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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
Quickly, I started to
really enjoy the work, as
I became familiar with
the school itself, the
staff and the students.
All the teachers I
worked with were
helpful, friendly and
made all the assistants
feel like they formed a
vital part of the
education process. It
was important for me to
feel involved, and I
deeply thank everyone
from the Languages
Department. Trying to
teach a language is never easy, especially to teenagers, and I
think I learned a lot about that during the time I spent with the
students and the lessons I observed. Preparing Sixth Formers
and Fifth Years for their orals, and helping Fourth Years, was
something I really enjoyed, because day after day, week after
week, you obviously start to appreciate your students, and I
believe the majority of them felt the same way. It makes it
even more enjoyable to hear the progression most of them
have made through the year - sometimes one or two weeks
before the exam, and it’s great to have some nice surprises!
Giving advice, pronunciation tips, vocabulary, etc. to pupils
who are motivated to learn from you is one of the best feelings
you can have. Seeing that your work gives something more to
the students is, I think, the most important thing. This year
helped me a lot, and definitely confirmed that I want to
become a teacher later. Moreover, at a time where many
people fear the new generation, I would tell them that there
is still hope! There are still serious, motivated and mature
pupils, and they are here at Stockport Grammar.
The whole staff are of course something I will remember for a
very long time. But I also want to say that the area is an
amazing place to live. I was a bit scared when I realised that
I would spend 8 months in the North of England (it actually
sounded very scary): I expected rain, cold, grey sky every
day...and well, I had rain and cold but so much warmth from
the people; I discovered one of the best cities I have lived in
so far and I met people from different countries who I really
enjoyed being with. I have to give a special mention to the
other assistants of SGS, Felix and Elena, whom I became
friends with after a very short time - I will miss them! Now it
is time to go back to France, to the studies. It was, of course,
too short here, but the best things always end -that’s why they
are good things (when I say “best things” I include the salmon
and chips for lunch, every blue Friday).
So, again, thanks to everybody at SGS, thanks for being what
you are, thanks to everyone I met. I wish the best for the
future to the staff and the students.
And hopefully, England, it won’t be an “adieu”, but just an “au
revoir”!
Olivier Merle
SPANISH ASSISTANT
I can’t believe that the academic year is almost finished. It
seems like only a few months ago when I first came to
Manchester and now it’s time to leave. Time does indeed
fly. I remember my first day at Stockport Grammar School,
being very impressed by the excellent level of Spanish the
students had. It was evident that this school aims to achieve
very high standards for their students in a caring and
supportive atmosphere.
Working at Stockport Grammar School has been a wonderful
teaching experience, although challenging at times, when
dealing with complex topics. However, through students’
hard work and perseverance they have made great
improvements this year.
I was grateful to be involved in the Upper Sixth debating
competition. I was very proud to see the students manage to
overcome their nerves and perform under tremendous
amounts of pressure. I thought that, in the end, they were
unlucky not to qualify for the final, achieving third position
overall.
I would like to thank the
Spanish teachers Miss
Psaila and Mrs
Christmann and all the
other teachers working
in the Languages
Department for all their
guidance and support.
Finally, I congratulate all
the students for all the
effort they’ve put into
learning Spanish and
making my year so
special.
¡Gracias por este
magnífico año y hasta
pronto!
Elena Sancho
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