155. ¿ QUÉ PASA EN TU BIBLIOTECA ? , by R.B.S (E.S.O 1)

SONG: Luis Eduardo Aute - La belleza

¿ Qué pasa en tu biblioteca ?

  En mi biblioteca la emoción se encuentra por todas partes. En las viejas estanterías deterioradas por el paso de los años, se encuentran historias de todo tipo. La variedad es excelente. Hay desde sutiles textos narrativos hasta conmovedoras novelas de amor.

   La armonía y el silencio dominan la biblioteca. Incluso el alumno más charlatán guarda silencio por respeto a los lectores. En la biblioteca, el silencio es una ley inquebrantable.

  Para no distraer a los lectores, las paredes son de color claro agradable. Sus ventanas son enormes y aportan mucha luz natural. Es un ambiente ideal para las personas que quieran relajarse y leer.

   Las bibliotecarias son amables y siempre que tengas dudas ellas te responderán. Aunque cambiarán su personalidad agradable por una agresiva si no sigues las reglas.

   Las mesas son antiguas y preciosas. Están pintadas con una pintura gris brillante. Sus ordenadores tienen una carcasa de color negro muy elegante. Es una excelente biblioteca en la que pasar un buen rato.

154. THE BILINGUAL PROGRAMME (Seven compositions - BACHILLERATO 1)

THESE COMPOSITIONS WERE WRITTEN TWO YEARS AGO BY SEVEN STUDENTS WHO TOOK PART IN THE BILINGUAL PROGRAMME. THEY WERE ASKED TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINION ABOUT IT.

SONGS :  Barry White - You're My First My Last My 

                        Everything

                         Harry Wilson - Without You

From my point of view, the bilingual programme has been more successful than people thought it was going to be.

 When I was in primary school, English was one of the subjects that was the most difficult to me. I didn’t get very high marks. Because of that, when I started first of ESO I was not in the bilingual programme. During that year I learnt a lot, but not as much as I have in the bilingual programme. When I started second of ESO, I was in it. At first, it was difficult as I hadn’t been in it the previous year. However, I have learnt a lot throughout all these years.

I think that the most difficult aspect of the bilingual programme is to have subjects in English. This year it is Physical Education, so it is not as hard as the previous ones, but in third of ESO it was History. We learnt a lot of new vocabulary, but it was very difficult to study in spite of the fact that we have two more hours of English every week. That makes a huge difference.       

In conclusion, the bilingual programme has been a fantastic idea as people learn English very well. In addition, we are lucky since it is given in a public high-school for free.

By S.E.

If you want to learn English well the best thing you can do is to join the bilingual programme. This programme is quite good for learning just English since you can’t really learn French here.

I really like the bilingual programme as it’s very useful for our future. I’ve studied English and French in this programme. In English, you will learn to write, speak and understand everything through the years whereas in French you won’t learn much as with the other language since there are less hours and it’s not compulsory.

Everything I know about English is due to this bilingual programme, that’s why I recommend everybody to join it and experience it. One thing is clear, you will have to work hard and be persistent to get good marks because it’s not easy.

                                          

                                                                           By A.R

The bilingual programme is an excellent opportunity to increase your English level. But for that to happen, there must be qualified teachers.

In my opinion, there are good English teachers in my high school, but some of the other teachers who teach different subjects in English, are not as prepared as I think they should. But, of course, we are the first group to experience the 'bilingual' programme.

Personally, I like it as it increases my knowledge of English. Despite this, coming to English classes in the afternoon is really tiring, and it makes me be scarce of time.

But, to sum up, I think the bilingual programme has more advantages than disadvantages and I don't regret having chosen this optional programme since 1st of ESO.

                                                                                 By A.D.

The bilingual programme is a very good start for children to learn English, and as it is free, even families who can’t afford paying an academy, can get their children to learn more English than what they learn at a normal school.

