December & Balancing

Well, the end of the year has arrived: December, Christmas, spreading good wishes... and time to stop and make a balance.

Precisely to start with the balance, I profited from the last class with my lovely 5th form... and I offered the students the chance to make a written reflection, either in English or Spanish, without writing down their names so as to make it absolutely honest. I asked them two questions:

1. What is the most important thing you have learnt in 5th form?

2. What suggestions can you make for next year?

I explained that the suggestions could be in relation to anything: the course, the projects, materials,  class dynamics, teacher's behaviour or explanations... anything and everything. And well... my students spoke.

They had tons of warm wishes, love and tiny hugs to my heart. But they also had suggestions, GREAT suggestions indeed. They made me realise some of my hunches were right: indeed, some projects had been too long. Yes, they had in fact loved some other projects, and wanted to keep them. And yes, definitely, they all wanted to participate in the Not Perfect Hat Club project -which, amazingly, we might be able to do next year!

And then... Oh, yes. They had QUESTIONS! They are critical thinkers. And they wanted to know, among other things: 

- Why can't we have chewing gum in class?

- Can we have shorter Cards?

- Can we have more jokes?

- Why is our school uniform so hot? (I'm not kidding!!)

I've rounded off this year with a big SMILE on my face. I feel we've all grown a lot... 

I truly believe I am now a better version of myself. And I owe this to a wonderful group of 5th formers, who taught me every day and in every little gesture that it IS possible to make a difference.