WORKING HARD FOR OUR B2 CAMBRIDGE EXAM

 📚✨ **Working Hard for Our B2 Cambridge Exam!** ✨📚

Our 4th ESO class is fully committed to preparing for the B2 Cambridge exam. We know that success doesn’t happen by chance — it comes from dedication, effort, and constant practice.

In class, we work hard every day to improve all our skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We practise real exam tasks, do mock exams, learn useful vocabulary, review grammar, and help each other grow. Sometimes it’s challenging, but we know that every activity brings us one step closer to our goal.

Preparing for the B2 exam is not just about passing a test. It’s about building confidence, improving our English, and opening doors for our future studies and careers.

We are proud of our effort, our teamwork, and our progress. Step by step, we are getting closer to success! 💪🌍

#B2Cambridge #HardWorkPaysOff #4thESO #LearningTogether

PANCAKE DAY -SECOND EDITION-

  🥞 Pancake Day and Our Cooking Class

Yesterday in 2nd ESO we celebrated Pancake Day at school, and it was a day full of learning, laughter, and delicious food! Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a traditional celebration that takes place before the season of Lent. In the past, people used up ingredients like eggs, milk, and flour before Lent began, and making pancakes was the perfect way to do this.

In our cooking class, we had the chance to make our own pancakes. We worked in groups to measure the ingredients carefully, mix the batter, and cook the pancakes in the pan. It was exciting to flip them (some flips were more successful than others!). The classroom smelled amazing, and everyone was proud of their results.

While we were cooking, we also learned about the history and traditions connected to Pancake Day. In some places, people even take part in pancake races, where they run while flipping pancakes in a frying pan! It was interesting to see how food can be connected to culture and history.

The best part of the day was sharing the pancakes together and adding our favorite toppings. Some chose sugar and lemon, others added chocolate spread or fruit. It was not just about eating—it was about working together, learning new skills, and understanding traditions from the past.

Learning about traditions while having fun makes school even more special. Pancake Day was a perfect example of how education can be hands-on, meaningful, and enjoyable at the same time.

Gymnastics classes in 2ºESO

 During the second term the students of 2ºESO practice different skills and specific elements that they must know to build their own exercise. Among these skills we can highlight rolls (forward and backward), vertical jumps, rotations, balances (such as handstand and headstand) and supports (like the nail and the bridge). Besides this, the students have to perform other skills like the horse jump.

The work is accompanied by Bach´s music which helps them concentrate and creates an atmosphere  suitable for gymnastics.

 

Teamwork and Orienteering in Action

 Our 3ºC students have recently taken part in a cooperative orienteering gymkhana designed to combine Physical Education and English in a practical and motivating way. This activity challenged them to work together while using English as their main language of communication throughout the different stages of the course.

Throughout this unit in Physical Education, we have been working on basic orienteering skills such as map reading, spatial awareness, and decision-making. During the gymkhana, students had to complete different physical challenges in groups while following instructions and communicating in English. The focus was not only on physical performance, but also on teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication.

Participating in this activity allowed students to experience how important collaboration is when facing challenges. They organised roles within their teams, supported each other, and used English as a real tool to solve problems and move forward in the course. Beyond completing the tasks, the most valuable achievement was strengthening their team spirit and confidence in using a foreign language in a practical context.

Congratulations to 3ºC for their positive attitude, effort, and enthusiasm.

We look forward to many more active and collaborative learning experiences!

 

A SUCCESSFUL DEBUT IN REGIONAL ATHLETICS COMPETITION

 We are proud to share that our selected athletics students have taken part, (for the very first time), in a regional championship in the Community of Madrid, achieving excellent results and representing the school with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Throughout the first term in Physical Education, we have been working on relay techniques, jumping, and endurance running. These sessions have focused not only on improving physical performance, but also on teamwork, perseverance, and confidence, values that were clearly reflected during the competition.

Participating in an event of this level has been a fantastic experience for our students. They showed commitment, respect for their peers and competitors, and a true passion for sport. Beyond the results, which were outstanding, the most important achievement has been their personal growth and the opportunity to put classroom learning into practice in a real sporting environment.

Congratulations to all participants for their effort, attitude, and dedication.

We look forward to many more experiences like this!

 MEET OUR 2025-26 LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS!                    

Riley: Hello everyone! My name is Riley Nieboer and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michigan is considered to be in the Midwest of the United States, and it is surrounded by five Great Lakes! I live about a 30 minute drive from the beach, where I love spending time when the weather is nice. I studied Elementary Education and English as a Second Language in university and wanted to pursue a career in education outside of the United States. I picked Madrid because I wanted to learn more about the culture and live in a beautiful and vibrant city. Teaching abroad merges my two passions: working with students and travelling. I also wanted to practice my Spanish! I am looking forward to the rest of the year here at IES Calatalifa, as I have enjoyed getting to know the teachers and students so far.

Melanie: Hi! I'm Melanie Santiago, and I'm from Chicago, a big welcoming city filled with culture, good food, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. I've always loved working with children, which is why I'm so excited to be teaching this year. I'm thrilled to be living in Madrid, practicing my Spanish, and traveling whenever I can. I can't wait to learn from my students and be part of this community!

Charlie: Hello! My name is Charlie and I'm from Oxford in the UK. Oxford is famous for its university and its beautiful architecture. I recently graduated from the University of Bristol in Theatre & Spanish and have come to Spain through the British Council. I love Spain and I'm really liking living in Madrid for the first time! I've taught English in Argentina and Guatemala before so I'm excited to continue teaching at IES Calatalifa!

David: Hello! My name is David and I am from Los Angeles in California. In my free time I enjoy learning languages, cooking, and watching baseball. I wanted to teach in Spain because I am passionate about teaching and learning about new cultures. Working with all of the amazing staff at IES Calatalifa has made my first few months in Spain an incredibly enriching experience.

Emily: Hi everyone! My name is Emily and I'm from San Francisco, California. San Francisco, which is on the west coast of the USA, is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, redwood trees, and sourdough bread. I came to Spain because I love Spanish culture and am excited about the opportunity to learn a new language and travel. In the future I hope to work with youth in the mental health field, so I felt this was all around the perfect opportunity. So far I am really enjoying my time here in Madrid, and I look forward to the rest of the year! Working with the IES Calatalifa staff and students has been such a great and positive experience that I am so grateful for.

GLOBAL SCHOLARS

Some of our 2nd ESO students in the bilingual groups are taking part in Global Scholars, an international program that connects young people around the world to share ideas and create projects related to the UN 2030 Agenda.

This year’s theme is “Food and Our Cities.”
We’re excited to share a beautiful digital recipe book featuring healthy Spanish dishes created by students in classes 2A and 2D.
Take a look at the link — we’re sure you’ll be impressed!

https://www.storyjumper.com/book/read/186423211/6937d4b401fd0