News from Birmingham City University

UN IDIOMA, UN PAÍS, UNA ILUSIÓN... ¡HASTA SIEMPRE!

2011-07-24T18:32:00.000+01:00

Un año más cerramos nuestros cursos de Idiomas, con la confianza que todos nuestros estudiantes hayan alcanzado los objectivos que nos habíamos marcado.

Quiero pues, agradecer desde aquí, en primer lugar, todo el trabajo llevado a cabo por los directores de grupo y los monitores responsables de cada uno de ellos. Asimismo, agradezo a los padres la confianza que habéis tenido con Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

Con el deseo de que todos terminemos de pasar un feliz verano en familia, que San Jose Manyanet bendiga cada uno de vuestros hogares y hasta siempre.

P. Antonio Sorribes S. F.
Director de Idiomas Padre Manyanet

DAY OF FAREWELLS

2011-07-23T00:08:00.000+01:00

Today, it is a special day because it is the last day in BCU. After 3 weeks, friendship has grown between the kids and they are going to miss the time in Birmingham, once they can notice it's the end.

After having breakfast, they went to class to practise for the festival. During the meals, the students could sit wherever they wanted as it was a special occasion, wjat they enjoyed a lot.

Then, we had the festival. There were 4 performances, one from each group of class. Each teacher prepared a different show such as dancing a song, representing a play, inventing a song or explaining their experience in England. Between the performances we could enjoy some videos recorded in the skating and the gymkhama.

Skating video

Gymkhama video

Once we finished, the leaders gave the prizes to the winners, and marks, a pendrive and a diploma.

Finally, we were able to see the Lip Dub.

When the festival was finished, kids went to their bedrooms to finish their suitcases and dressing up for the disco. They had dinner and a few minuts later the whole room turned into a disco Ball, with the leaders being the DJs.

They had a really good time, although on the last 30 minutes, some people started to cry because they knew it was finishing and all the memories came to their minds. They are going to miss it.

Finally, we went to our bedrooms saying goodbye to their mates from other cities, who are not sharing the same plane.

It was a really good day and we are going to keep it forever in our minds.

Leaders

FINAL LIP DUB RECORDING

2011-07-21T20:51:00.001+01:00

Today, we got up at the same time as everyday and we went to have English breakfast (sausages, eggs and bacon) but with one difference, we had boiled eggs in spite of fried eggs.

Later, we went to class and Josh and Satty's groups made a listening and speaking exam. Today's break time was in the gym because the weather was bad and it was raining. Some partners played football while others remain sit talking.

After an hour and a half of class, we had an special class because the leaders made a dance once we finished our meal, and Agus explained us some jokes.

Afterwards, we had an hour of English activities. After lessons, we went to the swimming pool to have a bath or play sports.

When we arrived to BCU, we recorded the first part of the lip dub in the dinning room. We had dinner and then we recorded the second part of the lip dub in the office and in the classes.

Now we are writing the blog while our partners are playing different games like inventing histories, saying tongue twisters as fast as we can, and trying to guess musics. After all, we are going to our kitchen and later we are going to sleep.

Maria M., Andrea & Maria P.

A DAY IN ALTON TOWERS

2011-07-20T22:45:00.002+01:00

Today it is a special day because we went to Alton Towers. We wake up at 7.15h and we had a shower. Our leaders gave us the packed breakfast and packed lunch and we took the coach. We were so nervous before we had no idea of Alton Towers except of the comments from the people who went last year.

Once we arrived, we divided in groups we chose for moving in the park. We rode lots of atracctions as Rita, Oblivion, Nemesis, Air... The fastest one is Rita, but the one we liked the most is Nemesis. Some people didn't wanted to ride in best atractions because they though that other atractions were also good and they decided to go to Thirteen and Sonic Splinball.

During the return trip, some people fell asleep because the tiring day.

In BCU, we had dinner and we went to our bedrooms to prepare the suticase. Later on, we went to our kitchens for 15min and finally we went to sleep.

It was an amazing day

Diego S, Iñigo & Francesc

RECORDING 3rd PART OF LIP DUB

2011-07-19T21:26:00.001+01:00

Today we woke up at the same time as every day, but it is the last day for writing our diaries, because when we arrive to our rooms our leaders are taking them to choose the best diary.

We went to have breakfast, but we could enjoy some croissants and chocolate napolitan, not as the last days we had English breakfast. Also as every day, we could have toasts and cereals. After having breakfast, we went to class for an our and a half and we did an exam. Then we had the break and we returned to have an other hour and a half of lessons. Satty's group practised Romeo & Juliet performance and we had a break dance class.

After the class, we had lunch and we had omelet with fries, also with vegetables.

Once had lunch, we went to the train station to take the train for going to the Bullring for last time this summer camp. Everybody bought lots of things for the family, friends or himself. When we returned we had Mexican dinner. After we have gone to the Sports Centre to prepare and record the 3rd part of the lip dub. We had some problems because we rehearsed twice, and when we were going to record it, it was time to go, and other people entered in the court, and didn't let us record the final one. We are lucky for recording the first try, and it was good enough for accept it.

Now we are writing the blogs while our partners are watching a film or phoning their parents. Later we are going to pay the medals and penalties and of course, finally going to have a good time to the kitchens.

Marina & Carlota

OUR LAST MONDAY IN BCU

2011-07-18T21:30:00.001+01:00

Today in the morning, we had the usual Monday, but with the difference that we are beginning our last summer week in Birmingham. However, at class time Josh and Satty's groups did a level test while the others did a revision.

At lunch, we ate pizza with the English teachers instead of the leaders. After, we had another hour of lessons and Satty's husband tough to Satty's class break dance. The rest of the classes where doing projects about London and practicing their speaking.

Later, we went to the swimming pool and some mates swam and the others played different sports as basket, football, table tennis or badmington.

Then we returned and had dinner. When we finished we went to the sports center to play dodge ball. However, this time we only played half and hour because we had to practice the final choreography of the lip dub.

Now we are writing the blog and our partners are starting Sherlock film and phoning their families.

Once we finish, we are going to our respective flats to have a good time in our kitchens. Then we are going to sleep.

Dani E. & Rodrigo & Pablo Valle

QUIZ DAY!

2011-07-17T20:58:00.002+01:00

Today we got up at 8.15h because we went to the mass at eleven o'clock. It was quite long but with beautiful music, and at the end we could met the prayer.

After, we returned to BCU to have lunch in the kitchens the food we bought last week with our leaders, and prepared a little party. As well, some people from last year that are now with families, came to visit us and had lunch with us. It was a really good surprise because we didn't expect them to come. When we finished, we had free time. Some partners played football, others just talked or did their diary.

At 4.15h we went to the gym to practised the lip dub choreography. Edu and Anna showed us the dance all the group is going to do. Then, we played some funny games such as the macaroni game or the handkerchief one.

Next, we went to have dinner, but nobody was hungry because we ate so much at noon. Once we finished, we went to do a Quiz. The topics were BCU, English food, trips and leaders. There were easy question but also very difficult ones. Oxford won and London was the last.

Now, we are writing the blog and our partners are watching Romeo & Juliet. Finally, we are going to celebrate in our kitchen Carlota's Saint's day.

Carmen, Belen & Snow

A SHORT EXCURSION TO OXFORD

2011-07-16T21:42:00.003+01:00

Today we had our daily typical English breakfast, and then we had some lessons. During the break we didn't go to the place we usually go because it was raining, so we went to a gym located in the same building, and we could play football and get relax.

Later on,we have had the lunch and we went to Oxford, which is a very beautiful city. The visit was so fast, but we could enjoy a bit part of it. Oxford has one of the most important Universities of the world, the most important of England, at the same level as Cambridge. Once in the city, we saw some colleges and libraries, the theatre and the different campus of the University. We also walked next to Alice in Wonderland shop, whose writter was born in Oxford. Moreover, we went next to the library where Harry Potter's dinning room was filmed. We could guess the shape of the dinning room of the film, but we weren't able to enter. Once the visit has finished, the leaders gave us some free time. During it, most of the people bought a jumper or a shirt of Oxford, for themselves or as a present.

Half an our later, we went to took the coach to come back to BCU. When we arrived, we left in our bedrooms all we had bought and we went to have dinner. For having dinner, as for having lunch, we had pasta, but instead of spaguetti, for dinner we could have macaroni. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough pasta for everybody so some partners had to took other things.

Now we are going to see Romeo & Juliet, in order to prepare our activities.

Diego B, Luis & Roberto

ANOTHER SKATING DAY

2011-07-15T21:04:00.001+01:00

Today, before going to have breakfast, we had a shower. After the meal, we went to class. When the 1st part of our lessons were finished, we had the break, and then we went again to class. Once finished we had lunch.

Friday's afternoon activity is ice skating, so we left the dinning room for catching the coach to go to the ice rink. It was so funny, but this time there were some people that fall down. We also saw a little kid about 5 years old who skate perfectly; we were astonished.

Coming back to BCU, we were given some study time for writing the blog, in our case, and the diary, in our partners' case. We dressed up our sport clothes and we went to have dinner.

