GALEGAS 2016

Looking for a new challenge? Seeking a new adventure? Our school library has a new proposal for you!! If you are interested in finding out more on Manuel María, read the information boards on the school´s main floor and fill in the quiz you will find next to the secretary´s office. You can win great prizes!! Good luck!!

AS LETRAS GALEGAS NA EOI DE PONTEVEDRA

Onda Cero Pontevedra, en colaboración co Equipo de Dinamización Lingüística do Concello, está a preparar unhas emisións especiais para celebrar o Día das Letras Galegas o vindeiro 17 de maio. Se vos animades a participar, teredes que ler algún texto seleccionado dos distintos autores homenaxeados este ano.

Tes un autor favorito? Dalle ao "Me gusta" no Facebook da EOI ou apúntate en Conserxería antes do 29 de abril e poderás escoitarte nas ondas!! Quen sabe, se cadra eres o seguinte Matías Prats da Escola!!

HAPPY BOOK DAY EVERYONE!!

Book Day is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books, and, above all, a celebration of reading!! In fact, it is the biggest celebration of its kind and a perfect excuse for people to come together to enjoy literature in a different way.

On this great occasion, our school library did not want to miss the opportunity to take part in the celebration so do not hesitate to visit it and whet your appetite for the numerous books which are displayed on an amazing exhibition about Cervantes and Shakespeare. Both of them died days apart 400 years ago but do you think Shakespeare can overshadow Cervantes this year?  Let's make a difference with our quatercentenary celebration and join the library's blog to find out more on the different activities that will be held to commemorate the date.

I am excited to wish everyone a really happy Book Day!!

LEARNING TO COOK TRADITIONAL BRITISH DISHES.... IN CLASS!!

Hi everyone!!

My students have learned food and recipes in English and some of them have been nice enough to try some of the dishes at home. I will be uploading all the pictures you are sending on this post. Let us know if you enjoyed the dish in the comments section below. Who thinks traditional British food is not tasty?

To start with, why not trying Laura's or Paula's Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie!! Don't they look delicious?? Thanks for sharing all the cooking steps with us!! Now there is no excuse for anyone to try.

... and here are the results of your recipes.... Yummy!!

Paula's Shepherd pie 

Laura's Shepherd's Pie

FILM FESTIVAL AT THE EOI: DO YOU PREFER THE FILM OR THE BOOK?

The second annual film festival at the EOI Pontevedra will be held April 8 - 27 in the Assembly Hall. The visitors to the festival will be able to enjoy wonderful films based on novels this year. So, do not hesitate to visit our school library first to borrow the books and read them in advance!! Sharing your opinion on both book and film on the screening venue will be awarded!! 

You can find everything about the festival films, events and information on our shcool library´s blog. 

So, if you want to be sure you enjoy every single bit of it, then I advise you save a date for the Second Annual Film Festival at the EOI Pontevedra!!

PROBAS CERTIFICACIÓN 2016

Exam time is coming soon!!!! Xa está publicada na páxina web da EOI toda a información relativa ao calendario e desenvolvemento das probas de certificación de nivel básico, intermedio, avanzado e C1 que terán lugar na escola durante os meses de xuño e setembro. 

Terán que realizar as probas de nivel INTERMEDIO todolos meus alumnos.....!! É dicir, os meus alumnos CALC - que se teñen que matricular ANTES DO 14 DE ABRIL - e os alumnos do curso intermedio intensivo. Para todos eles, ahí van unhas cantas recomendacións!! Incluíndo algún que outro consello sobre como afrontar unha proba destas características:

• Consultade o calendario de xuño e setembro para as probas escritas (comprensión escrita, comprensión oral, expresión escrita), único para todas as EOI de Galicia.

• O calendario para as probas de expresión oral será fixado pola Escola, podendo ter lugar antes ou despois das probas escritas. O calendario xeral definitivo das probas orais será publicado, alén de nos taboleiros da Escola, na mesma páxina web da EOI, na categoría do departamento correspondente.

Por último, é altamente recomendable que consultedes tamén a guía do candidato de nivel Intermedio e os modelos de exames de anos anteriores que proporciona a Xunta de Galicia. 

Good luck everybody....!! and as I know that both my CALC and intensive intermediate level students are really worried about these exams, I have just prepared a document with links to different language schools in Spain and mock exams to practise. Just copy the links on your navigation bar and enjoy!! 

... And don´t forget that "Practice makes perfect"!!

8 MARCH: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN´S DAY

Today is International Women's Day, which celebrates the social, economical, cultural and political achievement of women all over the world. The day also aims at accelerating gender parity and raising social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide.

At school we would like to put on our own event to celebrate the date today, so we have gathered a collection of films and books as a reminder of how far there is still to go. Help us celebrate this important date by adding your personal choice to the list. Join the school library's blog to learn about women's struggle and make  your own contribution to the list. 

