IT'S TIME TO DEBATE!!!

Debates are important in the English class for students in 3rd and 4th year (ESO) at Los Tilos. 

These have been the topics covered this term:

3rd Year A: Should irresponsible people pay to be rescued?

3rd Year B: Should you make your friends in real life or in cyberspace?

4th Year: Is grafitti street art or vandalism? Modern Art... Is it real art? 

Debates can be a highly effective form of teaching and I really love seeing my students fully engaged when they participate in this activity!

We always decide the topic to be covered around two weeks before the debate and then the groups start their research and work. Some students might be debating positions opposite to their beliefs.

These are some important aspects that I consider when I give marks to my students in a debate:

• It's really important to do some research and work before the debate: bring up facts, statistics, studies and important points.

• The two debate groups (pro and con) must participate equally. Members of both groups will have uninterrumped time to explain their position.

• If students begin talking at the same time or making fun of each other, the whole team will lose points.

• The debating teams will have to introduce their points of view at the beginning of the debate and give a conclusion at the end. Each team will name a spokesperson to do so. The spokespersons will also speak whenever it is their team's turn to speak and nobody else has more contributions to the debate. They will "fill these pauses" and give the rest of the students in their teams time to think.

• Examples are always welcome, but make sure that they are relevant to the topic at hand.

• It's always positive to bring some visual aids.

• In debating, each team will present points in favour of their case. They will also spend some time criticising arguments presented by the other team. This is called rebuttal. Rebuttals are highly and positively marked and are more desirable than mere expositions.

• Take notes about important points stated by the other team during the debate. It will help you to rebut them later.

• To say that the other side is wrong is not enough. You have to show that the other side is wrong. This is best done by taking a main point of the other side's argument and showing that it does not make sense. 

• Do not rebut points that still have not been presented by the other team.

• Do not criticise the individual speakers, criticise what they say. Criticising the individual speakers does not make what they say wrong and it will make your team lose marks.

• Pay attention to body language, voice, grammar and pronunciation!

You can also visit this page from the BBC or this one to read more about debating skills.

Helena.

AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN IRELAND! - IRINA EYAM SITOKA

Hello!! I´m Irina, from Los Tilos School.

I´m 13 years old, and I would like to share my Irish experience with all of you.

My trip to Ireland began a simple school day in Los Tilos. I was in my English class, and my  teacher (Mrs. Helen), told us that we should go to Ireland, and she explained to us, that some students already went there, and learnt so much English and Irish culture. The moment I heard that, I just had one word in my mind: Cool!! I was so excited about the idea, and as I got home, I told that to my mum. She was interested about it, and me too, so that was great!! The days were passing, and my mum went to meetings about going to Ireland, and finally they told me that I was going to go!! That was AMAZING, as you can imagine.

Well, then they told me the details about my family: Tony Whittam, Victoria Whittam, Elisabeth Whittam, Joanna Whittam, Kathryn Whittam and David Whittam. They told me the name of my school too: Sancta Maria College, and they also gave me the details about the address (the house where I was going to live!!!) I was so excited, and I found out how my house would be like, in google maps.

The days were passing, and we had to prepare a lot of things, so my family and I, bought some clothes, because, they told us that it is so cold in there. The teachers gave us some homework too.

The last day of school was a little bit horrible, because I knew that I was going to miss everything, and some of my friends were crying... I was sad, but I was really happy at the same time.

We went to the airport, and… finally we were in Ireland!!! I remember that they took us to Rockbrook´s school, it was big and yellow. 

There, they gave us the school books. The books were very heavy. We were waiting there for our family. I was very nervous, because I didn’t know how my family would look like. Then my father Tony arrived and he helped me with my suitcases and the books, he was so nice!! Then I remember that he told me: Let’s meet the rest of my family! And I answered: ‘I´m so nervous’, and he answered back: ‘It´s okay’

I reached into the house, and it was very big and beautiful. When I reached first I just met David and Victoria. They were all talking to me, and showed me the house. Then, Elisabeth was so nice to me. Later, Kathryn arrived and, suddenly, Joanna too. And I realized that they had two pianos!!!!! That was one of my particular dreams, they were beautiful!!!