For practising sport, we were divided in 2 teams who played baseball and the other 4 teams played basketball. Well, they played baseball until the rain started. Then we had to mix teams and we played all together basketball.

Afterwards, we went to have a shower and later on to watch the film called Romeo & Juliet.

Now we are going to the rooms, wear our pyjamas and going to the kitchen to have the snack, and finally going to sleep.

Maria Garcia, Iciar & Esther

PRESENTATION OF THE LIP DUB

2011-07-14T21:40:00.004+01:00

Today, we had English breakfast as we have been having for all the week. After, we went like other days to the classes. Then, we had the lunch. Once we finished the afternoon classes we went to the sports center. Some of us played table tennis, football, basketball, badmington while others went to the swimming pool.

When we arrived at BCU, we had dinner. During the dinner, Anna explained us the lip dub and we practised the different parts of the video. These parts are the bedrooms, dinning room and the sports center. It was really funny to know every detail, because it is full of personal references. In our opinion, it will be such an interesting activity.

Later, we went to the computer room to write this blog. Meanwhile, our partners are paying the medals and the penalties. This money is going to be used to buy he presents of the winners of the different activities. All this it is done for motivating us to talk in English.

Afterwards, we are going to go to our kitchens to enjoy the snack with our friends and leader.

Adri G, Adrian T, Rafa D & Dani R

LONDON DAY

2011-07-14T21:38:00.004+01:00

Today it was a special day because we went to London. We got up earlier than everyday, at a quarter past seven, because our trip to London was so long.

Once we arrived to London, we firstly visited the Natural History Museum. We couldn't enter because there was a lot of queue. We began our walk in London walking next to Harrods, a mall like Corte Ingles for the richest people in London because its high prices. Then we visited the Buckingham Palace. We were lucky to see the change of guard. We moved to the Trafalgar Square to see the National Gallery. To finish our morning visit, we went to the Westminster to see the Big Ben and the London eye.

We had lunch in St James Park the packed lunch we were given in the morning.

Afterwards, we went to Piccadilly Circus where we entered to a very big souvenirs'shop where we could buy any souvenir we want from London.

Finally we took the coach to see the Tower Bridge of London, and later on returning to Birmingham. When we arrived, we had dinner and we went to sleep earlier because we were so tired!

We enjoyed a lot this day in London, and we went to bed with a big smile

Laia, Claudia & Anna

London

LONDON DAY

2011-07-13T22:46:00.000+01:00

We arrived just an hour ago and we are so tired.

Our day in London was fantastic and this year route was different from last year's one. We really had a good time, but we walked a lot so we are a little tired.

We decided to write the blog tomorrow, so you are having news from us tomorrow.

Kind regards to everyone who reads us.

The leaders

WE ARE PUNISHED

2011-07-12T21:18:00.003+01:00

Today we began our day as everyday, having breakfast and going to classes when we finished. When going to have lessons, Josh and Satty's groups went together to take their lessons. It was funny doing it because we had a good time but it's better taking them separately because we learn more.

In classes we represented Romeo and Juliet, and David, one of the three writer's of today blog, took Romeo's character and he did it his best. Once classes finished we had lunch and went to our kitchens.

In the afternoon, it was planned to go to the Bullring, but we didn't. Our flat leaders explained in our kitchens that we weren't going to the Center of Birmingham because our bad behaviour during the last days and we were punished without going. They also explained that on Sunday we are going to eat in our own kitchen so we spent Bullring's time for going to ASDA and buying some food for Sunday. We went to One Stop where this supermarket is located and there we could have some free time.

Volleyball was the sport chosen for today. Once we finished we stayed in our flats and we had our speeches there, speeches that gave information about tomorrow visit to London.

Now we are going to have the snack and then go to sleep.

David B, Miguel and Pau

GETTING READY FOR THE LIP DUB

2011-07-11T21:17:00.001+01:00

Today, we had English breakfast for beginning the day with energy with eggs, sausages, toasts and fruit. We had normal classes and then we did the brake on the grass where we could play cards with our friends. We returned to class again were we talked about Shakespeare's plays as Romeo & Juliet.

Once we finished our classes we went to have lunch having pizza and some vegetables we usually take as tomatoes or lettuce. To finish our daily lessons we did English activities in which we finished learning Katy Perry's song "Firework", that is so important for doing a perfect Lip Dub.

Later on, we caught the bus for going to the swimming pool. Half of our partners went to have a bath and the other half enjoyed playing basketball, badmington, table tennis and volleyball.

Afterwards, we had dinner. We had a new plate: sausages with mashed potatoes. We also could have vegetables and some pasta. Then we went to play dodge ball as we did last Monday, but competing against another team.

When we finished sport time, we went to our bedrooms to write the diary and have a shower.

Finally, we are going to Romeo & Juliet, the film related to our lessons, which we worked a lot.

Alicia, Patricia & Maria C.

DAY OF THE OPPOSSITES (Mass & Gymkhana)

2011-07-10T20:00:00.001+01:00

Today was a good day because we had no obligations because it was no necessary to go to class, and we enjoyed it a lot.

In the morning, we got up15 minutes later because we had to go to mass at 11.00h. We were given some mass books for being able to follow what the priest was saying and singing too. Once finished the mass we had a walk to the centre of Birmingham where we could walk through the Canals. We also visited the Mail Box, the Symphony Hall and finally St Philips Cathedral.

For having lunch we separated in three groups for going to the different McDonald's. We enjoyed a lot having eaten in the burger company because when we have free time, we sometimes go there and this time it wasn't necessary.

We left Birmingham for coming back to BCU where we did the Harry Potter's gymkhana. It was different from last year because we have to stand the trials of the gymkhana to get the clues who said who killed Voldemort. Ricard did a good job because each group had a different murder, weapon and place, as playing Cluedo. The funniest trial was "Are you a phantom or not?" in which we had to move our partners above our head.

After the gymkhana we went to dinner, but it wasn't as good as we wanted because there weren't the meals we like as pasta. Now we are writing the blog while our friends are watching the film

Javier G. & Daniel Diestre

SHAKESPEARE'S DAY

2011-07-09T21:31:00.001+01:00

Today we woke up, dressed up and met the other children in front of the buildings for going together to have breakfast. When we finished our leader took us to the different classes.

After the first lesson we had the break but today it wasn't outside as the last four days, it was in a gym. Once finished, we went again to the class.

For having lunch we could take raviolis but I didn't eat them because, personally, I don't like them. Later, we went to Stratford, because today we had a half day visit.

Stratford is the city where Shakespeare lived and died. We saw the Avon river, Shakespeare's house and the church but we couldn't enter inside due to there was a wedding. When we finished the visit the leaders gave us some free time to buy souvenirs. At six o'clock we must be ready to return to Birmingham.

We arrived to our bedrooms and we spend our time writing the postcards, the diary and talking with our parents. Then, we went to have dinner.

Now, we are going to finish Ice age, to recount the medals and penalties, to listen Anna's speech and to pray. Finally, we are going to go the kitchen before we go to sleep. We enjoyed a lot this day!

Marta B. & Paula

Stratford

SKATING DAY

2011-07-08T21:11:00.003+01:00

Today we woke up at eight o'clock and we went to have breakfast but we changed the dinning room and we could sit as we wanted. After having some lessons we had a break in a garden next to all building. Later, we came back to class again.

Once we had lunch we went to the Ice rink. There, we could enjoy ice skating, some partners had skated before but for some of us it was the first time. I learned that is very funny when you go fast!

Sequentially, we came back to the university and we went to play basketball. Firstly, we were going to split in two sports: baseball and basketball. However, it rained so all of us had to play basketball.

Later on, we came to finish Ice Age.

Pablo Villacorta & Pedro

LIP DUBBING

2011-07-07T20:40:00.003+01:00

Today we went to breakfast where we could have scrambled eggs, toasts, sausages, bacon and some fruit. We then went to English class and later to brake time. We did it in a garden and after we returned to class. There we did some exercises of conversation.

At lunch time we could enjoy chocolate muffins. When we finished we returned to English lessons. Later we had to wait for the coach for going to the UB (University of Birmingham) sport center. Once we had fun in the swimming pool, we returned to the campus. Then we went to have dinner and that who couldn't enjoy the muffin at the lunch could do it at the dinner.

Afterwards, we were moved to the theatre and the leaders explained us how to do a lip dub, an activity we are going to do during the next weeks. We were shown some lip dubs from other schools and university from where we took some ideas we can bear with them!

Now we are going to see Ice Age after having a nice time thinking about the perfect lip dub.

Maria A. & Marta V.

A VISIT TO BATH

2011-07-06T21:22:00.006+01:00

Today we went to Bath by coach. It took as two hours and a half to arrive. When we arrived we saw a fighter plane flying over our heads. It was cool!

After that, we went to the Roman Baths. There, they gave us a thing (like a telephone) to hear the information of it. We were very surprised with the hot water of there. Then the leaders took us to the centre were we had lunch in front of The Royal Crescent. It was very large, big and nice.

