1. Who are we?
2. The Es Pla Education Centre
3. Our courses
4. What is our philosophy?
5. Why book a course with us?
6. Skype call and inspection visit
My name is Richard Thompson. I am a British teacher with over 20 years’ teaching experience and I have lived in Spain since 2001. I have worked at different international school in Catalonia and I was manager of the Barcelona Field Studies Centre. In 2011, I completed an M.Ed with the UK Open University focusing on leadership in education. My specialist area of interest is learning outside the classroom.
My wife, Dr Catalina Gayà Morlà, is a Spanish freelance journalist and a lecturer at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She has written for the magazines Esquire and Gatopardo, and is a regular contributor to El Periódico de Catalunya. For three years she worked in Mexico City for Cambio magazine, edited by Gabriel García Márquez.
2. The Es Pla Education Centre
The centre was established in 2014 in Sant Joan, Mallorca. The village has 1,985 inhabitants and is located in the Es Pla region of Mallorca, in the centre of the island. It is famed for its sense of community, its interest in education and its tomatoes!
Map
We specialise in bespoke practical Spanish language courses. Each course is designed based on the specific requirements of the teachers bringing the group. We aim to help students to put into practise what has been learnt in their school classroom though a series of varied activities and visits in the local community and the surrounding area. Depending on the size of the group, we employ additional Spanish language tutors and guides.
In addition, all students will be tasked, in sub-groups, with keeping a daily photographic and narrative record of their course. This will culminate in students giving a short public presentation, in Spanish, on the last night of their stay in Sant Joan. Linguistic support will be provided by a daily lesson with a native Spanish tutor focusing on pertinent vocabulary and grammar.
Sample course itinerary.
We also teach English as a Foreign Language to over 100 different local students aged from 7 to 70. In addition, we also organise educational and cultural activities for the local community including talks, exhibitions and activity weeks. Our centre is part of the local community and has become a meeting place for those who wish to learn and those who are open to different ways of communicating.
We understand that successful learning is the result of the combined efforts and commitment of both students and teachers. We know that languages are best learnt in an active, friendly and cooperative environment. Learning should be enjoyable and based on the understanding that languages are an essential tool for accessing new experiences and cultures.
. We promote cultural exchange through learning different languages.
. We work with honesty and integrity.
. We treat all students as individuals and are empathetic to their specific needs.
. We love teaching and do so using humour and creativity.
. We treat all people related to the centre professionally and with respect.
– We have extensive experience of teaching, working with foreign groups and organising activities.
– We are very aware of the responsibilities involved in taking a school group abroad.
– We know Mallorca extremely well.
6. Skype call and inspection visit
We like to have a skype call or a telephone conversation with any teacher who is thinking about bringing a group to Sant Joan. If you like what you hear then you have the option of flying over to Mallorca for a weekend inspection visit. We are able to provide you with two nights’ full board accommodation.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Un cordial saludo,
Richard and Catalina