Page 16
Modern Foreign Languages
Adios to Carlos, Au Revoir to Anne and
Dankeschön to Carola
We are sad it is time to say goodbye to
our Foreign Language Assistants for 2015-
2016, Carlos Alvarez-Ramos and Anne
Labaye.
Carlos joined us from Colombia-the first
time he has ever left his country. He is an
experienced teacher in Colombia and has
been a huge hit with our students. He never
stops smiling (or eating for that matter!)
and, despite never quite adapting to the
British weather, really enjoyed his time
at KEVICC. It has been really interesting
for the students to be able to learn about
his country, and he has really helped not
only the Key Stage 5 language students by
competing the 1:1 speaking sessions with
them, but has also worked with younger
students, supporting them in lessons and
telling them about his culture and country.
Anne joined us for her second year as our
French Foreign Language Assistant. This
has been fantastic for the students asmany
had already worked with her last year and
they were really pleased to see her back.
She has again supported our French KS5
students and really helped them to develop
their confidence speaking in French. Anne
has also worked with some of the younger
students, notably in the lead up to GCSE
speaking exams. We are really pleased that
she has enjoyed her year with us so much
that she is coming back again next year as
our French FLA!
Finally, the MFL Department at KEVICC
would like to say a huge Thank You to
Carola Buhse. Carola is a German-speaking
parent who has come in on a voluntary
basis and worked each week with our
German KS5 students. We really appreciate
her giving up her time to do this, and know
the students do too.
Debbie Burman
A huge “I AM SOOOO GOING TO MISS YOU GUYS” to my cheeky-naughty
year 11 class. It has actually been a very long journey together (some for
more than 2 years) in which we have enjoyed and shared laughs, cakes
and we have even learnt some Spanish! A big thanks as well!! You have
always been great in the lessons and you have all worked well hard. I
really hope you get the grade you have wished for and that you have
enjoyed our journey together. I have personally spent a great time with
you, particularly when you have been sitting nice and quiet doing past
papers non-stop. It has been delightful to have those moments of silence
and tranquillity.
Please, keep your Spanish going, whether you take it for A-levels or not.
It’s always really cool to be able to communicate and be silly in another
language. And remember, KEEP CALM and SPANISH FOREVER!
Cristina Fernandez de Gorostiza
Nuria Agredano Marcos: my experience in KEVICC
I started working in the Modern Foreign Language department of KEVICC
in March and am here until June as part of my training for my PGCE at
the University of Exeter. During this time, I have had the opportunity to
work with a professional and incredibly hard working department. The
dedication they have for their students has been inspirational. They
represent a role model of the kind of teacher that I would like to become.
I cannot find the words to describe how grateful I feel about how much
time they dedicate to me, finding time for me when they don´t have any,
for giving me feedback and advice and also being extremely generous
by sharing resources with me. ¡Muchas gracias! Especially to my Subject
Tutor Cristina and my second Subject Tutor Debbie, and also to Sam and
Hayley. And merci beacoup to Cècile.
However, the best experience of working here has been the students. It
is wonderful to feel that I am part of their progression in languages, but
also of their understanding of the world around them and discovering
their own potential. They have made this experience really rewarding.
It has been an unforgettable time where I have continued to learn every
day. I am really looking forward to my next adventure as an NQT and
putting into practice all the things that I have been learning here. Now
that I have experienced what teaching is like, I can say that it is a very
noble profession that I am very happy to be part of.
Some of our best linguists for both languages Spanish and French, went
to Exeter University to have a taster of what it is like to learn languages
at University. We were first given a tour at university by the Languages
Ambassadors at Uni. We saw the students' union, the library, the
different study rooms, interactive rooms and sports fields. After the tour,
we were split into languages and we had a language lesson together
with students from other schools. During the language workshops the
students experienced university lectures taught by the Exeter University
Professors and it was very nice to realise that actually our students
knew much more than they thought and more compared to other local
schools. Our students have no need to envy them!!!!
We had two language sessions and, finally, we met with students who
had, or were planning to, spend a year abroad and they explained to our
students what the year abroad was about, with some of them telling us
about their personal experiences abroad.
Cristina Fernandez de Gorostiza
Spanish and French
Linguists spend a day
at Exeter University
