Arrival in A Coruna and the first week

Hello from a sunny, rainy, windy and occasionally stormy A Coruna! We have experienced almost every type of weather during the last week, except for snow. Maybe that will be next week 😊. We only landed here last Saturday, but the city—jumbled, intriguing and lively—is already starting to feel like home. The people here are very welcoming; everywhere you go, there is always someone ready to help.

Our first Sunday (7^th January) was full of excitement (and some last-minute nerves too!). Fran, the host of Language Kingdom, provided us with all the information we needed and helped us to scout the area for the local laundrette (called ‘Pina Colada’!) and provided us with some teaching tips. With bus stops located, timetables distributed and a box of PG Tips for our breakfast table ready, we felt ready to start out on the adventure.

My school—San Juan Bosco—is located on A Coruna’s wide, sweeping seafront. It’s a two-minute walk from the bustling town centre, and there are stunning sea views from the school’s windows. The staff at the school are so friendly and warm. Within minutes of setting foot in the building, I had met my tutor, the secretary and the headmaster. Taking in my new surroundings, I could see this was a huge school. Built in a square shape, San Juan Bosco has a large playground in its centre. Primary, Secondary and Infintil (Early Years) have their own interconnected wings and the school’s large sports hall completes the square shape. As we made our way around the school, we were met by enthusiastic waving and cries of excitement from the children in their classrooms.

Merce, my tutor, has been a brilliant guide and she has made my experience at the school very enjoyable. She helps me prepare for my lessons, comes along to all my classes and provides helpful feedback on my strengths and areas to work on. She has also been encouraging me to speak Spanish with the other teachers and on Friday I managed to have a 10-minute conversation in Spanish (a little more like ‘Spanglish’, perhaps!) in the playground. All of the other teachers are also on hand to help with every step of the way, and I feel very grateful to be working in such a supportive environment.

So, what’s my teaching schedule like? 😊 I’m mainly teaching Primary, with a few Infintil and Secondary classes thrown into the mix. All my classes have been very enjoyable; I’ve been acting out actions to elicit present continuous sentences, using flashcard games to drill new vocabulary (with some fantastic actions) and singing an extremely catchy song about different parts of the house. A highlight so far has been the children’s kind and cheerful nature. One event stands out. During one of my lessons, the children needed to contribute their ideas to the board by running up and writing as my verbs as possible. Before we started, Merce pointed out that one of the boys was on crutches and the activity might be dangerous for him. Immediately the other children were happy to let him take his turn before the game began—helping him to feel included.

Today it’s Sunday and everyone is preparing for the week ahead. For me, I’m looking forward to the lessons I’m planning (superheroes and aquatic animals are among some of them). I’ll sign off now and get ready for breakfast and a cup of Earl Grey (the box of PG tips ran out on Friday 😃).

Thank you to UKLC, the schools and everyone who has helped make this trip possible.

See you!

Harry