Category Archives: Teacher News

Who says grammar is boring? Obviously not when Robert Hicks is teaching the grammar workshop. These students have decided to stay late rather than go to the beach!

Meanwhile behind the scenes… Nina Schiller, our ADOS and Lucy Kennewell, our Senior Teacher

are all smiles.

Why?

 Because everyone is speaking English of course!

Cambridge teacher, Dionne O’Dwyer was a ‘Teacher’s Teacher’ today when she presented her ideas for using music as a great way to teach English. Of course the teachers were serious students as you can see below:

   

GV Noosa teachers are always keen to improve their teaching and learn from each other. Dionne was a great teacher and everyone felt it was a valuable session as well as fun. No wonder her students love her. Thank you Dionne.

Perth born Tim Bloxsome joined the teaching staff  last year.

What were you doing before you came to GV Noosa?

Before I came to GV Noosa I was travelling the world. Teaching in Taipei! Paris! Rome! Perth! Before that I was a magazine journalist in Melbourne and Sydney.

What do you love most about living on the Sunshine Coast?

I love the surf. I also love the weather but I really love the surf. Tea Tree Bay on a perfect day is heaven on Earth.

I hear you have published a novel, tell us about it?

I’ve published two novels, one is called LBF, the other is called Woodchopper. LBF is currently being made into a movie in Sydney and I am told that it will be released a t a festival premiere this year, but you should never believe what ‘movie people’ tell you.

What do you think is most important when learning a language?

First and foremost a language student should use the new language as much as they can; speak to strangers, shop assistants, bus drivers….everyone.

What do you always ask your students to do?

I ask my students to speak in full sentences and avoid giving one-word answers. Fluency comes from repeatedly using good sentence structure.

Thanks Tim.

We sat down with the lovely ladies from the Home stay and Student house department at Global Village Noosa for a little chat.

Left to right: Jo Porter, Aimee Broad and Jessica Tye.

How long have you worked at Global Village Noosa?

Jo – 2 years.

Aimee – Approx 10 months at GV Noosa. I lived in Perth, WA and co-owned a Retail Business before moving back.

Jessica – 5 months. I worked in events for a Hotel and an audio visual company previously

Do you speak any languages?

Jo- I understand and speak a little Spanish

Aimee – A little bit of French. My biggest challenge was being in French class in high school for an hour then not speaking it until my next class which could be up to 3 days later.

Jessica – I speak a small amount of Japanese. Learnt it whilst living in Japan for a year

What do you like most about working at Global Village Noosa?

Jo – The diversity of the home stay office, meeting new students on a daily basis and speaking to our great home stay families

Aimee – I enjoy meeting all the different students and I like that there is something different happening every day.

Jessica – The students and matching them with compatible host families. I love getting the positive feedback when everyone is happy

What do you like most about living in Noosa?

Jo – The weather and the abundance of space and beautiful flora and fauna

Aimee – The lifestyle and weather

Jess – It’s not a city, it’s not the Gold Coast and it’s not Antarctica.

Where is your favorite place to visit in Noosa?

Jo - Favourite restaurant is Humid on Weyba Road, it’s Noosa’s best kept local’s secret. Favourite place is my own deck at home, sharing a BBQ and a glass of wine with family and friends.

Aimee – My favorite place is having BBQ’s on a pontoon at the Noosa river.

Jess – Timbeerwah lookout at sunset with a beer and crackers.

The pre intermediate classes were studying The Star Wars movie last week and were delighted by a visit from Darth Vader.

Well actually…..it was teacher Diane Tunnington!

Let me introduce you to our new Receptionist, Carly…

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Name: Carly Davis

Job: Receptionist/Activities.

What do you actually do?: I assist with the student enquiries, enter in all new student information and any other duties that are required.

What’s your favorite place in Noosa?: The Noosa river on sunset

Where would we find you at 9pm, Saturday?: Enjoying a meal and wine at one of the many delicious restaurants in Noosa.

Give us one Sunshine Coast secret!: The Noosa National Park on a perfect day! You might see Koala’s, Whales and Dolphins.

What advice would you give to a new student arriving in Noosa?: Don’t be afraid to ask the friendly locals for directions and advice, we are more than happy to assist.

Get to know the GV staff!  Today, we interview our popular Student Services Coordinator, Cassie….

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Name: Cassie / Cassandra / Cass

Job: Activities Co-ordinator/Student Services.

What do you actually do?: A little bit of everything. My main responsibility is to organise the social aspect of Global Village Noosa. This includes organising the Friday afternoon activities, student parties and generally ensuring that all student have a really fun experience whilst they are here. I also help students book tours and plan their trips around Australia. Another important part of my job, is assisting students with their employment search. I frequently have companies contacting the college for workers and I try very hard to gain position for all students.

