Another in our occasional guest posts from our teachers, this time Nicky Hayes. Nicky has been working at LSI for about 4 years, mainly teaching the executives.
"Another day at LSI. Teachers arrive early because there are always last minute things to do before the students arrive. It’s a good time to exchange ideas and just generally talk about any issues that may have arisen the day before.
The students begin to arrive about 9.15, so the teacher has to make sure that the classroom is ready. Then at 9.25 the staff room empties as the teachers go to their classrooms.
For me it’s always on the upper floors, so it’s a climb up the stairs carrying books, handouts and another class materials ………... good exercise, that’s why I don’t take the lift.
The class runs until 10.45 when we have a break. Time for a coffee, very reviving. It also gives teachers and students a chance to mix and speak in an informal way (an ideal opportunity for teachers to check what the students have learned). Then it’s back to class until 12.15 when many people go straight to the cafeteria on the second floor for lunch. Good fresh food always available. During the lunchtime the teachers not only prepare lessons, but also have time for social chit chat.
The afternoon class starts at 1.45 (the pudding shift). As a teacher this is always the hardest class, as students have had a nice long break and eaten lunch so they are very relaxed. I usually motivate the students through proactive exercises where they have to lead.
After the afternoon coffee break at 3.15, the final class of the day, at least for me, is always the most fulfilling, as the students are always very focused after three classes and are totally ‘in English’.
At the end of the day, 4.30, teachers, including myself, take time to pass on any relevant information about the days events to their line managers. Then, it's time to bid a fond farewell to LSi for another day."
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| Nicky in a serious discussion - probably about golf! |
The first mention of Portsmouth as a Naval town was in 286AD by a Roman captain sent to investigate piracy ;-). The history is pretty sketchy after that, but a thousand years or so later Portsmouth was well established as one of the best known Naval towns in the world. Home to the Royal Navy, it has an incredibly rich history, and although a lot was destroyed during the second world war, there is still a great deal standing. Below are just a few highlights of what can be seen on a stroll round the old town.