In my opinion, in Spain, the way of learning English is quite disappointing, as in high school you just have three hours of it, and then you won’t have any contact with it. That means that in three hours you have to learn a language. This is quite idifficult, so it might be a waste of time. On the other hand, in the bilingual programme, you will learn some other subjects in English, what might seem more difficult, but if you really want to do it, it is not that complicated, and that will improve your level a lot, as I think that it is more important  to speak a language than learning the grammar, since when you go to an English-speaking country, many people will just skip this grammar, as people also do in Spain, and we don’t notice because we are accostumed to it.

In conclusion, I totally agree with the bilingual education system, and I hope that it will continue forever.

                                                                                     By A.S

At the age of 11, I was going to start my hard stage at the high school. I was extremely excited. Although I knew that it was going to be more difficult, I was really self-confident as I had been getting in most of my exams A+.

When I was asked if I wanted to be in the bilingual programme, I rejected the proposal. However, my mother forced me since she knew that I was going to learn more than in the non bilingual programme. On the one hand, I was going to be with most of my friends and that was a good point. On the other hand, I had to go two hours to the high school on Tuesday afternoons. This was the main reason why I didn’t want to take part in this programme.

Now, I’m really proud of having entered here since I have learnt a lot of English. Also, I have been in several camps where I have met new friends. Last year, I met up with a girl whom I had met at “The Week Camp” in first of ESO. We hadn’t changed so much, so we recognised each other. Since the summer, we have got along very well and, at this moment, I could say that she is one of my best friends; therefore, if I hadn’t chosen the bilingual programme, I wouldn’t have met her.

Another positive fact of this type of programme is that it helps you a lot with other exams that you take on your own. I mean, you know English so you can do Cambridge tests, which are going to be useful in the future. For example, I’m trying to get the B2 certificate and I’m looking forward to getting it this year or next.

To sum up, I’m grateful for having this bilingual programme at this high school for two main reasons: I have learnt a lot of English and I have met good friends.

                                                                       By J.B

When my parents offered me the possibility of joining the bilingual programme in my new high school, it didn’t take me a long time to make my decision. It seemed to me that it was an opportunity to improve my English, without the obligation of paying extra lessons out of the high school. And in spite of not knowing if it would be really hard or a waste of time (as I had never been in a bilingual programme before), I joined it.

To my satisfaction, it has turned out to be a great experience since I can appreciate how my level of English rises. Having a spare hour every Monday and Wednesday isn’t a big effort for me. Besides, those days I haven’t got athletics training, so I have enough time to do my homework.

I am also really happy to be in class with such hardworking mates, because it creates a comfortable atmosphere to work in.

All in all, having joined the bilingual programme has become an advantage for me, and though working extra hours becomes a bit tiring some days, I know that it will be really useful for my future.

By M.S.

In my opinion, the bilingual programme is a perfect choice for students as they will learn more English than if they were not studying it and it also is useful for our future as English is the most important lenguage to find a job.

Nowadays, most people go to an English School  to take the B2 exam since if you pass this exam before going to the university, you won´t have to do more English lessons. However, there are a lot of people who have already passed the B2 certificate and they are preparing for the C1  certificate. But if you choose the bilingual programme you don´t have to go to any other English School unless you want to take a higher level.

I believe that nowadays, the bilingual programme is essential for students since their English level will improve a lot.

                                                         By J.B.S 

153. WRITE AN E-MAIL TO A FRIEND DESCRIBING THE FIRST TIME YOU TRAVELLED BY AIRPLANE, by M.A.A (E.S.O 3)

SONG: Emeli Sandé - All About It

Hi, Paulina!

Two weeks ago, when you were in Sweden, I travelled to Canada by plane.

My family and I had to go to Bilbao airport because there were no flights from Santander to Canada. We arrived half an hour before the plane took off. There were a lot of people at the airport, but only my family and another family travelled to Canada. 

We went up the stairs to board the plane. I sat next to my sister whereas my parents sat together. My sister was more nervous than I was, as that was my first flight and she had already travelled to Italy by plane.

We stayed in Ottawa for a week. We returned home by plane too, but the flight was terrible. We had some turbulence on the landing. Although it was nothing serious, I got scared.

How about you in Sweden?

