Another Christmas and Montessori School is giving a hand to Banco de Alimentos

As we did last year, we are trying to help the Banco de Alimentos de Madrid (http://bamadrid.org/) one more time.
Do not forget to give a hand with something ... we all have a package of biscuits, rice, a can of beans or some pasta. Let's help the people in need especially during Christmas!

PLEASE, BRING as much as you can next 

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY >>>>>  20th & 21st of DECEMBER

RECOGIDA DE ALIMENTOS

COLLECTION OF FOOD 

FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Christmas Concert in Matespesa 15/12/17

The Christmas Concert is after school on Friday at 18:00 in Mataespesa.  Do not forget to buy your tickets!  Remember, all the collected money will be for projects of "Aladina". Let's help this important NGO and all of us!

FRIDAY >>>>> 15th of DECEMBER 
CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Year 9s OPTIONS TIME!!! Is Geography for me?

Dear year 9s

As you get closer to narrowing down your options, I have received some questions from pupils asking me about next year. Most of you are a bit excited and nervous about what to do and choose for year 10 and 11. Well, it is difficult for me to give an individual answer for each of you, for that reason you should think about a few things, and you can read them all down here. This applies just as well to any subject, not just Geography.

Step 1: Most important - do you enjoy it?
If you enjoy a subject you will work harder and be more attentive. That will lead to a happier couple of years, and a better grade at the end of it. If you enjoy several subjects, go to step 2...

Step 2: Are you good at it?
If you have several subjects you enjoy, think about which ones you are best at. Remember though, that if you haven't done well recently it doesn't mean you won't do better next year, especially as the people in your group will change which may help you concentrate better. If you are still struggling, go to step 3...

Step 3: The Department
If you haven't made your decisions based on Steps 1 and 2 (and even if you have), take a look at the department you will be working in. Every subject has huge strengths, and you need to decide which are appropriate for you. In last year's IGCSE exams, most of our Geography students at Montessori School Mataespesa got a grade C / B - and many A or an A*. Is this something that is important to you? You can also think about the classrooms, access to past papers, and the staff - but see the word of warning in Step 5!

Step 4: What will you study next year - is it interesting?
If you still can't decide, get details from other IGCSE students in the Options Meeting on Wednesday 15th of November about the course you are going to study. You might find Geography more interesting than you thought - from global issues like climate change and fighting poverty, right down to why you live in your house and why there isn't a cinema nearby, geography is an interesting subject. Remember also that some new subjects that sound fabulously exciting might not turn out the way you think they will. This brings us on to the next point...

Step 5: The teachers
You might want to study with the same teacher for the next two years. Or you might want to get away from one you have at the moment! :,( But don't let this be something that influences your decision to do any particular subject. Remember that teachers are unlikely to teach all the groups in your year for IGCSE, and even if they do, in all subject areas teachers move on from time to time. Mr. Vallely and "myself" Mr. Legaz.... we are very busy every year and last minute subject changes may occur.

Whatever you decide, make sure it is the right subject for you. The Geography Department naturally wants you ALL to do Geography because we think it is the most important subject you could take (where else will you learn about global warming, rainforest destruction, shopping patterns and coastal erosion?) but we also want you to make the right decision. Ask us at any time if you want more advice.

Here you have some videos. The first one is from a school in UK giving you reasons to choose GEOGRAPHY as IGCSE. I will try to publish some other videos on here to help you with your final decision. Show them to your parents so you make the right choice!!!

Year 7s ....Glaciers

Dear year 7s. We are talking about glaciers in this topic in geography. We have been discussing different aspects about them, their physical features and many key words about the landforms and processes. In the last lesson we did talk about their importance in our planet and the problem we are facing with global warming. Here we have a video talking about it to show it is not science fiction. You might click on the link and learn a little bit more about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oBwFHFqE30

Geography in Key Stage 4 (year 10 & 11)

Dear parents and students of year 9,

I have got some requests about information a little bit more in detail about Geography in year 10 and 11. So, I have decided to make a brief summary of the important information to pay attention about this subject and posted on here. You may find this information and other, in the "portal de comunicación".