What’s your favourite place in Noosa?: Noosa Hinterland. I love the beaches that surround Noosa, but the Hinterland has so many beautiful places where you can take amazing photographs of Noosa.

 Where would we find you at 9pm, Saturday?:Enjoying a beautiful Italian dinner and wine at my favourite restaurant Pilu in Noosaville.

 Give us one Sunshine Coast secret!: The Noosa Film Society! It began in Noosa in 1979 and as a member, you can enjoy pre screening of movies from many different countries. Also, the Noosa Regional Art Gallery. I love Art and they  have fantastic exhibitions on a regular basis.

 What advice would you give to a new student arriving in Noosa?:  “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

As part of our regular feature about some of the great teachers we are lucky enough to have here at GV Noosa, this week we speak to Dionne, who is currently teaching one of our upper-intermediate classes.

Dionne (centre, in white) and her class enjoy Mexican food in the student common room

How long have you been teaching at GV Noosa and what did you do before you worked here?

Well, I’ve been to three Christmas Parties at school so I guess I’ve been teaching here for at least 3 years! Before that I was a primary school teacher in Victoria for 15 years.

Do you speak another language and what has been your biggest challenge when learning it?

I don’t, but I’m trying to teach myself Spanish. I’ve got Spanish lessons on my iPod and I have bought text books from Amazon. I also watch Spanish movies and use an internet program. I started last year with lessons from one of my students. The biggest challenge, though, is not being immersed in an environment where I can practise.

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

I’m teaching one of our upper-intermediate classes. My students are fantastic, outgoing, motivated and have a great sense of humour. They all participate fully, it’s a great group!

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…

I can’t really answer this question as we have only been together for a week. They are so motivated to learn anyway that they will all be successful!

What do enjoy most about teaching at GV Noosa?

So many things! I love meeting people from all over the world. it’s also really nie to teach students who want to learn and are not obliged to, like at school. My colleagues are really nice too, we’re real friends, everybody is always happy – it’s a great dose of laughter!

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

Hmmm…I can’t imagine not being a teacher. If I wasn’t, I’d like to be a children’s TV host, like a Wiggle or something like that. It looks fun, it’s colourful and bright!

What do you like most about living on the Sunshine Coast?

The relaxed atmosphere, the beach and the opportunities it provides to my kids. They go surfing and can play all kinds of sports. Actually, I also enjoy the unpretentiousness of the people living here…

What is your favourite cafe, restaurant, shop or place in Noosa?

My favourite cafe is Fratellini in Sunshine Beach ( http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/fratellini/) and my favourite restaurant is definitely Bistro C (http://www.bistroc.com.au)

My favourite places are all the beaches around the National Park and as for my favourite place to shop, well…I hate shopping!

As part of our regular feature about some of the great teachers we are lucky enough to have here at GV Noosa, this week we hear from Lucy, who is currently teaching our pre-intermediate class.

Lucy (centre-left, wearing red and white) with her class, Sergio is in the back row (green t-shirt)

How long have you been teaching at GV Noosa and what did you do before you worked here?

I started teaching here in September last year but qualified in 1995, so have been an English teacher all my working life.

Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?

I have very basic Spanish and French. I can ask where the toilets are or reserve a room with a shower! The hardest thing was not being able to write things down. I am a visual learner and teacher. I’m conscious of how hard it is to learn if you are not an auditory learner and that’s the reason why I always try to write things up on the board.

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

I’m teaching Pre-Intermediate A. We’ve only been together for two weeks so we’re still doing activities to get to know eachother. We’re a great team, they’re all gorgeous!

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…

Sergio, from Colombia, was in my elementary class last year and has made amazing efforts to reach his current level. He’s a really nice guy too!

What do you enjoy most about teaching at GV Noosa?

Everything, really, everything! Especially the students, of course. They are a lot of fun and we have a great time together, it’s as simple as that!

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

That’s a good question…nothing! I’m a born teacher and can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

What do you like most about living on the Sunshine Coast?

The weather and the lifestyle. My favourite spot is Noosa River – it has a relaxed ambiance and I love spending time there with my family.

What is your favourite cafe, restaurant, shop or place in Noosa?

My favourite restaurant is called Alegria, a wonderful Spanish tapas place in Sunshine Beach.

http://www.alegriarestaurant.com.au

As part of our regular focus on some of the great teachers we have here at GV Noosa, this week we speak to the only one who owns a pet pig named Hamlet, Cambridge Advanced / Proficiency teacher Wendy.