I hope to see you soon, lots of kisses.

152. WRITE AN E-MAIL TO A FRIEND DESCRIBING YOUR PLANS AS SHE IS GOING TO VISIT CANTABRIA IN JULY , by G.M.C (E.S.O 3)

SONG: The Calling - Wherever You Will Go

Hi Katherine!

I’m very excited about your visit. As you are going to stay here for two weeks, I’m preparing a list of activities to do and places to go in order to enjoy the summer.

I’m going to tell you about some trips that I’m thinking of doing with you, but the others will be a surprise!

We are going to do a lot of tourism since you have never been in Cantabria before.

My family and I are thinking of going to Cabárceno with you so that you know them better while we’ll all have fun in this amazing zoo. I’m sure you’ll love it!

We are going to go to the beach too. Cantabria has a lot of beautiful beaches with fine sand and clear water that you shouldn’t miss. We are thinking of going to Berria beach, Mataleñas beach, El Sardinero beach… where we’ll certainly have a great time. 

Cantabria is known for its wonderful green spaces, so I’ve planned trips to the mountain to show you its nature and different kinds of vegetation and animals.

We are also going to visit some of its fantastic natural parks. They are astonishing! I’m sure we are going to enjoy ourselves there.

We are also thinking of visiting the Altamira cave, another of the most important touristic attractions in Cantabria. There are also many interesting caves and ruins that we could visit.

As you see, we aren’t going to waste time during your stay here!

I’m looking fordware for you to visit us and I hope you’ll enjoy the activities I’ve planned. But the most important thing is that we are going to meet after all this time without seeing each other. 

We have lots of thing to talk about!

151. WRITE AN E-MAIL TO A FRIEND DESCRIBING YOUR PLANS, AS SHE IS GOING TO CANTABRIA IN JULY , by V.D (E.S.O 3)

SONG:  Marisa Monte - Ainda Bem

Dear Amanda:

I’m very happy to know that you are coming.

There are a lot of activities to do here, in Cantabria and there are places that are so beautiful that you are not going to want to go back to Brazil.

I haven’t made many plans because I want you to have some free days to do whatever you like.

First, I was thinking of going to the natural park of Cabarceno. I have been there twice and I want to go back as I love seeing the animals and all the things that this park can offer. Besides, I know that, like me, you adore the nature, so you are going to love it.

Some days after, we are going to go to Cabuernigaventura. It’s a multi-adventure park. It has trampolines, death slides, karts, a climbing wall and even paintball. We are going to spend a whole day there.

I’m also going to take you to the Altamira cave, which has some interesting prehistorical paintings and to the Magdalena Palace, which has astonishing views.

I’m also thinking of taking you to the Galizano beach. It is the best beach on which I have ever been. The water is usually warm and it has waves where we can use the paipo.

The last place I want to go with you is Pedrosa Island. It has an abandoned hotel which is chilling. I was there some days ago with my friends Albert, Gema and Carmen and I almost had a heart attack because of Albert,  who threw a stone when I was entering. There is an abandoned theatre too, but it is fenced.   

Well, those are all the activities we are going to do during your stay in Cantabria.

I hope you like the plans.

See you in July.

   Vicky.  

150. A RELATIVE I ADMIRE , by A.S. L

SONG: Nina Simone - Mr Bojangles

Nowadays, people have lots of relatives and also some have lots of friends in class. But those friends are not always there when you need them. However a relative will always be there to help you. That’s why I’m going to talk about my father.

My father is called Francisco Javier. He is very tall and thin but he has always been like that; he hasn’t changed. He also has black straight hair and sometimes he has a beard of three days. He has light brown eyes, and they are also very big like mine. But, he needs to use glasses as he can’t see very well.

He is the best father that I could have. I think he is the best as he loves me much and he is always there when I need him. Also, when I need to talk to somebody.

Some months ago, my father and I built a bicycle for me to take part in the Soapbox Races, a mountain sport  with an itinerary to complete the race, like in rallies. But, it isn’t very popular yet. I have won a prize in one of the races and it is thanks to him, to all the effort that he has made to help me to build the bicycle.