Later, the leaders gave us some free time to buy presents for our families. Rafa and me, bought some biscuits and Candies. Finally, we took the coach to return to Birmingham. In the coach we made some jokes with our friends. Some of them were very funny!

Now we are going to finish the film Rio. In our opinion, it is a little bit boring.

Rafa & Bosco

Bath

FIRST VISIT TO BULLRING

2011-07-05T21:12:00.001+01:00

Today was an amazing day. In the morning, the leaders gave us the name of our English teacher. In my class we talked and we learned about how to keep a conversation.

In the afternoon we went to a shopping center in Birmingham called Bullring. We arrived there travelling by train.

When we arrived my sister, my friend and me got very surprised, it was so big and there were so many shops and people!! I bought a chocolate ice cream despite being so expensive. Later, I bought too wristbands and lots of sweets. It was so funny!

After having dinner, we played volleyball. Our team that is Alton Towers won 3-1. I finished the game with a red hand because of hitting the ball so hard. However, we enjoyed a lot! I think my other partners played so good.

Now, we are continuing watching the film we started yesterday: Rio

Fernanda & Maria Luisa

A SECOND AMAZING DAY!!!

2011-07-04T21:51:00.004+01:00

Today we have gotten up at a new place, at Birmingham. Then we've taken the typical and English breakfast, in our opinion it was quite good. After, we have gone to do the level test. There were 2 groups for doing it; one group was compound by the youngest partners and the other one by the rest.

We have done a break after it and before restarting the lessons. Once we have arrived to the class, the teacher has given us the lyrics of a song: "Fireworks" (Katy Perry) and we had to fill in the gaps. Then we have sing it. At one o'clock, we have taken the lunch. Therefore, we have played with a barbie ball at class.

Later we have gone to the Sport Center by coach. We could choose between swimming pool and different sports as basketball, tennis, badminton and table tennis. After it, we had dinner and then we have played dodge ball and then we have taken a shower.

Finally, our partners are watching Rio and we are writing this blog.

Iker & Alvaro

FIRST DAY

2011-07-03T21:34:00.002+01:00

Today we begin our summer camp in Birmingham. We first met at the airports of Madrid and Barcelona where our leaders were waiting for us. We took our planes and we have fun in the plane by meeting our new partners and talking again with friends with we spend this summer camp last year.

First to arrive were Barcelona' students. We have dinner at BCU and once we finished, our mates from Madrid arrived. Some of them knew each other from last year and a big smile appear in their faces.

Madrid ' students have dinner and then Anna gave us some advice and some rules we must acomplish. It was a tiring day, and we need to rest.

Welcome to our BCU 2011 blog

2011-07-03T21:15:00.000+01:00

Aquí intentaremos informar del día a día del Cursillo de Idiomas que tendrá lugar el próximo mes de julio en la Birmingham City University, organizado por Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

Los artículos seran redactados por los propios alumnos. También intentaremos ir publicando fotografías de las diferentes actividades que realicemos.

En el menú de la derecha hemos añadido enlaces a los diferentes blogs de la organización, un álbum de fotos provisional que iremos actualizando periódicamente con las fotos de nuestras actividades, enlaces a webs de las diferentes visitas que tenemos programadas y un calendario en donde poder consultar la actividad diaria.

Esperamos, que como en anteriores ocasiones, sea un espacio de gran utilidad para todos.

¡Hasta pronto!

UN IDIOMA, UN PAÍS, UNA ILUSIÓN...

2011-06-07T21:33:00.003+01:00

Un saludo desde los diferentes “blogs” de nuestra página Web, con el deseo que se haga realidad el lema escogido para este Verano 2011: “Un idioma, un país, una ilusión…”

Así pues, que todos y todas sepamos aprovechar esta oportunidad de aprender, mejorar y profundizar nuestros conocimientos del inglés y que verdaderamente nuestro aprendizaje sea del todo exitoso. Que los nuevos amigos/as nos ayuden a conseguir los objetivos que nos proponemos realizar: divertirnos aprendiendo y madurar en nuestro ser personas.

Feliz estancia a todos en cada uno de los lugares escogidos, dentro de nuestra Organización de Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

P. Antonio Sorribes
Director

HASTA SIEMPRE

2010-08-08T13:45:00.001+01:00

Un año más cerramos nuestros cursos de Idiomas, con la confianza que todos nuestros estudiantes hayan alcanzado los objectivos que nos habíamos marcado. Quiero pues, agradecer desde aquí, en primer lugar, todo el trabajo llevado a cabo por los directores de grupo y los monitores responsables de cada uno de ellos.
Asimismo, agradezo a los padres la confianza que habéis tenido con Idiomas Padre Manyanet. Que todos terminemos de pasar un feliz verano en familia y hasta siempre.

P. Antonio Sorribes S. F.
Director de Idiomas Padre Manyanet

THIS IS THE END

2010-07-23T19:42:00.005+01:00

Today we got up at the normal time. Then we went to have breakfast and have classes. When we finished, we went to have lunch and to continue to the theatre for the Final Festival.

The first thing we did was the penalty, where we chose a prize for playing the medals game, beggining from those whose were the best.

After a little break, we enjoyed the performances prepared by the groups of classes, helped by the teachers. Then the medals and prizes were given; sports medals, best diaries prizes and best effort. Finally, the Director P. Sorribes gave us the certificate of BCU and the Idiomas Manyanet one, adding a little present. To finish with the Festival, we saw a photo presentation about our trip in England this year.

Now we are going to the Disco and we are going to have fun.

Leticia & Maria A.

LAST SWIMMING POOL DAY

2010-07-22T21:05:00.005+01:00

We started a new day. After having breakfast we had classes. Today in class we did a test for the final marks that are going to be given tomorrow. When we finished we went to the break time. The shop was closed, something that made some people got sad. We returned to class and we practiced the song and the dancing. When we finished, we went to have lunch. Then, we went to our last day of swimming pool, that we enjoyed playing tennis, badminton, table tennis or swimming.

Last match had been done, baseball was today's sport, and the Butterflies team was the first, while Eagles and Platypus drew.

Finally, we are going to see a chapter of the TV series "Heroes" and then pay the penalties. Then we are finishing our diary and having the snack.

Curiosity: Today was the last day of swimming pool and Laura and Pablo swam with us.

Angela & Nieves

WHERE THE MAGIC NEVER ENDS

2010-07-21T21:00:00.002+01:00

Today we've waken up early, but for a nice reason, a special trip to the place "where magic never ends". After having breakfast, we took our bus to go to Alton Towers. There we had the chance to ride lots of rides as Air, Rita, Sonic Spinball, Oblivion, Nemesis, Congo River Rapids....

The Air's ride was very funny and curious because we became in Superman for a few seconds. Rita's one is one of the fastest rides of Europe, because its beggining is electrifying. There is also a Skyride in the park for moving fastly between the different rides.

At 13:00 we had to met for eat in the park of the entrance and then we came back to the rides since 5:30 pm. Then we returned to BCU and we went to the bedrooms. After that wehad dinner. Now we are returning to our bedrooms and tidying them up, finish our diaries and then go to sleep.

Curiositiy: We were so lucky because it started to rain when we were leaving the park to came back to BCU.

Sara S. & Laura S.

LAST CHANCE TO GO SHOPPING

2010-07-20T21:03:00.004+01:00

As every day, after having breakfast and doing the first half of classes, we went to the break. When we returned to class, we spent our time playing games in english.

After having lunch we went to the train station to caught a train that brought us to Birmingham. Once we arrived, we divided in three groups. Today the visit was very short so we could have a lot of free time to go shopping and buy gifts for the family.

In the evening, we returned to BCU and put our tracksuits to have dinner and practise sport then. The dinner was special because it could be the best of the campus, fajitas, Mexican food

Footbal is the sport we practised today and when we finished we went to have a shower.

At this moment, we are going to watch the film "Enchated" and have time to phone our parents. Then we are doing the meeting and returning to our residencees to have the snack.

Curiosity: Today we had a lot of time to do shopping because it is the last day in Birmingham center.

Alvaro & Albert M.

STARTING THE 3rd WEEK

2010-07-19T20:50:00.008+01:00

Today, as we have been doing for the previous week, we had english breakfast and then went to classes. When we arrived to class we had a little suprise because Miss Rogers was back.

We did classes and we also practised the dance we are going to show in the Festival. During the break, we lost a ball of table tennis while we were playing. Then we continued our classes and went to have lunch.

Once finished our meal, we returned to the classroom to play and go to other classes. Then, as the last monday, we went to the Sports UB (University of Birmingham) and we could swim, play tennis or practise, again, the dance.

Finally, we had dinner and sports time; basketball was the sport chosen for today.

Now we are going to continue watching the film.

David C. & Fernando

MCDONALDS & CINEMA, PERFECT DAY

2010-07-18T19:17:00.007+01:00

Today in the morning, we got up 30 minutes later because there weren't classes. We had breakfast and the we went to mass.

When we leave the University to have lunch, we usually have packed lunch, but today was a very special day because we went to eat to McDonald's. There we could choose the McMenu we preferred having hamburger or nuggets, fries and a drink. We had a nice time there because we really liked the food.