After that, we were having dinner, I gave them some African necklaces and bracelets, and I gave them some Spanish ham too. They really liked that. 

Well,the days were passing, and I went to my new school, I remember that Victoria went with me, because I had to know the way to school. She came with me the two first days. When I saw the school for the first time, my impression was good: it was big and beautiful, and the girls’ uniform was all red!!!

Well, then I remember that Mrs. Rowling helped us with everything, and told us the code of behaviour, and we had to choose subjects. I perfectly remember that I entered in the maths class and Mrs. Rowling introduced me to the rest of the class. There was a vacant sit next to a girl called Helen, and I sat there.

As the days were passing, I liked my family more and more everyday, but I missed my real family too. I liked my school but I still missed mine.

Every Saturday we had extra-English classes, and after that we always had some interesting and amazing excursions.

Kathryn and Joanna, made other of my dreams come true!! Guess what... They taught me how to play Bella’s Lullaby!! And David taught me how to do scales and how to put my hands on the piano.

The last days I bought some presents for my family and friends. I gave them a special card, saying thank you and more things, and I told them that they should open it when I´ll be back in Spain, and they did.

I still speak with them, we keep in touch. Well, I loved this experience and I will repeat it next year if I have the possibility. Trust me, this is amazing! I will never forget this wonderful experience!

By IRINA EYAM SITOKA (2nd Year B)

MY EXPERIENCE IN IRELAND - LAURA GARCÍA BORREGUERO

I want to share my experience in Dublin with you. My family was very nice and I met a lot of people, for example I met friends in my school Rosemont, I met some neighbours and I met the whole family: cousin, aunts, granddad, etc. 

I did a lot of activities! Every Saturday, I went with Rockbrook to the aquatic park, to the shopping centre, we played golf, we visited some museums and we bought presents for our family and friends, we saw a famous garden in Dublin (the Powerscourt garden), and we also had a special class for the Spanish people. I had these special activities every Saturday with my Spanish friends.

I also spent some days out with my family meeting the grandad, the four cousins, the aunt, the uncle… I played some board games and Wii with my brothers Jacques and Christopher and with my sister Sarah. They were very nice, and we also visited Bay (the beach), went to the cinema or to the shopping centre.

I went to Rosemont school during the week. It was a good Irish school. I had a lot of subjects. I did my homework and then I did some exams and I passed them all with great marks: I got a nine, eight point seven, eight, another nine, and six point three. I met a lot of girls at school and now we keep speaking and sending emails because we are good friends.

There were some things different from Spain and difficult for me, for example the food. It is different because they don’t eat much and I had to tell my Irish mum to give me more food because I was so hungry! The timetables were very different too. I used to have breakfast at half past seven, a break at half past ten, lunch at twelve o´clock, a snack at four o’clock and dinner at half past six.

But it was a really great experience and I want to come back next year because it was fantastic!! If you have the opportunity of travelling to Ireland some day, just do it! I highly recommend it to you!!

By LAURA GARCIA BORREGUERO (2nd Year B)

SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY - CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

(Picture taken from Google)

Valentine's Day (Saint Valentine's Day) is an occasion celebrated on February 14th.

What happens on Valentine's day in Britain?
Each year in Britain, people give cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine's Day. Traditionally these were sent anonymously, but nowadays people often make it clear who is sending each 'Valentine'. Some Brithish newspapers have a page for Valentine’s Day messages on February 14th. It is also a tradition for children to sing songs on this day. It also represents the last day of winter and the beginning of spring. 

What happens on Valentine's day in USA?
Greeting card is one main attraction of Valentine’s Day in US.  Gift shops in US use to have a festive look far before the actual Valentines’ day to lure the customers. The flower bouquet is the common gift presented with other gifts on the day. Gift basket is a common practice in Valentine’s Day. United States is the land of celebrations and people never want to miss one opportunity to celebrate. Parents gift their kids chocolate basket and toys.


