FORMAL LETTER

Madrid, 10^th December 2012

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am interested in applying for a Primary School teaching position at your school.

I am 23 years old and I have just graduated from University. In 2011, I graduated from La Salle College in Teacher Training. At present, I am experienced in teaching Primary level students at three schools.

It is my goal to combine my experience with my ability to be an enthusiastic, responsible and hardworking teacher who will make a positive contribution to your school. I understand that a very good English level will be required. I currently have B2 level but I am trying to improve my knowledge to reach C1; I hope this level will meet your requirements.

Please find enclosed my CV for your consideration. As you can see, I hold a Master degree in Bilingualism and CLIL techniques. Should you find my qualifications adequate, I would be pleased to have an interview at your earliest convenience. I would appreciate your sending me some information about your school as well as work conditions.

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

           

Yours sincerely,

           

            Pablo Pérez

MY HOMETOWN: GALAPAGAR

Galapagar is a town and municipality in the northwest of Madrid. It extends on a surface of 65 km². It limits with Collado Villalba, Colmenarejo, Torrelodones, Las Rozas, San Lorenzo de El Escorial,  Moralzarzal and Guadarrama.  Furthermore, Galapagar has one of the highest average per capita incomes within the Community of Madrid.

Galapagar is located in the foothills of Mountain range of Guadarrama. It is part of the Regional Park of the Middle Course of the River Guadarrama, characterized by the predominance of the Mediterranean forest as well as by the existence of ample green areas.

The name Galapagar comes from the Spanish galápago, meaning giant tortoise, as the town centre was settled near a lake full of tortoises. That is why these animals are represented in the official seal of the municipality.

This area, largely agrarian, suffered from mid-twentieth century a massive migration from the countryside to cities, prompting the emergence of a large number of developments. This has contributed to the growth of the population residing in the township from 5,000 inhabitants in 1975 to over 35,000 today.

Population

Galapagar is the 22nd most populated municipality of the Community of Madrid. Its population has doubled in the last ten years, exceeding the altitude of 35,000 people.

At the moment, Galapagar is a dormitory town of Madrid. It counts on a good number of citizens of foreign origin (a 17% of its registered population).  It is home to many unnatural- born citizens, originating of the rest of Community of Madrid.  

Festivities

Festivals in Galapagar are celebrated every year on the 14^th of September, a holiday in honor of the Holy Christ of Mercy, patron of the town. During these days a series of activities are organized with the participation of the entire population.  These festivals stand out for the sport championships celebrated as well as popular concerts with the participation of national and international artists.

Education

In Galapagar there are 9 kindergartens, four Public Schools from kindergartens to elementary education, two High Schools and three Private Schools. It also has an educational center for adults with a wide range of training courses.

Source: Own Elaboration

TO TELL THE TRUTH, CHILDREN ARE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING...

Once upon a time, two children were skating on a frozen lake. That was a chilly cloudy afternoon but the children did not mind at all. Suddenly, the ice broke off and one of the children fell down into the water.  When the other child saw that his friend was drowning under the ice, he took a stone and hit the ice strongly until he broke it and rescued his friend.

When firefighters arrived, they wanted to know how the child saved his friend’s life since it was impossible to break a thick layer of ice with his delicate hands.

An old man who was there said: ‘I know how he got it’. ‘How?’ the firefighters asked, and he answered: ‘There was nobody around to tell him how to do it’

Source: Own translation.

This story is aimed to make the teacher think about the need of taking into account the arguments given to students. It is the teacher’s responsibility to build up the student’s self-confidence as well as help them to achieve their goals.

Teachers should not transmit their own limitations and beliefs to students because children are able to do incredible things.