CLASS SURVEY RESULTS

Here you can see an overview of the results to the assessment of the learning process we have carried out on our blog. All your answers have been gathered here for us to analyze them. The purpose of this is to contribute to enhance your experience as English learners. As for me, I have just realized I need to slow down my classes a little bit!! So, thanks for the hint!! I promise I´ll try!!

OUR CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT

I would like my Intermediate students to participate in the assessment of the learning process that is taking place in class. By filling in the questionnaire below, you will help me evaluate all the key processes of my work. Help me gather complete information about how our classes evolve in order to make the right decisions to improve my job. I promise I will use the results to ensure my classes do not only survive but thrive!!

Fill in the form below and submit your answers at the end. Let me know if you have any problems with the process and I'll try to help you out. 

Please, do not fill in this questionnaire if you are not one of my students.

Thanks for collaborating!!

CULTURAL TALK ON THE CITY OF CHICAGO

The English Department invites you to a cultural talk on the city of Chicago on 16 Febrary at 18.00.

This cultural talk will provide an introduction to a city that both fascinates and has a particular connection with the speaker Brian Engquist. Focusing on the art, architecture, people and peculiar history of this metropolis which sprang up on the edge of the American prairie, it will attempt to explore the heart, soul and human side to a town whose clean façades often hide its rough origins. We will learn why it is indeed "The City of the Big Shoulders" and maybe decide to visit it ourselves one day.

CITA A CEGAS CUN LIBRO: DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Are you used to judging a book by its cover? Choosing it according to its genre or author? Then it is high time you accepted a blind date with a book... let the book choose you this time!!

Our school library is offering students a new challenge surprising them with plain brown paper wrapped books to borrow from the library without knowing anything about them but just some vague word cues scrawled on the front.They are the only hint you'll have to what lies within...

Would you borrow a book completely unseen? Take a chance with the blind selection on display in our school library. Don't miss it!! You can let us know what you think about the book in the comments section below.

OUR COOK BOOK

My intensive course students are about to finish their Intermediate 1 Level. I just wanted to let them know  how proud I am of their job. They have worked hard and made their best to get to the end and these are the kind of things that give my teaching job a meaning.

Here is my way to say thank you for your great effort. I have just made a cook book with all the recipes you sent me by email. This e-magazine is the result of the last writing assignment you were told to do in Unit 10. 

I promise I will try some of them... for sure!! and I do recommend you to do the same and leave your comments below. 

I have really enjoyed teaching you and am looking forward to the beginning of the second part of the course by the end of next week. Meanwhile, enjoy your cooking!!

PREMIO XOAN MANUEL PINTOS 2016

Our school has been appointed by the local council to present a proposal for the Xosé Manuel Pintos Award. Therefore, we would like to invite all the members of our community to participate in the event by casting their vote with their ideas before January 27. Until then there will be a polling area at the school entrance with information on the election process and also a voting booth where the voters may write the candidate of their choice in secret. Your vote will really count this time, so do not hesitate to take part in the process. Make your voice heard!! Go to the polling place at the school and register your opinion on who deserves the award.

A BIBLIOTECA DA EOI: UNHA BIBLIOTECA SOLIDARIA

De acordo co programa BIBLIOTECAS ESCOLARES SOLIDARIAS, a bibliotecas escolares deben ser un espazo de convivencia e exercicio de cidadanía solidaria ademáis dun punto de acceso aos recursos culturais.

Por conseguinte, a Escola Oficial de Idiomas de Pontevedra convídavos a formar parte do grupo de colaboradores que de forma voluntaria participen na xestión e organización da biblioteca, así como en actividades de extensión cultural ou formación de usuarios, favorecendo a formación de actitudes de colaboración e de solidariedade entre o alumnado no ámbito cultural.

 

Queres participar? Cubre a solicitude de alumnado colaborador da biblioteca na conserxaría da Escola e entrégaa antes do 18 de xaneiro.

 COMPROMISOS DA BIBLIOTECA

• Establecer un calendario de tarefas e supervisar o traballo dos voluntarios.
• Facilitar unha formación básica ao alumnado colaborador.
• Outorgar unha certificación de recoñecemento do traballo realizado (mínimo 15 horas durante o curso 2015/16).
• Achegar a cada voluntario unha acreditación que o identifique como tal.

 COMPROMISOS DOS VOLUNTARIOS

• Realizar as actividades de colaboración acordadas co Equipo da Biblioteca.
• Participar nas actividades formativas.
• Actuar de forma responsable, eficaz e solidaria.
• Respectar os dereitos das persoas integrantes da comunidade escolar.
• Coidar e facer bo uso dos materiais e recursos da biblioteca.

 CRITERIOS DE SELECCIÓN

• Compromiso solidario e interese nas bibliotecas escolares.
• Referencias positivas por parte dos profesores da Escola.
• Certa flexibilidade horaria para traballar co Equipo da Biblioteca. 

A biblioteca da escola é de todos nós. Axúdanos a coidala!!