After having lunch, we had 30 minutes of free time in the Bullring and then we met to go to the cinema. We saw the film "Shrek Forever After". There we met the people who are staying with English families in Aston. Next we took the train to arrive to BCU where we went to tidy our bedrooms and then had dinner.

Finally we are having a meeting related to medals and penalties and then we will go to sleep.

Curiosity: The film started 1h 30min later, and we had to wait for the beggining of it in a room next to the screen room.

Paula T. & Belen M.

SHAKESPEARE'S COUNTRY

2010-07-18T18:58:00.009+01:00

Today we had an english breakfast, again, a meal that not everybody likes. Next, we went to the classes and there weren't normal because Chanel, the niece of Miss Leane, came to our class. She asked our our questions and she talked about her life in England.

When we finished the lunch, we took the bus and we went to Stratford (in Stratford country). There we saw a lot of things related to Shakespeare and later we had free time to bought some souvenirs. When we returned to BCU we had dinner, but cold dinner that was not as good as the normal one. Finally we went to our bedrooms without watching the film because it was a busy day.

In our flats we used our time to practise our dances and finish the personal diary.

Marti S. & Elena C.

DANCE & SKATE

2010-07-16T20:46:00.005+01:00

Today, after having breakfast, we went to class and we practised for the dance with the song "Like a boy". Then we went to have lunch and we, today, only ate vegetables.

After the meal, we took the bus to the Sollihul's Ice Rink to spend one hour skating. Although we had a very good, some people fell down, getting a fright with a particular case, that ended in only a bruise.

When we finished, we returned to BCU and we had an hour to do personal things as tidying up our room, finishing the diary, etc. At 6 o'clock we had dinner and we continued our day playing doge ball and volleyball; we mixed this sports in 3 matches, two of volleyball and one of doge ball.

In the evening we went to the TV room to start a film related to the Saturday's trip to Stratford.

Javi G. & David B.

BACK TO ROUTINE AFTER LONDON

2010-07-15T20:49:00.008+01:00

Today in the morning we have classes, as every working day.
After lunch, we had english activities and we practised the dance for the last day, when we are having The Festival and we are showing it to everyone.

When we finished that, we went to the swimming pool. While some people were playing sports as tennis, ping pong, or badminton, some girls used their time to wash carefully their hair, because there isn't enough time for it after the sports.

Then we arrived to BCU to have dinner, and later we played baseball.

Now we are going to finish the Fantastic Four and start another one.

Sara M. & Irene E.

VISIT TO LONDON

2010-07-14T23:15:00.002+01:00

Today we got up very early in the morning because we went to London.

The travel to London takes about three hours but we stopped to have breakfast in a road restaurant.

When we arrived to London we started the visit at the British Museum. The we walked for an hour and a half but it was really good because we visited lots of interesting sites: Covent Garden, St. Martin's church, National Gallery, Trafalgar square, Buckingham palace, the Horse Guard, Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Eye... We ate in a big and nice park called St. James Park.

After lunch with the pigeons we went shopping with our groups and we bought some souvenirs from Hamlesy's toy store and from other shops.

When we were finishing it starts to rain and we continued the visit by bus visiting St. Paul cathedral, the City, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge where we stopped to do some more shopping and take our last London pictures.

Carlos F. & Miguel G.

ROUTINE MORNING, DIFFERENT AFTERNOON

2010-07-13T20:52:00.005+01:00

Today we woke up and we went to breakfast, and then to class. It was a special day because we had a test but we also had activities based on computer games. One of the groups listened to the song called "Waka waka", famous because the World Cup. Finally, we went to have lunch.

In the afternoon, we went to Birmingham and we were divided in age groups and we visited the canals (1st group), St. Philips cathedral and St. Martin's church (2nd group) and Symphony Hall and BBC (3rd group). Once we finished visiting them, we had free time in the "Bullring", a famous shopping centre of Birmingham

When we returned to BCU we had dinner and did another new sport, baseball.

Now we are going to continue watching the film, Fantastic 4 and the Silver Surfer.

Carlota & Carolina

FIRST DAY OF RAIN

2010-07-12T21:04:00.010+01:00

This morning, after having English breakfast again, we realized we had a new teacher because Stacey had to leave the city for some days.

After classes we had lunch, and then we had English activities where we practised some different games. Once finished it, we went to the Sports Center of the University of Birmingham, where we could play tennis, badminton, table tennis and had fun at the swimming pool.

When we arrived at BCU, we had dinner and then we went to play sports. Today, we played anew sport, basketball; everyone liked it.

Now, we are going to start the second part of Fantastic 4.

Curiosity: Today at the swimming pool, our leaders Victor and Pablo played with us and we enjoyed a lot

When we went to have breakfast it rainned for the first time in this week.

Carles D. & Marti

A DAY FREE OF CLASSES

2010-07-11T20:03:00.016+01:00

Today, although being Sunday, we got up at the same time, but instead of having classes we went to the Catholic Cathedral of Birmingham after having breakfast. We went by bus, and then we walked along the canals before getting there. We participated to the Mass in English, and we tried to understand as much as possible; however, we could also follow the Mass with a book that the priest gave us.
When the Mass ended we went to BCU to have lunch before going to a big park where we did a gymkhana. We spent a good time among friends and we went back to the residence. Now we are getting prepared to have a barbecue and watch the football match: Spain vs. Netherlands.
We wish that Spain won the World Cup Final.
Today we have finished the first week in Birmingham.

Maria G. & Marta B.

ROBIN HOOD'S LAND

2010-07-10T21:13:00.010+01:00

Today we woke up at 8 o'clock; when we got up we went to have breakfast and when we finished we went to have classes. Then, we had lunch and we went to our next trip, Robin Hood's village.

When we arrived to Nottingham, we visited the famous castle and the statue of Robin Hood. In the square of the city hall we found a kid playing drums really well and we also saw different stalls, one of them with paella. Finally we finished our visit having some free time.

At 6p.m. we took the bus back to BCU. When we arrived we had time for studying and tidying up our rooms.

Now we are going to finish watching Robin Hood film that we have been watching all the week.

Curiosity: the breakfast was like yesterday, an English breakfast with with sausage, bacon and fried eggs.

Nacho & Luis

HOT BREAKFAST, COLD SPORT

2010-07-09T20:50:00.009+01:00

Today we had a typical English breakfast which includes bacon, sausages, beans, toasts and scrambled eggs. After that we've done an English lesson. It was different because we've done a little bit of grammar like the superlatives and a lot of new games where we practised our speaking.

Later we've eaten pizza, one of the best meals we have eaten here. When we were prepared to go skating, the bus arrived late, 30 minutes. For some of us, it was the first time that we went to an ice rink. We've skated twice. At the beginning it was very difficult but the second time it was easier. When we returned to BCU we played volleyball and dogeball.

Finally we've had a shower and watched a film.

Roger & Guillermo

A SPORT DAY

2010-07-08T20:57:00.006+01:00

Today we got up at quarter past eight. we had breakfast and we went to classes. we learned a lot of things and we went to the break. later, we had lunch and came back to the classes. In the class we prepared a dance for the last day.
In the afternoon, we went to the swimming pool, but some people preferred staying in the gym. In there, people played table-tennis, badminton, basketball and so on. After that, we went to play football in groups.
Finally, we went to the theatre and we saw a part of the film "Robin Hood" and the monitors said the penalties

Esther & Carmen A.

FROM YORK TO THE FINAL

2010-07-08T09:23:00.007+01:00

Today we visited York we wake up at half past seven. We visited the York Minster and Clifford's Tower. Around York there are walls that protected it in the past. After we eat we have free time and we buy lots of souvenirs. We do a quiz of York.

Then we saw the match of Spain and we won Germany 0-1 Spain, gooooooooaaaaaaal of Puyol with the head. Netherlands is waiting us in the final. We are going to win!!!

Pablo C. & Borja G.

BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE

2010-07-06T20:56:00.006+01:00

Today after lunch, we've gone to the centre of Birmingham. First, we divided the group into three smaller groups depending on the year that we were born. The youngest of the group visited the canals; the monitors were Victor and Elena. Those born between 1997 and 99 visited some buildings of Birmingham, and the BBC, and they went with Laura, Pablo and Anna. And the last group went to see the Cathedral of Birmingham, where a woman guided us through it. The leaders of this group were Edu and Ricard.
After that the whole group went to the Bullring (a huge and nice shopping centre in Birmingham).
After having dinner we have done sports: today we have played football.

Curiosity: when we were in the Bullring some of our friends from last year staying this year with a family have come to meet us.

Maria B. & Maria O.

FIRST DAY

2010-07-05T23:56:00.000+01:00

The travel with the plane has been better than the travel by bus.

Today we got up at 10.00 and we were so tired because yesterday we arrived late at night at the residence after travelling by plane and by bus. Then we went to have breakfast. After that we met the teachers at the University and there we had an English class. Then we went to the dinning room and there we ate food from a buffet. After that we did a level test to organize the groups. Then we went to the swimming pool and we returned back at the BCU residence to practice some sports.

