I Teach Spanish! ... Noryan Jiménez

Always a lover of languages, it made sense Noryan would find herself sharing her own language with others.

Noryan (from Venezuela), had already been teaching Spanish in Melbourne for some time before she accidentally stumbled across El Patio Northcote! We're so glad she did - she's now one of El Patio's crown jewels! Read on to find out more about Noryan's journey and her advice for students.

La alcahueta (B2-C1)

La alcahueta es un homenaje a la obra de "La Celestina. Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea" de Fernando de Rojas (siglo XV), figura que tiene su precedente en el "Libro de buen amor" del Arcipreste de Hita (s. XIV). El cuento también pretende ser una crítica a un tema muy de actualidad: los vientres de alquiler. *esta imagen es un retrato de la Celestina de Pablo Picasso

Staff Picks - La copla en voces de nuestros días

In this playlist, Ana takes us into the world of Andalusian Copla - a type of traditional song that was born in the early 1920s. The lyrics tell stories of relationships torn apart, impossible desires, heartbreak, jealousy and loss.

The Free 'El Patio ESSENTIALS' language sheets

As a supplement to your study materials, El Patio is producing a serious series of useful language sheets, covering key grammar topics and tenses in clear and straightforward language to help you as you learn.

I Teach Spanish! ... Valeria Palmieri

Meet the wonderful Sardinian woman who's been making her mark at El Patio!

Valeria is one of those teachers who instantly engages with everybody. From her extremely friendly good mornings, to her ability to connect with every single student - Valeria brings joy and learning together in the classroom.

She'll push you, because she knows what you're capable of - but you'll always feel supported, comfortable and walk out smiling! We're very pleased to have her onboard with us - read on to discover more about Valeria and her story.

I Teach Spanish! ... Paula Jiménez Contreras

Paula from Colombia is a lover of languages. After completing a bachelor degree focusing on three different languages, she realised she could make a career out of her passion through teaching!

Read about Paula's journey and her useful tips for students!

Puntos de vista (B1-C1)

La semana pasada, algunos vecinos del barrio de Malasaña presenciaron un curioso incidente en el supermercado "Compramás". La persona implicada en el caso ha puesto una denuncia demandando al supermercado una gran suma de dinero por daños y perjuicios. Los testigos son llamados a declarar a la comisaría, estos dan versiones tan diferentes del suceso que casi podría tratarse de casos diferentes. Toma nota de los diversos registros lingüísticos.

Musing of the month: looking for shapes

The first of our Monthly Musings, Craig ponders the marvels of shapes in language. Shapes are everywhere and not only that: they're useful and can help us as we learn. Have a read and enjoy.

Elephants and light bulbs - why we fear grammar and how to learn to love it

Leaping out at us from the pages of our textbooks, grammar is often feared and is often the 'elephant in the room'. But grammar isn't meant to be scary. In fact, it's something we're naturally good at. Grammar is part of our daily lives and is part of what makes us human.

Winners of our Photo Competition revealed!

In Term 1 this year El Patio launched it's first annual photography competition - the results surpassed all expectations! Read on to see all of the participants' photos as well as the People's Choice Top 5.

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