He has also helped me with some problems that I had some time ago and now I am rewarding him for that, with lots of love and so much effort to pass my subjects.

He had lung cancer and I love the way he has recovered from it, fighting and dealing with the daily problems of that disease. So that’s why I admire him so much and I try to help him a lot when he needs help.

My father is my own superhero as he has helped me a lot during these sixteen years.

149. DESCRIPTION OF A CLASSMATE I ADMIRE , by A.M.A ( Bachillerato 1)

SONG: GIORGIA - Gocce di memoria

My friend´s name is Sara. She is sixteen years old and she lives in Guarnizo. We have been friends for years and she´s one of the smartest people I have ever met.

Sara is very short and she has got long brown hair. She usually straightens it as she´s got frizzy hair. She always wears brand new clothes and dark glasses.

Sara is a very nice girl. She´s very hardworking, responsible and organized. However, she´s a little bit shy, but this is not a problem because we can spend hours and hours laughing and watching funny videos. She cares about her studies, she´s really brilliant. Sara loves arts and Lady Gaga is her favourite singer. She´s so intelligent that I used to tell her that one day, she would become the best president in the world.

Sara doesn´t talk too much with the people that she doesn´t know very well. At the beginning, we didn´t talk too much but when we were in third of ESO we became best friends.

Sara motivates me to study as I want to be as clever as she is. She´s a cheerful and energetic person with a great sense of humor.

Now we study in different high schools, and she´s going to move to Germany soon. However, I hope to keep in touch with her since I consider her the greatest person I know. 

She will always have a place in my heart.

148. WRITE A FORMAL LETTER TO A TRAVEL AGENCY COMPLAINING ABOUT A HOTEL , by G.P.C (E.SO 3)

SONG: MICHELE ZARILLO - L'elefante e la farfalla

                                                                 Calle Comillas 81, 2ºD                                                                       Santander. 39004
                                                                             Spain

    Esspex Tours 
    Customer Service Department
    Edinburgh 3W7  45fX8
            Scotland

                                                              5th February 2017

   Dear Mr Jenkins:

As you probably know, my family and I made contact with your travel agency at the beginning of last year as we were comparing different options in order to go for two weeks to Edinburgh for the summer holiday.

Finally, after you sent us all the information we asked you for, we chose to hire your services due to your efficacy and rapidity when answering and giving us all kind of varied options and reasonable prizes.

So we booked an apartment in the historic centre of Edinburgh from July 2^nd till July 18^th and we reserved some guided tours around the city to learn more about it.

Then we prepared our luggage excited by the great holiday that we were going to spend in that beautiful city.

The great day arrived and after a two hours long flight from Santander to Edinburgh we landed in the city.

Following the instructions given in your letter we took the public transport (the tram) and we went to the address written in your letter. Once we were in the street mentioned we started to look for our apartment, but we couldn’t find it.

We spent forty-five minutes asking pedestrians and going from one street to another carrying our suitcases in order to find our apartment.

We called the contact number written in the mail you sent us with the information to contact you, but nobody answered the phone.

Finally, after waiting roaming exhausted and cold in the street, the person in charge of showing us the apartment and giving us its keys appeared and guided us to a hidden building without any number nor sign.

The person explained us all and left us alone. The apartment was really old, with tall ceilings and big windows without blinds in all the rooms which couldn’t keep them warm, so it was always cold inside the apartment. It was charming in a historic way, but we needed to wear lots of clothes all the time when we were inside, and it was annoying.

And, as its walls were thin we could hear what was happening in the street so we couldn’t sleep well at night.

Another really irritating fact was the lack of cotidian essential objects like cooking utensils, blankets or cleaning tools.

As days passed we got used to the apartment and fell in love with the city and its mysterious and historical buildings, huge and splendid parks and its friendly citizens as we were learning more about it due to your wonderful and interesting tours.

We just wanted you to notify this situation to prevent the same happening to other tourists like us.

Hoping that this letter will prevent and solve these little but important problems,

      Yours sincerely,