We are so tired but we're making lots of friends.

Javier C. & Pablo V.

Welcome to our blog!

2010-06-22T22:44:00.000+01:00

Aquí intentaremos informar del día a día del Cursillo de Idiomas que tendrá lugar el próximo mes de julio en la Birmingham City University, organizado por Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

HASTA SIEMPRE

2009-07-24T13:51:00.002+01:00

P. Antonio Sorribes S. F.
Director de Idiomas Padre Manyanet

Last day of sports!

2009-07-23T20:50:00.005+01:00

The day started with a special breakfast. We love English breakfast! After having eaten, we went to classes to practise our sketches for the final show of tomorrow. Then we had lunch and we also had English activities. As it was raining, we stayed inside the building and we kept on practising the final show. After that, we went to the University of Birmingham, where we could play tennis, badminton, table tennis or have a swim. Later, back at BCU, we had dinner. Finally we practised sports with our teams but it was quite sad beacuse it was the last day that we did sports (we can't wait to see the final classification!). Now we are going to watch the end of the film: "Eight Below".

Curiosities

The boys of the flat number four stayed out during the study time because the leader had forgotten his keys!

Fernando, Pablo, Borja, Daniel, Antonio, Carlos

Traditionnally London

2009-07-22T20:00:00.003+01:00

We have gone to London!

The trip took 3 hours by bus, but it was worth seeing it.

We were left in front of the the British Museum and then we made a fast visit in it. After that, we went by foot to visit the main buildings and monuments of London. What we liked the most was the Big Ben and the Buckingham Palace. Nevertheless, we also visited: London Eye, Trafalgar Sqaure, Oxford Street, Picadilly Circus...
We also had free time at Hamley's - that is the biggest shop of toys in the world with seven flats and lots of toys, soft toys, collections... - and in a Souvenir shop at Carnabie Street.

We arrived very late at BCU, but still we had some hot dinner and finally we finished the diaries.

That is why this morning we have published the blog from yesterday, because we did not have access top the computers.

Curiosities
The Queen was in Buckingham Palace because the flag was on the top of the mast.
We have been in the trip with two of our teachers.

Ana, Sara, Maria, Maria, Noemi, Nuria

BBC: British Bloodthirsty Channel

2009-07-21T20:55:00.008+01:00

Today we did a trip!

In the morning, at class we did an artcraft. It consisted on wrapping an egg into paper balls inside a bottle. It was funny because some of the eggs broke an another didn't do it luckily. In the other classes we tried to prepare speeches and dancings for the last day ceremony.

We went to Birmingham City Centre to visit the Canals and the BBC. We made a lot of photos and played with the cameras at the BBC building. When we finished it we had free time in the BullRing shopping centre! It was the last day that we could go shopping so we bought a lot of things.It has been raining all day but now it has stopped.

Curiosities

Today Alex got hurt when he cut his finger with the scissors. He is very clumsy!

Enrique, Carlos, Alex, Marcos, Jaime

The Bij Baj of the Bloj

2009-07-20T20:44:00.003+01:00

Today we got up at the same time as the other days. In the morning, we have learned some grammar, and after the break we have started practising our dance for the final show. In English activities, we have had free time to do sports, dancing...

Then we have caught the bus to go to the Sports Centre of UB. There, we could swim, play badminton and tennis. When we came back to BCU, we had study time, and we changed our clothes and had dinner.

Then we played sports with our new teams. Now, in the TV-room, we are going to continue watching "Eight below".

Curiosities

Today, in the Flat 8 from Sycamore House Perez Mouse is going to do a visit because Valeria lost a tooth.

At dinner, we have realised that "cheese" was in fact broccoli.

All the people was signing their school bags at the Sports Centre.

Ricard knows how to say "BLOJ".

Natalia, Valeria, Elena, Leire, Ana Maria, Ana

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2009-07-19T20:44:00.005+01:00

When we woke up, we dressed properly to go to the mass at Solihull. But before, we arrived some time early and had some free time on the shopping centre next to the church. After it, we returned to the Coppice and had some study time.

We had lunch because we were very hungry and, right after, we headed to the Birmingham Centre. To do so, we caught a special bus with two floors that leaded us to New Street Station. There, we went to the Odeon Cinema to see the new Harry Potter film."Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is a film full of action, love, friendship and magic. So, we liked it very much but we wanted more snogging.

Curiosities

As it is sunny and also raining, we are seeing the rainbow while we are doing the blog.

Joan, Gerard, Gorka, Joan

Trip to Oxford!

2009-07-18T21:20:00.004+01:00

This morning, everybody went to Hannah's class and we watched a film called Nanny McPhee. After lunch we went to Oxford and we visited some colleges. We saw the place where Harry Potter's film was set. We also saw the main monuments of the village. During the free time, we went to Broad street where there were lots of souvenirs shops. Nearly everybody bought an Oxford jumper! We came back to BCU at 8 o'clock. There, a monitor took a picture of everybody who had bought an Oxford jumper! Then, we had a BBQ and we could eat hot dogs and chicken with vegetables. It was great!

Curiosities
The favourite colour for the jumper of the girls has been the purple!

Natalia, Ana, Laura, Elisenda, Irene, Maria

The campus, Apu at the Union and a woman who lived among car factories

2009-07-17T20:46:00.005+01:00

Today in class we did a quiz about the University where we were staying, the BCU, and it was curious because we had to know how many stairs were at the Galton Building, the different names of the buildings as the Attwood building and the Kenrick library (listed alphabetically)... But we liked a lot the man at the Union Station, commonly called "Apu of the Kwik-E-Mart", who was very nice when we asked for the price of the bread.

Then, we had lunch and we went to the skating in Coventry. Yesterday, our leader told us about the history of this town, and today we have seen that some things are still important in this town. For example, we saw that there were car factories all along the road, and that it seemed to be a renewed town (let's remember that Coventry was bombarded at WWI and totally destroyed). There, we skated a lot and we enjoyed a lot because it was the last day of skating.

Curiosities

We think that Apu is a nice man because he is kind with us in our questions and we found funny that he seems to be like the one in "the Simpsons".

Alex, Oscar, Pedro, Xavier, Gabriel

2009-07-16T22:00:00.001+01:00

Blogger's note:
On the former write, it seemed quite confusing the fact that there was a "Barcelona's team". It is referred to 's class since they wanted to have a football team name and the majority was from that team.

Besides, we wanted also to point out that in sport we had eight different teams, only mentioned some of them in the blog since perhaps the writers do not come from every team. Each one has the name of an animal: Kangaroos, Lions, Gorillas, Rhinos, Hippos, Eagles, Sharks and Dragons.

A wetty day!

2009-07-16T20:16:00.005+01:00

This morning we have had an English breakfast, although not everybody liked it. Then, in class, we talked about Alton Towers, and we made an amazing poster to remember it. We stuck a map and we wrote our opinion about the rides, even if we didn't like them.

After lunch, we did English activities outside as it was sunny we played football and baseball. Then, we went to the Sports Centre at University of Birmingham, where some of us played sports and the others swam for an hour.

Later, back at BCU, we have had dinner and we have gone to the TV room because it is raining .

Curiosities

Our teacher, Shaz, was ill so we had to go and do class with "Barcelona's team".

Brenda, Victoria, Celia, Montse, Meritxell

Alton Towers (or Aston?)

2009-07-15T20:59:00.004+01:00

As a surprise, our visit in Wednesday has changed at the last minute, because we have gone to Alton Towers!!!!

We have woken up, and as we were the older guys from the group, we have helped carrying the packet breakfasts and lunch. Then we have made the trip and arrived at Alton Towers, which is a theme park with full of thrilling rides. We went to everything: Oblivion, Air, Nemesis, Rita and Spinball Whizzer. This excursion lasted all day because there were lots of queues and we spend at least 45 minutes waiting in each ride...

Then, at six o'clock, we have returned to the BCU and had some cold dinner. Now we are heading to the TV room.

Curiosities

Today it was another birthday, Joan Ferrer's, and he had a big surprise because he had never celebrated it in Alton Towers.

We also wanted to point out that in Alton Towers (not Aston as someone said) you could buy a Bottle Refill where you could put any drink and refill it as many time as you wanted.

Gerard, Jaume, Guillem

One-stop Quiz

2009-07-14T20:30:00.000+01:00

Today the class was so strange!

We went to the One-Stop, a shopping centre. There, we completed a quiz with questions about the shops of the shopping centre. It was so funny!

Once we have finished the quiz, we have had some free time until quarter past twelve. Then we arrived at BCU and we had lunch. After, we went to Birmingham Centre by train.

We have visited some of the most important buildings in the city and we have had some free time to go around the Bullring.

Later on, we have returned to the BCU and as every day, we have had dinner and played sports under the rain. Now we are going to continue the film from yesterday.

Curiosities

The weather in Birmingham is crazy! During the morning it has been very sunny, while in the afternoon it has rained really heavily.

Amelia, Paula, Irene, Aurora

Birthday at BCU!