_____________________________________________________ 

KEY STAGE 4 – YEARS 10-11 

 
1.Aims 
In Key Stage 4, students in Montessori Mataespesa/Fresnos will be prepared for the International General Certificate of Education exam of the University of Cambridge Examinations Board (IGCSE), Syllabus number 0460. The aims are therefore the same as those specified by the exam board and are summarised as follows: - 
1. To develop a sense of place and an understanding of relative location on a local, regional and global scale; 
2. To develop an awareness of the characteristics and distribution of a selection of contrasting physical and human environments; 
3. To develop an understanding of some of the processes affecting the development of such environments; 
4. To develop an understanding of the spatial effects of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their environments; 
5. To develop an understanding of different communities and cultures throughout the world and an awareness of the contrasting opportunities and constraints presented by different environments.

 
2. Syllabus outline 
All students will follow the same teaching syllabus, based on the exam syllabus.

YEAR 10 (Physical Geography)
1. Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, volcanoes, fold mountains, rift valleys, natural hazards and human response. 
2. Weathering and mass movement 
3. Fluvial processes and associated landforms, flooding, river pollution, water resources – uses, competition and conflict 
4. Marine processes and associated landforms, coastal flooding, coastal pollution, and coastal management 
5. The collection of meteorological data and factors affecting climate 
6. Tropical rainforests – climate and vegetation, plantation farming, small-scale subsistence agriculture, deforestation and global warming 
7. Deserts – climate and vegetation 

YEAR 11 (Human Geography)
1. World population distribution and density. World population growth, the concepts of overpopulation and carrying capacity. The demographic transition and variations in world population growth. Pro- and anti-natalist policies. Population structure, population pyramids. Population migration – causes and consequences
2. Settlement site, situation, pattern, morphology, function and growth. Settlement hierarchies and spheres of influence – shopping patterns. Urbanisation and associated problems. Urban land use models and comparisons between MEDCs and LEDCs. Inner cities and their redevelopment, ribbon development, dormitory suburbs/villages, green belts. Rural-urban migration in the LEDCs and shanty towns 
3. Employment structure 
4. Farming – changes in commercial and cash-crop farming 
5. Energy – significance of different energy sources, acid rain, the siting of power stations 
6. Industrial systems - motor vehicle assembly, high technology industries 
7. Leisure & tourism 
8. Revision 

3. Time allocation 

Students will have 3 x 55 minute periods of Geography and some homework per week. 

4. Resources 

Each student will have a copy of The New Wider World (Third Edition) by David Waugh (ISBN ). Each student will have access to the Oxford Practical Atlas (ISBN 0 19 831836 7). The textbook and atlas are supplemented by many teacher-prepared resources and by past examination questions. 

5. Assessment 

No assessment will be made of the students’ notes but assessment will be based on IGCSE style questions and the grades awarded will be equivalent to those that would have been obtained by the student under examination conditions bearing in mind the stage in the course. There will be tests at the end of most teaching units and formal examinations in June of Year 10 and in January of Year 11. All students will enter for Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 4 (Alternative to Coursework).

Revision of BOOKS and half term ORALS

Just a quick reminder to my groups of teaching and all my students of Geography 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10, 11, History 7A, 7B, 8A..... Have a look to the information about revision of books and quick oral tests that we will do the following weeks. REMEMBER ...We will use these results as grade for the half term report. 

Welcome ...back! 2017-2018

Dear students,

As I do every September, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back for the start of the 2017 – 2018 school year. Although I’m sure everyone hates to see their summer vacation come to an end, there is always a certain air of excitement about the start of a new school year. We did not even start yet and  here you have some information about our 1st term. Hope you find it useful and it will be all explained the first week we see all each other. Click on upper tags to know more. But anyway... most of you are more or less familiar with new timetables, rooms, books, and teachers.

It is going to be a challenging year for us all (students, parents and teachers), with many different issues to deal with academically or not, in and out the school. 
For that reason we all must make an extra effort in our own responsabilities, being supportive to each other.

- Students, I expect you work hard, study a lot, following school rules as you know them already.
- Parents, I know and appreciate your support and understanding of the hard work of teachers and special conditions we are going through at work. So, I give you all my biggest thank you in advance.
- Teachers (myself) As a teacher I understand the effort all of you (parents) are making to send your kids here and I will do my job as professional as ever to get outstanding and best academic results with every single student I am responsible in every subject, group and lessons I teach.

Ok, enough is enough... time to say bye for now.

I just wish you the best of luck to you all this year.

Mr. Legaz

August and the IGCSE results!!!

Cambridge learners around the world are receiving the results of their Cambridge examinations this month and I just want to say one thing to my year 11s ...... 

KEEP CALM AND GOOD LUCK!!!

