Spanish Language and Cultural Workshops

Hablemos was established in 2004 by Joanna Sessions and Francisco Valles Gomez. Both Fancisco and Joanna are teachers and have previously worked in Mexico and Spain.  Maria Silva joined Hablemos in 2007. The team have a passion for everything Spanish! Their workshops can last from one day to weekly sessions and are all tailored specific to the school’s needs and wishes.

Testimonial

We have been working with Hablemos for many years in a range of ways. Their workshops are a popular and have enthused a huge number of our students over the years and Jo and Fran's professionalism and commitment have greatly raised the profile of languages and specifically Spanish ( of course) amongst our pupils. The enormous paella that has been cooked on our front lawn has become legendary!  We have also been very keen to invite Hablemos into school for focus days with great success!
 
Matthew Morley
Assistant Headteacher  Clarendon House Grammar School

Spanish language workshops for Years 9 to sixth form

Written and prepared specific to a schools requirements and needs, these workshops aim to give pupils the opportunity to engage in a number of authentic tasks over an extended period of time and leading to a completed project at the end.  Our Spanish language workshops develop and encourage natural use of language and give the pupils the opportunity to see how using a second language can be useful in real life situations.  Our objectives are to promote fluency skills in particular, by setting a number of practical activities that require the pupils to work in small groups or pairs taking part in oral communication and authentic use of Internet resources.  The themes and topic areas are based on the school curriculum or are specifically requested.

Spanish Language workshops for years 3 to 6

Hablemos has been successfully running Spanish workshops for children since 2004. These workshops have been growing steadily in popularity and with the increasing emphasis on MFL in primary education, we feel we have a lot to offer in terms of working alongside both state and independent schools.

The tasks and activities take a non-academic approach to language learning, with an emphasis on fun learning activities, including games, music, theatre and crafts. The materials have been written and designed to have visual appeal to both boys and girls. Our children’s workshops focus on some of the rich and diverse practices of Spain and Latin America, such as salsa dance, making piñatas and experimenting with cold tapas.

Cultural Workshops –Cross-curriculum and not just for pupils learning Spanish!

Spanish and Latin American cookery classes:  Given by Hablemos resident chef and teacher Francisco Valles Gomez, who has been running Spanish cookery courses and workshops for five years.  At Hablemos we have a passion for all things Spanish, and this includes the food. We are always keen to share our enthusiasm and expertise. Our cookery workshops emphasise  the culture and background behind the food.  With Francisco’s vast knowledge of Spanish, Mexican and South American cultures, pupils will be learning some traditional and authentic recipes ranging from more conventional paella, tapas, and tortillas to chicken cooked in a spicy chocolate sauce!

Dance and Music

These workshops cover many musical themes including how the Spanish language is influencing popular music of today to how Arabic and African music has influenced traditional music in Spain and Latin America. We introduce pupils to the wonderful diversity of music from all parts of the Spanish -speaking world and focus on both contemporary and traditional themes.  The workshops are practical and involve the pupils producing a mini-project at the end of the session.  Our dance workshops can be combined with the music workshops or given separately.  Dance themes include: salsa, merengue, cha cha cha, ragaton and flamenco. 

Spanish and Latin American film

 These workshops are suitable for sixth formers who are studying either Spanish, Art or film studies. We approach film discussion by encouraging pupils to interact and get involved with the films and characters.  Our themes date from “filming during the Franco years” to the more contemporary films currently being produced in Spain and Latin America

For further information , please contact us on 01843 604853 or email info@hablemos.co.uk

Key information

• Workshops for year groups 3 to sixth form
• Can support national curriculum if requested
• Can work with clusters of school
• CRB checked
• Innovative and imaginative
• Promotes cultural diversity