2009-07-13T20:00:00.002+01:00

Today it has been a normal day but still, it had some point of special: it was Josep Maria's birthday. In the morning, we had classes, where we saw "the Day after Tomorrow", a film where climatic change affects in floods and cold hurricanes.

At one o'clock we had lunch and after we get the coach and went to the sports centre at University of Birmingham, where we could play badminton, ping-pong, and made some plunges on the swimming-pool. After getting wet we returned to BCU and had some dinner.Then, in sports, we played the different matches, and Dragons beat Sharks 26-0 in baseball. Now we are going to the TV room to start a new film called "Eagle Eye".

Curiosities

At breakfast, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Josep Maria and they gave him a special present. He was very happy.

Aleix, Josep Maria

Gimkana at the park

2009-07-12T20:00:00.000+01:00

Today we haven't done classes!

In the morning, we have gone to the Catholic Church of Solihull to go to mass. We have been divided into two groups. The first group has had study time while the other was in the shopping center of Solihull, although the shops were closed!

The mass was good! However, it was a little bit difficult to understand it all.

In the afternoon, we have done a Gimkana in a big field. There were eight different, but one specially caught our attention: There was a game with flour where at the end we were all full of it!

Curiosities

We have got up at the same time as every day although it was Sunday!!!

Iara, Ruth, Maria, Azucena

Stratford-upon-Shakespeare

2009-07-11T21:00:00.000+01:00

Today we have woken up at a quarter to eight like the other days, then we had breakfast and we did classes in the morning.

At the evening, at a quarte past two we caught a bus and we headed to Stratford-upon-Avon. This town is known as the place where William Shakespeare was born. When we arrived at Stratford we have split in groups and we have visited different places like Shakespeare house or the Stratford Town Hall. After that we had some free time to make a tour alone and go to some shops to buy souvenirs. Then we caught again the bus and we returned to BCU.

Curiosities

When we arrived for dinner, around eight, we didn't have cold dinner as on Wednesday,we had a barbecue!! We had food from what we cook in barbecues, but as it was raining (no luck today with the sun) dinner was served inside.

We also saw a wedding in Stratford at the Holy Trinity Church.

Guillermo, Alvaro

Lady Godiva at skating

2009-07-10T21:04:00.005+01:00

Today we have done something amazing: we have gone to the skating! We've gone to the skating rink of Coventry, and there we have been skating for two hours. At first it was a little bit difficult, but then we have learned how to do it.

When we fell down it was quite painful, but quickly we stood up and kept on trying. Some of us skated really fast. It's been very funny.

The rest of the day has been as always, more or less. In sports Gorillas and Rhinos haven't won any match, while Kangaroos and Eagles have always won.

Curiosities:

Today it hasn't rained!

Carmen, Paula, Irene, Sara

Bowling: Strike! Spare! No more?

2009-07-09T20:30:00.001+01:00

As all the days, we did classes in the morning, where we watched a film "Shark Tale", and we had some English activities, very interesting!

However, unexpectedly, we went to Bowling this afternoon at Acocks Green Bowling, in Birmingham. We had a great time although it was some kind of difficult because if you didn't have the bannisters, all the balls were heading to the corridors on each side of the lane. We couldn't score so much points, but it's a place where we can spend good time together and know each other better than at the beginning.

Now that we have a little time for study, we are eager to play sports because it is something surprising to know the areas were we plays: each day we change!

Curiosities

As the leaders have always some experience in bowling, it is always very difficult to catch them up with the scores, specially two of them. However, in this year, there has been a girl (Irene) who has beaten them with a score of 144 points!! (against 128p. and 134p.)

New Highscore to be proud of!!!

Fabio, Bernat

Attack of the Bathing seagulls!

2009-07-08T20:30:00.001+01:00

Today we have gone to Bath. As a surprise, our leader woke us up 30 minutes earlier! And we didn't have breakfast at BCU but at a service station as a packed breakfast.

After two hours of trip, we finally arrived to Bath.
During the morning we have visited the Roman Bath; there were lots of people, but we enjoyed a lot. We couldn't take a bath because the water was dirty!

Then we have gone to have lunch in a big park. In the afternoon we have visited Bath Abbey which was really big, and finally, we have had free time to know bath on our own.

The weather has been quite sunny.

Curiosities
While we were having lunch a lot of seagulls have "attacked" looking for food. It was scary and funny! But better not to be there!
(Like "the Birds" in Hitchcock's movie, blogger's note)

Maria M., Luisa, Laura P., Nieves

Visit to B'ham

2009-07-07T19:30:00.001+01:00

We have started the second day eating the traditional English breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausages and toastes. Then, we have done some lessons and at the break we played some games. Then we continued our lessons and at 1:00p.m. we had lunch.

Afterwards, we have gone to the centre of B'ham by train. It has been very exciting although it was raining most of the time!

As we were divided in three different groups, we only know that in our groups we went to visit the Town Hall, Victoria Square, the Library and the Symphony Hall. We also passed along a builiding that was a tribute for the dead soldiers during WWII.

Finally, we got some free time in the shopping centre called the Bullring.

We know that after dinner we are going to start the Sports Competition. Let's see how it will look!

Curiosities

When we were at the Symphony Hall we saw a lot of children wearing uniforms. We were told that they came from all the schools in Birmingham and they were supposed to do a concert of instruments and choir this evening.

Oscar, Ignasi, Roger

A crazy first day

2009-07-06T19:03:00.004+01:00

Yesterday we arrived to Birmingham at about 3p.m. We are staying in a university called Birmingham City University. It's very big and we have individual rooms.

When we arrived, we had dinner and then the leaders introduced theirselves and explained to us some rules about the course.

Today we woke up at 7:40a.m. and after having breakfast we did a test and after we had classes by levels.

Then we have had lunch and we have done some English activities.

Now we have just arrived from the Sports Centre where we have played ping-pong and badminton.

In a few minutes we will go to have dinner, and it's just 6:30 p.m.!

It's been a rainy day and we hope it's going to be sunnier tomorrow!

What have we learned?

We know now how to introduce ourselves to other people.

Curiosities

Our teacher has brought a student from our age that knows both languages (Spanish and English) and he helped us in our translations.

Patricia, Leticia, Clara, Monica

LANDED

2009-07-05T16:38:00.003+01:00

All the flights have landed normally and the students are now travelling by coach to Birmingham City University.
Welcome to England!

Welcome to our blog!

2009-06-09T20:30:00.005+01:00

Aquí intentaremos informar del día a día del Cursillo de Idiomas que tendrá lugar el próximo mes de julio en la Birmingham City University, organizado por Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

HASTA SIEMPRE

2008-07-30T12:36:00.003+01:00

La Direccion y todos los responsables y colaboradores agradecen la confianza que habeis tenido en Idiomas Padre Manyanet, deseando que acabeis de pasar un feliz verano con toda la familia.
Que San Jose Manyanet bendiga cada uno de vuestros hogares.
Hasta siempre.

P. Antonio Sorribes, S.F.

Thank you

2008-07-29T09:00:00.000+01:00

Today is the last day of our stay at Biminghamn City University. In the morning we had our goodbye English breakfast, later there has been class where we welcomed the teachers for their good job. After lunch we've gone to the cinema. Back to the BCU, after dinner we've played tables games before going to pack our suitcases and finally going to sleep as tomorrow we are leaving early.

We really enjoyed this month in Birmingham, we would like to thank all the students for their attitude and effort done on this course. They have showed us that they have really improved their English and have learned many of the local traditions.

At this point, may this blog be to remember all the numerous activities we've done, going to the swimming pool, to the ice skating, to the bowling and to the cinema. We can't forget too the interesting visits to Coventry and their cathedrals. Not to forget York and the impressive Minster and Oxford with the magic of Harry Potter. What about London where we walked along their streets visiting the British Museum, Covent Garden market, Trafalgar Square with the pigeons, the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and more. We also visited Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace where we learned about his life and work. Apart from that we went to Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Park, two different but amusing theme parks to end up our stay.

Once again thanks to the students, the teachers, the leaders and the staff.

See you all next year!!!!!!!

By The Leaders.

Crazy English weather

2008-07-28T20:30:00.004+01:00

Today we woke up at 7:45am and we went to have breakfast. It was a sunny and hot morning, we reached the 27 degrees Celsius. We had class and we did a test, later we saw Harry Potter one group and Narnia Chronicle's the other. Then we made a book with the places we visited in England. We have prepared a song for our teachers Charlie and Nathan and we have sang them today at the end of the class.

We lunch and in the afternoon we played a quiz and went to the swimming pool, our last day in the swimming pool! We came back and the clouds started to appear, but the hot continued.

We had dinner and we went to the sports field, to play football. The clouds were getting darker and darker and it started to rain cats and dogs!!! We tried to keep playing because it was an interesting match but we finally decided to go back and have a shower. Now we are finishing the film. The forecast for tomorrow is rain again, now there are thunders and lightnings!

By Elena & Natalia.

Drayton Manor Park

2008-07-27T20:15:00.007+01:00

Today we woke up later than the other days, at 8:30am. We feel sad and a little bit alone because our friends of three weeks have left and fly back home. But we also are very happy because we spent all the day in "Drayton Manor Theme Park". Drayton Manor is a theme park, smaller than "Alton Towers" but very funny.

