Catching up

I knew it had been a while since I'd written on this blog, but didn't realise it had been THAT long!

But then again, since my last post, I've set up and/or delivered 19 sessions of Cambridge English Young Learners Tests.  It's always a busy, busy time  (and sometimes stressful - I must admit - making sure that each session has all the administration materials and that everyone of our team of examiners knows where to go and at what time takes some doing).  But the end is in sight and thanks to the professionalism and willingness of the YLE examiners at the Exams Centre where I work here in Cantabria, things have run smoothly like every year.

Normally, while we are inside schools, other lucky people are heading to the beach, but we haven't had that this year.

But today the sun is shining brightly!!

http://doubtfulnews.com/2013/01/tanning-as-safe-as-a-ray-of-sunshine/

Having a bit of spare time today (Saturday), meant I had time to reflect, and I started challenging myself to think of songs about the sun!!!

'Here comes the sun' came to mind of course and I posted a link to the version by Steve Harley and the Cockney Rebels on Youtube.

I also thought of 'Ain't no sunshine when she's gone' (sung by several different artists I like) of course.

And one I hadn't listened to for years - 'Sunshine after the rain' by Elkie Brooks.  Just found that and listened to it on Spotify.  'Sunshine on my shoulders' by John Denver, 'the House of the Rising Sun' by the Animals.


And I discovered a new song to add to my spotify lists - 'The sun, the trees' by Russian Red.  It's great to discover new things.

Now, time to switch off the computer and get outside .......in the sun!

But before I do, just a quick mention of a Spanish group based in Somo here in Cantabria - a great song and fantastic scenery.

Just out - TESOL Spain articles about exams

I must apologise for being a bit 'missing' as people in Spain would say.

But at the moment, my waking hours are taken up by finalising Young Learner timetables and dashing around Cantabria running sessions for the Cambridge English: Young Learners English Tests.

I keep an eye on the emails I receive and answer the urgent ones as they come in, but many are left in my inbox, waiting for a bit of spare time to look at them in more detail.

But I thought I'd mention a couple of articles in the latest TESOL Spain e-newsletter because they are both exam-related.  (And one of them happens to be written by a great friend and fellow Cambridge English: Language Assessment Presenter -  Rosie Burke)

100 Years of Cambridge English talks about how different the exams our students take nowadays are from the Certificate of Proficiency in English when it was first taken in 1913.  I for one have seen so many changes in the Cambridge English exams during the time I've been involved them and the changes seem to happen more and more frequently to keep up with changes in technology (and language too of course!)


The second article, by David Bradshaw links to his blog and includes lots of tips for things to do (and NOT to do) in a speaking exam.   David's post is very attractive, with links to videos with advice and sample speaking tests and his blog looks as if it contains lots of useful materials and ideas.  I'll be bookmarking it in my 'for later' file.

http://davidbradshawenglish.org/2013/05/27/speaking-exams-what-to-do-and-what-to-avoid/

Right - time to switch off the computer, check through the box of materials for tomorrow and switch off my mind!!!