Aurora Languages

So, after their modelling efforts today, please get in touch if you would like any tuition in the run up to the French and Spanish orals, that are happening soon. I am familiar with all the different IGCSE and GCSE exam formats, including the new AQA and Edexcel specifications.

Whether you just need some polishing or you are currently too nervous to say anything, I can help you increase your confidence to give it your best go. A few verbs and phrases as well as tips for fully absorbing the questions can go a long way.

Contact me at [email protected] or go to www.auroralanguages.org

I have a few spaces left for one-to-one tuition if you need any help with French and Spanish before the exams? Or longer term too.

Go to www.auroralanguages.org or email [email protected]

A calm, slow news report about the unusually cold spell in France at the moment and how volunteers in different areas are working with people on the streets.

Useful for the voluntary work aspect of the GCSE and A Level syllabus as well as more general weather terms connected with the "grand froid".

Grand froid : les dispositifs d’urgence renforcés partout en France Le plan grand froid est activé ce 25 décembre dans plusieurs régions de France, alors que les températures chutent fortement. Maraudes, ouvertures de gymnases et dispositifs d’urgence tentent de venir en aide aux personnes sans abri, confrontées à des conditions climatiques particulièrement...

The 'Reyes Magos' tradition will be celebrated in Spain just as we are all starting up our classes again in the UK. It's the same day as Epiphany which we have in the Christian calendar too, although it has been largely forgotten here and doesn't have the holiday status and fiesta feel that it has in Spain.

I like to mention it when I can, as it keeps the Christmas feeling alive for a bit longer, but just in case we don't have time in my classes, here is a clear overview of what happens on this special day in Spain:

The Spanish Christmas tradition of los Reyes Magos Feeling sad that Christmas has come and gone? In Spain, the season culminates on the 6th of January when children and families celebrate the arrival of _los Reyes Magos_. Who are they and why are they even bigger celebrities than Santa? Read on to find out.

"Nickel" - as they say....

A Level students (and anyone, of course), a chance to see La Haine on the big screen at The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square.

Another big result day tomorrow. Obviously I’m particularly interested to hear about French and Spanish and how my students did. Regardless of results though, you all made huge strides in so many ways over those GCSE years. You may not even be aware of some of them yet. All the best for choosing your next steps and I hope you find employers who appreciate you, when you are ready.

For Spanish students settling into the new football season, here is Jude Bellingham answering questions in Spanish after a match last year, playing for Real Madrid. Notice how confident and natural he sounds, despite one or two small mistakes. I'd be proud of him if he were my Spanish student!

PRIMERA ENTREVISTA EN ESPAÑOL DE JUDE BELLINGHAM! #bellingham #hablandoespañol

Is your teenager learning Spanish on Duolingo? It can be a good way to build up knowledge with regular practice, setting challenges and moving through different topics. But if it's getting a bit stale, try adding some of these ideas for cultural inspiration.

A quick tour of La Latina area of Madrid where the Fiestas de la Paloma are being celebrated right now. Music, colour, good food and fireworks for those who are there, but with temperatures up to nearly 40 degrees, you might want to listen to this Spanish clip somewhere cooler.

Yo soy La Latina - Barrios de Madrid My name is La Latina, and I am named after Beatriz Galindo. _____Yo soy La Latina, y me da nombre Beatriz Galindo.

Last spaces available in my online IGCSE Spanish group 9am Mondays.

If you are hoping to build on Duolingo or earlier KS3 lessons, this will take you through the course, ready for exams 2027. Small group, structured learning and plenty of past papers and speaking practice to boost your confidence nearer the exams.

Email [email protected] or go to www.auroralanguages.org for more information.