We have spent all day in the rides like "Apocalypse", "Force", "Shockwave", "Maelstrom" and more. At half past two we have met all of us in the meeting point to have lunch. We ate in the Zoo area neat the goats. After that we had plenty of time to finish our visit around the park and to ride as much as was possible.

At 6:00pm we came back to the BCU where we had dinner and now we are going to watch a film. We'll go to the bed early because we are very tired.

By Clara & Ana.

Graduation Ceremony

2008-07-26T20:10:00.005+01:00

Today is the last day of the people staying three weeks. In the morning we had class, but not a usual class, we prepared muffins with chocolate, vanilla and candies. In the afternoon we went to the BCU's theater to do the Graduation Ceremony.

All the class groups presented a final work showing English traditions. Later the monitors gave us the sports medals and the prizes to the best diaries and the biggest effort. The teachers gave us the attendance diplomas. We had the "penalties show" where the people received a present in order, depending on the number of medals and penalties recieved during the course. Finally we saw all the pictures of the stay.

We had dinner: a barbecue!

We went to the disco and we danced with our friends and we said goodbye to the people leaving the next day.

By Bea & Vicky.

Diaries and visit to the BBC

2008-07-25T20:00:00.004+01:00

Today we got up at 7:45am as all the days. We went to have breakfast. As yesterday we had given to the monitors our diaries, today they were exposed on the dining room and we could take a look at some of them. Later in class we have worked on homophones and watched a part of a film.

After lunch we took the train to the city center to visit the BBC studios in the Mailbox. Once there we did different activities such recording the news and weather updates and also we spoke in a football match. Later we went to the Bullring and we had an hour and a half for shopping.

We came back and we had dinner. Then we went to play funny games in the snack room. Later we go to the TV room to continue seeing "Ice Age II". Finally we go to sleep because we are very tired.

By Pablo, Gorka & Joan.

Class and Swimming Pool

2008-07-24T19:30:00.003+01:00

Dear diary,

Today we got up at the same time as everyday and then we went to have breakfast. After that we went to class and we had a great time because we finished a table game that we were making.

Then we had lunch and later we did English activities; then we went to the swimming pool. We played tennis, badmington and we swam.

Now we are going to have dinner and then play sports. Later we will continue with "Ice Age II" and then we are going to have snack and go to sleep.

By Alex, Aleix & Oscar.

Alton Towers

2008-07-23T20:30:00.006+01:00

Today we got up at 7:15am because we went to Alton Towers. Today some of our english teachers came to the Park with us!

Once in Alton Towers we went to ride many attractions, some of them were: "Air" an attraction where you feel that you are flying, "Rita" an other one very special where you feel a strong acceleration. We also liked the "Pirates" where you had to throw water to people, it was very funny and we ended wet.

For lunch we had our packed lunch and we also could buy hot dogs, burgers, pizzas and more. Later we kept riding more attractions, some of water and others drier. We took the bus at 6:00pm and came back to have dinner.

We have nearly finished the film "Fantastic Four" and we'll go to bed after such an exciting day.

We have had a very, very, very good day!!

By Andrés & Antonio.

Alton Towers - Upload a Document to Scribd

Ice skating and sports

2008-07-22T19:30:00.003+01:00

Today, we got up at a quarter to eight. We had breakfast, and we went to classes. Like everyday we had break and then we went to class again.
After lunch we went to skating. Where we stayed for an hour and a half. It was very funny! When we arrived we had study time.

After we're going to have dinner, later we are going to play different sports with our teams. We are going to watch "The Fantastic Four" film. And then we are going to revise who has got the medals and we are going to pay the money of the medals and penalties.

Finally we're going to have snack and go to bed.

Don't forget to watch the video of us playing sports.

By Iara, Paula, Irene & Sara.

One Stop Shopping Center and swimming pool

2008-07-21T20:30:00.005+01:00

Hi people! Today we have got up at the same hour as always. In the morning, after having breakfast we have gone to class but... It has been very exciting! Why? Because after the break we have gone to One Stop, a shopping centre near BCU, where we have answered some questions about it.

After lunch we have attended English activities (two of the groups played with eggs as you can see on the video) and one hour later we have gone to the swimming pool but we haven't swum today, we have played tennis. Then we have had some study time and we have had dinner. We have played some sports next (both of us have won!!). And after having a shower we'll watch "Fantastic Four", we'll have snack and finally go to bed. Sweet dreams!

By Jaume & Luis.

Mass and Gimkana

2008-07-20T20:30:00.005+01:00

Today we woke up at a quarter to eight. We spent the morning in Solihull where we went to mass and shopping. At the end of the mass, in the final announces the priest dedicated us some words.

After lunch we went to the park that surrounds Alexander Stadium, a very big park near the University with sluices. There we did a Gimkana. There were eight tasks to fulfil. We liked it very much.

Later we came back to the University and we had dinner. When we finished we went to practice sports and take a shower because we were very sweated and dirty.

By Marta, Gemma & Judit.

Visit to Stratford

2008-07-19T20:30:00.008+01:00

Today, we got up at the same time as all the days. We met our friends down, outside the building and we went to have breakfast. After we did English lessons and break, then we returned to the class to follow with the lessons. When the lessons finished we went to have lunch.

When we finished we went to Stratford-Upon-Avon with a coach and a van. Once we arrived we separated in groups to make an easy visit. We saw Shakespeare's birthplace, the Shakespeare's grandmother house, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the riven Avon and the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried. We had some free time to walk around and answer the questions given to us.

As a curiosity: Harvard was born in Stratford and we passed by his home.

Then we returned to Birmingham for dinner, we were having a barbeque outside but as today's weather was rainy and windy we finally had dinner inside the dining room.

Now we are going to see "High School Musical", have snack and finally go to sleep.

By Gerard & Alberto.

Stratford - Upload a Document to Scribd

Shopping in the Bullring

2008-07-18T20:30:00.004+01:00

Dear diary,

Today we have had a very busy and funny day. We have got up at a quarter to eight and gone to have an English breakfast. After that we have gone to classes where at the end we have played the game of the apple in the water you can see on the video!

We have had lunch at the same time as always and after that we have taken the train to the center of Birmingham where we have gone shopping to the Bullring and visited the Cathedral.

Now we have just had dinner, we are having study time, and later we'll go to watch "High School Musical" and finally to sleep.

By Ariadna, Sara & Meritxell.

Swimming pool

2008-07-17T20:30:00.003+01:00

Today, it was a normal day. We've got up at quarter to eight and then, we have had breakfast. We have attended classes all the morning with our teachers and after lunch, we've had English games. In the afternoon, we've gone to the swimming pool and some people have played tennis or badminton. Then, we've had study time and later, we've had dinner. When we've finished having dinner, we've gone to play sports with our teams. After having a shower, we'll finish Harry Potter's film and we'll go to bed!!

By Alejandro & Albert.

Visit to London

2008-07-16T20:30:00.009+01:00

Today, we've finally gone to London. We have got up at 7:00 am, earlier than usually. We've left Birmingham at 8:00 am and have got London at 12:oo pm because of a traffic jam due to an accident. Once there, we have had a very busy morning: we have visited the British Museum (the Rosetta Stone, the mummies...), Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square (Lord Nelson's column), the first Minister's house at number 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament with the Big Ben clock and finally Westminster Abbey. After that, we've stopped in St. James park to have our packed lunch. In the afternoon, we have seen Piccadilly Circus, Regent's Street with Hamleys Toy Store, Oxford Street, Marble Arch (our meeting point in front of the McDonalds) and finally, we have got to Hyde Park where we've taken the bus to go to the London Bridge and the Tower of London passing near Buckingham Palace and the Thames river.

It's been a tiring day but London is worth. We've enjoyed a lot!

By Ariadna, Azucena & Sandra.

london - Upload a Document to Scribd

Ice skating and video

2008-07-15T17:00:00.004+01:00

Today we've got up at a quarter to eight as all the days since we are here. After we went to breakfast, we've done class, where we have played some funny games and we've listened to music. After lunch, at half past two we've arrived to the Solihull Ice Skating rink.

Now it's five o'clock and we are doing the diary. Next we'll go to dinner and after that we'll practice sports. Finally we'll continue watching Harry Potter and we will talk about tomorrow's visit to London.

Don't forget to watch the video!

By Alejandro & Borja.

Swimming Pool

2008-07-14T20:30:00.006+01:00

Today, we've got up at 07.45am, as almost all the days. We had cereals and toast for breakfast.

We have had classes and English activities where we have played bingo and listened to music. After that, we have gone to the swimming pool but not everybody swam. Some of us have played tennis, badmington or table tennis.

When we have arrived to BCU we have started doing today's diary. Later we'll go to practice sports.

We are looking forward to going to London!!

By María, Ana & Marina.

