No, Madonna, time does NOT go by so slowly!

I feel like it would be sinful not to include this metaphor, therefore: what a ROLLERCOASTER it has been !!! As I come to the end of our journey (figuratively and literarily), it’s nice to spare a moment to reflect on my experience with UKLC, the school, & all the trimmings. 

When I initially discovered I would be teaching 5-18 year olds in a private school, my mind quickly pressed the internal panic alarm: how on earth was I supposed to adapt my teaching methods to such a range of students within such an ooh la la school? There’s only so much my ingenious CELTA tutors had prepared me for such an experience. Alas, to throw in another metaphor, my only option was to ride the wave and see what would ensue. With great relief, I can report that my spiralling head needed not to spin so quickly! The atmosphere in the school has been so chilled and welcoming; the student-teacher, student-student, teacher-teacher (bit of a tongue twister) relationships have all been so wholesome to observe and engage with. Many of these students have been in this school since preschool, and with the school being relatively small (200 students), the school genuinely does feel like a large, wonderfully chaotic family. As a consequence, all the initial negative connotations of ‘private school’ that I had applied soon evaporated, and I can now see the benefits and pleasures of being part of a small, ‘exclusive’ institution. 

With regard to teaching, I believe for the most part I have been able to comfortably adjust my approach with the student in reflection of their age and level. There has been a few moments where I have taught in a 1st primary class then swiftly onto 1 BACH where my supportive ‘AW Wooooowwww' teaching voice has suddenly reached the new audience in a patronising ‘is she taking the Micheal?’ manner - oops! Regardless, I think there’s an innate ability in us all as social creatures to naturally adapt to those that you are ‘performing’ to, and, in all honesty, you have absolutely no choice but to fake it until you do so!

Aside from the teaching, Valencia - Gandia, has been a dreeeeaaaamm to stay in; everywhere is naturally gorgeous and peaceful, and the city of Valencia is rich in culture and history - which has made for some very fun weekends! One thing to note, it has been rather challenging eating out as a Vegetarian/wannabe-vegan as the only option is really Patatas-bravas. As delicious as they may be, after 4 weeks of the yummy goodness, the ‘you are what you eat’ now certainly resonates with me! 

Of course, the city would not be the same without its people - and those people are the ones I had the pleasure of meeting in Chester. From the initial induction days, I could tell I had begun to solidify what would only progress into blossoming friendships with many of the gang. I have made many fond memories, and I am so grateful to be able to share the highs and lows of this experience with them. They have truly been the icing on the top of this tremendous cake!