In US, Valentine’s Day is considered as an occasion meant for expressing your love or gratitude to a person. Valentine’s Day dinner and dance parties take place all over America to celebrate the occasion. Even if candle light dinner is an old Valentine’s idea, people religiously follows it till today. Many schools organize children’s programs on Valentine’s Day where children can prove their talent by participating in the fun games and competitions. Children also make flower bouquets and gift baskets for their friends and teachers on that day. 

Enjoy some Valentine's poems by Joanna Fuchs!

Valentine Smile

On Valentine's Day we think of those

Who make our lives worthwhile,

Those gracious, friendly people who

We think of with a smile.

I am fortunate to know you,

That's why I want to say,

To a rare and special person:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wherever I May Go

You’re in my thoughts and in my heart

Wherever I may go;

On Valentine’s Day, I’d like to say

I care more than you know.

Special Connection

Valentine’s Day is for expressing affection;

Fond thoughts are coming your way;

We’ve always had a special connection,

So Happy Valentine’s Day!

GEOMINERO MUSEUM - SCIENCE WEEK

Last 25th January, our students in 2nd ESO visited the Geominero Museum in Madrid to celebrate Science Week. It was part of our language immersion program given that the visit was suggested by the Science Department (Vicky Lizarraga) in collaboration with the Foreign Languages Department (English, Helena Pérez). It was a Portfolio activity where our students discovered the importance of learning a second language (English) as a vehicle to study other areas of knowledge.

When our students arrived at the museum, they were given some general information about rocks, minerals and fossils in English. Then, they were divided into groups and they were given a workbook in English. They had to fill in the different activities (with pictures, charts…) looking for information around the museum like a Gymkana. They only had one hour and a half to complete the task!

It was an enjoyable experience in which our students learnt about Geology and practiced English at the same time. When we arrived back at school, the winning teams were awarded with some prizes.

We really hope to repeat more immersion experiences as this one was a big success!

DREAM HOLIDAY - AUSTRALIA

Nathalie Taylor's (3rd Year B) dream holiday is a trip to Australia:

'Do you want to travel to the other side of the world? Do you want to visit deserts, reefs, and strange and different animals? If your answer is yes, Australia is the best place for you. 


Australia is in the beautiful Pacific Ocean. First, you'll fly to Sydney. It's Australia's biggest city, but it's not the capital of Australia. The capital is Camberra. Sydney has got the most famous Opera House: Sydney Opera House. Looking at the pictures, I guess it's even most beautiful at night. 
Apart from Sydney Opera House, you can go to the beach and relax, swim, sunbathe or learn how to surf. You can also practice scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. This must be amazing, full of beautiful fish and coral. You can dive next to the turtles or sharks. Don't worry because it's not dangerous!
After a few days in Sydney, you can travel to Ayers Rock, Uluru. It is a large sandstone mountain in the middle of the desert. You can rent a van to go there. Australia has an incredible fauna. You can see exotic animals that are not found anywhere else in the world, such as koalas or kangaroos.
One of the best places to see kangaroos is Packapunyal Army Reserve, just an hour from Melbourne.
Then, you can travel down the Great Ocean Road and admire koalas in the wild. 
Finally, you can visit Adelaide and fly back home. 


You don't have to pay for hotels because you can sleep in your caravan. Does it sound like a great holiday? I think it does! You only have to pay for the caravan and the flights. It is a wonderful opportunity, so... what are you waiting for? It's time to have an Australian adventure!'

DREAM VACATION - CANADA

Let's travel to Canada with Natalia Cándano (3rd Year A)!

'Are you looking for a dream vacation? Do you love Canada? In my opinion, Canada is the best country. Canada is a country situated in North America. This vacation is perfect for people who love travelling, visiting cities, going shopping, visiting museums and also for Justin Bieber fans because he is Canadian.


My ideal vacation would be as follows. I will visit many cities in Canada: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. I will visit the Supreme Court in Ottawa. I would also like to take pictures of the totems, because they are very famous, traditional and beautiful.
I would like to visit the tower at the National Bank of Canada, it is a financial centre.
I would travel by plane and I'd like to stay in a hotel. This hotel must be big, beautiful and nice.


This vacation is expensive, but if you have the money and it's your dream to visit Canada, I think you should go! In the future, I'll travel to Canada and I will visit the cities, the Supreme Court and the totems!'