Summer time!

Empty school, corridors in silence and lonely lockers. You just got your reports a week ago.... some of you are still waiting for the IGCSE, AS or A level results but it is time to relax now. Do not forget to revise and read during the summer to keep ourselves busy and active.

Some figures 2016 / 2017

Every june I try to make a summary about my academic year. After many days, weeks, months, terms of hard work .... here we have the well deserved rest & holidays!... and some numbers.

Mr. Legaz' academic year 2016-2017 in quick figures...
- I have been teaching 260 students
-12 groups of teaching.  Geography:7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C,11
                                       History: 7A, 7B , 8A                                      
                                       Tutor and PSHE: 9C 
                                       
- More than 1200 teaching hours (not included substitutions, duties, etc)
- More than 40 test, it means around 1000 tests and 260 exercise books marked 1000 times!!!
- Around 1040 grades and comments on reports.
- Countless notes in diaries and some phone calls to parents
- Many parents evenings, tutorial appointments and teacher meetings 
- And millions of SILENCE please and behave properly! Thank you!

SEE YOU AFTER THE SUMMER WITH NEW STRENGHT AND ENERGY!!!

Graduation year 13s (2017)

Dear year 13 (students of 1999),

Congratulations for your graduation this Friday. 

Wishing the BEST for the future to you all!

Summer letter 2017

Estimados padres y alumnos de “Geography” en year 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 11 y “History” year 7A, 7B y 8A :

Como cada año cuando llegan estas fechas, me gusta comunicarme con vosotros para agradecer vuestro apoyo y trabajo desde casa. Este año ha sido otro curso largo y duro en muchos aspectos, y no sólo en lo académico. Agradezco vuestro reconocimiento y apoyo durante todos estos meses.

Espero disfrutéis de un buen verano y merecido descanso. Como cada año, recomiendo se siga en contacto con actividades relacionadas con la lectura y repaso de conceptos aprendidos durante el año. Algunos estudiantes de “year 7, 8 y 9” han recibido en estos dias un “summer-pack”. En los comentarios de las notas he puesto quien debe hacer el trabajo de verano. Son actividades de repaso para aquellos que han suspendido o han aprobado pero creo que necesitan reforzar la/s asignatura/s de cara al curso que viene. No olvidéis traerlo hecho a la vuelta de vacaciones y entregarlo en la primera semana como “year 8, 9 ó 10”.
Aquí tenéis un enlace con las instrucciones por si han perdido la documentación que he entregado a los alumnos.
http://mrlegaz.blogspot.com.es/2017/06/summer-work-2017-geography-history.html

Para mis estudiantes de year 11, espero tengáis buenos resultados en los IGCSE y disfrutéis de un gran verano.

También espero que este verano descansemos y el sol nos recargue a todos de energía para así empezar el nuevo curso con fuerza y energía renovada.

Un abrazo y gracias una vez más.

Félix Legaz

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Dear Parents and Students of "Geography" in year 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 11 and "History" year 7A, 7B & 8A,

This year and like every year before, I want to communicate with you to thank you for the support and help provided from home. It has been another long hard year in many ways, not just academically. As usual, I really appreciate your support and understanding during all these months.

I hope you enjoy a great summer and deserved rest. I recommend you follow up with reading-related activities and review of concepts learned during the year. Some students in "year 7, 8 and 9" have received a "summer-pack" already, There is a reminder on the reports about the students that must do it. They are summer activities for those who have failed or they are at the edge and I think they need to strengthen their knowledge in my subject/s for next year. Please, do not forget to bring it done in September and hand it in the first week you are back to school again, as year 8, 9 or 10. There is a link here, just in case the students have lost their documents with all the information.
http://mrlegaz.blogspot.com.es/2017/06/summer-work-2017-geography-history.html

For my year 11s students, I just hope you have a great summer and nice IGCSE results as well.

I also hope that this summer we rest a lot and we enjoy the sun, so we will be back to work with renewed strength and energy.

Regards and thank you very much one more time.

Félix Legaz

SUMMER WORK 2017 (GEOGRAPHY & HISTORY)

Important Information for some Year 7s, 8s and 9s

Who? Failed students, students graded as C- or with other academic circumstances that the teacher thinks they must do this work during the summer holiday. I gave you a hard copy already but I will remind you in your report if you need to do it.

What? You should read the instructions below (click on them) and use information from your exercise book and text book to answer the questions.