Mass at Solihull and Cinema

2008-07-13T20:30:00.002+01:00

Today we have visited Solihull to attend to mass at St. Augustine Church, which was very nice. It looked like an old church but when we got in it was wonderful. We've followed the mass in English reading on the mass book and singing the hymns. In the morning we have gone shopping too.
In the afternoon we have gone to the cinema at Five Ways to watch "Kung Fu Panda", a very funny film of a panda that learns how to do Kung Fu.
Now we'll go on with Harry Potter's film.

By Bernat & Joan.

Visit to Oxford

2008-07-12T12:25:00.007+01:00

Today in class we have listened to music like Jonas brother, Tokio Hotel and more. We also represented a dialogue in a shop and we have played a game called twenty one.

After lunch we have gone to Oxford. There we have seen Christ Church College. In this University were filmed some scenes of Harry Potter's first film. After that we have gone shopping some Oxford sweaters.

When we arrived, we had a barbecue and then we started to see "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets".

By Andrea, Alba & Sara.

oxford - Upload a Document to Scribd

Birmingham City Center

2008-07-11T20:30:00.004+01:00

Today we had a good time in class this morning. After lunch we went to Birmingham city center by train, only ten minutes from the BCU! We walked along New Street and we arrived to Victoria Square, where we see the Statue of Queen Victoria I and the Town Hall. Then we walked across Central Library to the Simphony Hall and the International Convention Center. After that we walked along the canals, the British waterways, and we liked it very much. At the end of the visit we had some free time to visit a shopping center, "The Pallassades".

After dinner we played some funny games with the monitors.

By Mariano & Marcos.

Bowling

2008-07-10T20:30:00.004+01:00

Today, we got up at a quarter to eight, we got dressed and we had breakfast. Later we went to the class and we worked in the lessons with some games. We went to lunch, today it was very good. After lunch we came back to the classrooms to play different activities with the teachers.

In the afternoon we went to the bowling and we played with different groups, among us some played for the first time and could use fences to help. Afterwards we came back to dinner and play some sports: baseball, volleyball, dodgeball and football.

After the shower we went to watch the film "Notting Hill". We started to count medals and penalties. We look forward for tomorrow visit to the city center.

By Júlia, Mònica and Mireia.

Visit to York

2008-07-09T21:39:00.011+01:00

Today we got up early (at 07.30 am) because we had to visit York. At 08.00 am we left Birmingham and we spend 3 hour in the bus to get there, by the way we stopped for breakfast. We arrived at York and we visited many things; first we went to see Clifford's Tower. We liked it very much. Then we walked through the city and we saw a very curious street. Afterwards we went to the Cathedral, also named "Minster", we liked it very much because it's very beautiful.

The next thing we did was going to a park to have lunch. And later we had some free time to walk around and some of us went to the Cathedral.

At four o'clock we left York and came back to Birmingham.

We enjoyed the visit a lot because York is a very beautiful city.

By Alex & Santi.

YORK2 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Ice skating

2008-07-08T17:30:00.007+01:00

Today we got up at a quarter to eight. It was our first night here! We had breakfast and the meal wasn't really bad. We took lessons and depending of the level we are in a classroom or in another. We did a break and then we continued the class. After that we had lunch and quickly we went to the ice skating, where we had a good time and we enjoyed it a lot.

Now we are studying and doing this article for the blog in our rooms.

Later we're going to have dinner and then we're going to practice some sports. We're very interested about it beacuse we've never done it before. After that we're going to have a shower and watch a film in English.

We feel at ease to stay here!

By Mar, Clàudia & Eva.

Welcome to the students staying 3 weeks!

2008-07-07T20:30:00.007+01:00

In the morning we had breakfast like all the days. Once in class we talked about the visit we did on Saturday to Coventry. There we had to find answers to ten questions about the city and the history of Coventry. Among them, we had to find why the old cathedral was destroyed, who was Lady Godiva and which colour was her horse. During the break we played Twister and we came back to class. After lunch we had English activities and we invented the rules of a sport, it was very interesting. Then, in the afternoon, we went to the swimming pool and finally at half past six we had dinner.

Today has been a fantastic day because the rest of the group staying with us at Birmingham City University has arrived!

WE WELCOME THEM!

By Miguel & Asbel.

Solihull and Leamington

2008-07-06T15:00:00.003+01:00

Today we woke up one hour later, because it's Sunday! After breakfast we went to Solihull, once we got there we visited a beautiful church where we attended to mass. Later, the leaders let us some free time that we spent going to the shopping center nearby.
As we were hungry we went back to have lunch at the university. Then we went back to the rooms to write our experiences. Now we are going to a beautiful town named Royal Leamington Spa.

By Sara, Mar & Aina.

Trip to Coventry

2008-07-05T20:30:00.006+01:00

In the morning we had classes where we made sentences about famous English people like Harry Potter. After lunch we went to Coventry, a city that was completely destroyed during World War II by German Air Force.
When we arrived at the city we visited the Transport Museum; there we saw many old cars and motorcycles and we rode a speed simulator. Then we went to the site where the old cathedral was standing, which was destroyed and also where it was build a modern one dedicated to peace and reconciliation. Then we went to visit Spon street where there are some medieval houses. We finally waited until six o'clock to see Lady Godiva on her horse making a short walk.
We came back to have dinner and we started watching "Ice Age".

By Ciro & Rafael.

coventry definitiu - Upload a Document to Scribd

The Bullring

2008-07-04T19:30:00.008+01:00

Today we've got classes in the morning. When they finished, we had lunch and then we travelled by train to the center of Birmingham to go shopping. To remember it, we took a picture in front of the bull, our meeting point.
At half past four we decided to return to Birmingham City University (BCU).
In the evening we played table games: twister, Uno stack, dominoes and so on.
We were happy because today it didn't rain!!
And parents: don't worry about the shopping! We didn't spend a lot of money on it!

By Carmen, Valeria & Marta.

First day in England

2008-07-03T19:30:00.005+01:00

Today we ate a lot on our English breakfast. After we had the first classes with our teachers. Their names are Nathan and Charlie, they are very nice.
In the afternoon we went to the swimming pool, where we also played badmington and table tennis, we enjoyed it a lot. Now we'll start watching a film.

By Pablo & Fernando.

The day of the trip

2008-07-02T19:30:00.004+01:00

Our trip to Birmingham begins, we are expecting to make new friends from different places. The flight was very funny because we spoke with our new friends. When we arrived at London we took the bus to go to Birmingham.
Once we got there we had a cold dinner and after that we went to sleep.

By Pablo & Fernando.

Night Prayers

2008-07-01T12:00:00.024+01:00

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN

Our Father who art heaven,
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEP MANYANET

God and father you have given
Sant Josep Manyanet the gift to
embody the virtues of the human
family of your Son and with the
Grace of the Holy Spirit have
called him lo live and proclaim,
by word and example, the Gospel of
the family proclaimed from Nazareth;
Help us by his intercession, the grace to live
in our homes.
We ask this through Jesus Christ
Our Lord.
Amen

Songs

2008-07-01T12:00:00.022+01:00

PON TU MANO

Pon tu mano en la mano de aquel que te da la mano.
Pon tu mano en la mano de aquel que te dice "ven".
El será tu amigo para la eternidad,
pon tu mano en la mano de aquel que te da la paz.

Pon tus ojos en los ojos de aquel que te esta mirando.
Pon tus ojos en los ojos de aquel que te mira bien.
El será tu amigo hasta la eternidad.
Pon tus ojos en los ojos de aquel que te mira bien.

Pon tu vida en las manos de aquel que te esta esperando.
Pon tu vida en las manos de aquel que te dice "ven".
El será tu amigo hasta la eternidad.
Pon tu vida en las manos de aquel que te dice "ven".

EN EL MAR (Escuchar)

En el mar he oído hoy, Señor tu voz que me llamó
y me invitó a que me entregara a mis hermanos.

Esa voz me transformó, mi vida entera ya cambió
y solo pienso ahora Señor en repetirte…

Padre Nuestro en ti creemos, Padre Nuestro te ofrecemos,
Padre Nuestro nuestras manos, de hermanos.

Cuando vaya a otros lugares tendré yo que abandonar
a mi familia, a mis amigos por seguirte.
Pero se que así algún día podré enseñar tu verdad
a mi hermano y junto a él yo repetirte…

Padre Nuestro en ti creemos, Padre Nuestro te ofrecemos,
Padre Nuestro nuestras manos, de hermanos.

Father, I Place Into Your Hands

Welcome to our Blog!

2008-06-14T18:08:00.012+01:00

Aquí intentaremos informar del día a día del Cursillo de Idiomas que tendrá lugar el próximo mes de julio en la Birmingham City University, organizado por Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

Los artículos seran redactados por los propios alumnos. También intentaremos ir publicando fotografías de las diferentes actividades que realicemos.

En el menú de la derecha hemos añadido enlaces a los diferentes blogs de la organización, un álbum de fotos provisional que iremos actualizando periódicamente con las fotos de nuestras actividades, enlaces a webs de las diferentes visitas que tenemos programadas y un calendario en donde poder consultar la actividad diaria.

Esperamos sea un espacio de gran utilidad para todos.

¡Hasta pronto!