How?. You must give your answer using paper (DIN A4)
For some answers, you may write, use pictures, spider maps and drawings (if it is necessary) 

When? The deadline, when this "summer work" must be handed in, it will be the week you are back to school as year 8, 9 or 10.

CLICK down here or on the tags above (GEOG 7, 8 or 9/ HIST 7 or 8)

INSTRUCTIONS for YEAR 7s (GEOGRAPHY)

INSTRUCTIONS for YEAR 8s (GEOGRAPHY)

INSTRUCTIONS for YEAR 9s (GEOGRAPHY)

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INSTRUCTIONS for YEAR 7s (HISTORY)

INSTRUCTIONS for YEAR 8s (HISTORY)

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Year 9s Trip to Valencia.... some tips

Get ready for the exiciting trip to VALENCIA. Do not forget to do your packing list in advance. If you do not know how to do one, here you have an example.... CLICK HERE.

Enjoy in Valencia !!

IGCSE TIME!!! Good luck!

Dear Year 11s .... THE IGCSEs ARE HERE!!!

Just a quick message on here to wish you the best of luck in your IGCSE (not just in the Geography papers but the other subjects too). You did Paper 1 already but I just remind you some instructions anyway.

Here you have some reminders about the dates, papers and last minute news.

DATES & PAPERS

Remember, in PAPER 1 you must choose one question on each of the 3 sections, you have got two options on each section. 

SECTION A,------- Q1, Q2 you must choose Q1 or Q2  
SECTION B,------- Q3, Q4 you must choose Q3 or Q4 
SECTION C,------- Q5, Q6 you must choose Q5 or Q6
TOTAL 3 Questions (one from each section)

Please check the dates, times and locations of your exams with care.  You are responsible for ensuring that you arrive to your exams on time. 

   Paper 1  (1 hour and 45 mins) (AM)

                   (02/05/17)  TUESDAY

   Paper 2  (1 hour and 30 mins) (AM)

                   (10/05/17)  WEDNESDAY

   Paper 4  (1 hour and 30 mins) (AM)

                   (06/06/17) TUESDAY 

LAST MINUTE NEWS & RIMINDERS

DO NOT FORGET to bring your own materials to every single exam (pen, pencil, 

ruler, calculator, etc). You are not allowed to ask for anything to anybody.

Revise as much as you can. Do not forget to use my photocopies to revise (not to study).

Well done....

A picture is worth a thousand words..... So, here you have the picture..... CONGRATULATIONS!!! 
Remember, this third term we are going to give a hand to another NGO in the Spring Fair!

Year 11s.... Energy and resources

Just a quick message... Maybe this newspaper article is useful for you to understand the topic of energy and resources. It could provide new ideas if you need to use case studies in the IGCSE. Just have a quick look and feel free to ask any questions.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170313-the-biggest-energy-challenges-facing-humanity

Information about our 3rd TERM

Most of the information about the third term is ready on the web page. Have a look on your "year tag" and you will get the information in advance about test, books, projects, etc for the next term.

Climate of concern 1991

Climate change at a rate faster than at any time since the end of the ice age – change too fast perhaps for life to adapt, without severe dislocation.
The film was made for public viewing, particularly in schools and universities, but is believed to have been unseen for many years. Here you have today to understand many issues we have been explaining in geography in different topics and year groups. This video as made in 1991 to talk about today.... where did they say it right? Let's find out...just press play and see it.

Year 7s, 8s and 9s .... Great assembly!

Just a quick message on here to say CONGRATULATIONS for today's assembly where many of you have shown a great commitment and talent within the school and different subjects such as music, lengua, english, german. Well done everybody and thank you for sharing it with us all.

First snowfall this 2017

Here you have some pictures of our first snowfall in the school this 2017!!! Hope you like the pictures of both sites, Fresnos and Mataespesa where I do teach every week.

Student / pupil Competitions (year 10s, 11s, 12s, 13s)

Just a quick message on here to wish you a Happy New Year and welcome back to school this second term and to let you know about a "Geography competition" that you might be interested.

As part of the International Year of Global Understanding, EUROGEO launches two competitions in conjunction with the IGU Commission for Geographic Education and Esri. The competitions are for high school pupils aged 15-19 and university students aged 19+. The task is to make a story map connected with one or more of the themes of the international year and linking the local to the global. Deadline extended to February 7th
If you want more information about it, just click on the links below.

http://go.esri.com/IYGU-Competition