Wendy and her CAE class (Lara is standing to the right of Wendy in the white top)

How long have you been teaching at GV Noosa and what did you do before you worked here?

I’ve been teaching at GV Noosa for over three years now. Before that, I used to run my own antique business.

Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?

Yes I do, French, very badly! I struggled a lot with conjugating verbs and learning verb forms. It’s always been a challenge learning this language in Australia and not in France, which proves to me the value of studying overseas.

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

CAE as usual! In March, I will start teaching our very first CPE class, which I am really looking forward to. I’m now keener on teaching high levels. I really enjoy those courses because we have a goal to achieve all together. It’s like being on a journey with my students.

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…

I can’t answer this question as they are all different. However, I have to say that Lara, from Switzerland, who was in upper intermediate last year, was so keen on joining the CAE class this term that she stayed at school studying during the school holidays. She was so motivated that she is now a member of my new CAE class.

What do you most enjoy about teaching at GV Noosa?

My colleagues! That’s very important and we’re a great team. Apart from that, I really enjoy meeting overseas students because I learn more about their country and culture than travelling overseas. When you do, you visit the country and visit the sights but you hardly ever meet locals and really understand their way of life.

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

I would definitely be writing! I’d be at home, writing a book and playing with Hamlet, my pig! I would probably write about growing up and living in the 70’s, the most exciting times…

What do you like most about living on the Sunshine Coast?

I just like the relaxed lifestyle. I’ve only been here for four years but I know I can’t cope with the city life anymore.

What is your favourite cafe, restaurant, shop or place in Noosa?

It’s actually in Eumundi, which is about a 15 minute drive from Noosa. The best restaurant in the universe is the “Modern Primitive”. The chef is a genius and is so creative. The dishes are full of flavours and amazing ingredients. The food is just great!

Read more about Wendy’s favourite restaurant here: http://www.modernprimitive.info

GV on the Sunshine Coast farewells one the family this week, with Andy leaving his position at GV Caloundra to travel around the world with his family.

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Andy has been with GV since 2005. In that time, he has worked as an teacher and A-DOS in Noosa, in group tours and finally as the manager of our new Caloundra Campus.  With Andy, we’ve also been lucky enough to have Lynda Tuttle working with us in both teaching and administration roles.

Andy and Lynda are planning on catching up with former students and teachers in various countries around the world over the next year or so.

Both members of the Tuttle family have been integral to the growth of GV on the Sunshine Coast over the last 4 years, and they will be very sincerely missed.

I hope we can see you back soon, Andy!

As part of our regular focus on some of the great teachers we have here at GV Noosa, as well as the courses and students that they teach, this week we hear from Alisa, who is about to say goodbye to her Cambridge FCE group.

How long have you worked at GV Noosa and what did you do before you worked here?

I have been here for two and a half years and before moving to Queensland I taught English in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?

Coming from California and having spent a year travelling around South America, I speak some Spanish and used to speak Italian. I say ‘used to’ because I lived and studied in Italy about eight years ago, but unfortunately I seem to have forgotten most of it now.

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

I have been teaching FCE and my students have taken their exams this week, so it will soon be time to say goodbye to them. I just have time to enjoy the holiday season before getting to know a new group when FCE starts again on 5th January.

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…

Matthias Zuber (below, green t-shirt) from Switzerland started out with one of the lowest entrance scores in the group but worked quietly and diligently so that just before the exam he was scoring very high marks in all five areas of the course and should do really well. He is in a hip-hop group back in Switzerland, is really passionate about music and has been the life and soul of the class.

What do you most enjoy about teaching at GV Noosa?

Interacting with students who come from all over the world, laughing and learning about their culture.

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

I’d be travelling the world and trying to figure out how to make a living doing it!

What do you like most about living on the Sunshine Coast?

The beach, the beach, the beach!!!

What is your favourite cafe, restaurant, shop or place in Noosa?

My favourite coffee shop is Costa Noosa in Sunshine Beach. I walk my dog on the beach every morning and it’s a great place to call in, pick up a coffee and chat with friends (http://www.costanoosa.com/)

What’s the story with the guitar music coming out of that corner classroom?  Find out more about one of GV Noosa’s most popular teachers, Mike Mooney…..

                                                                                                                                           How long have you been teaching at GV Noosa, and what did you do before you worked here?

I’ve been teaching at GV Noosa since December 2007.  I used to practice law, working as a lawyer for 3 years in New Zealand and 6 years in California, but I had taught Mathematics before the law career.

Do you speak another language, and what was your biggest challenge in learning it?

I speak a little Spanish, but never lived in a Spanish speaking country to really be immersed in the language.

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

I teach FCE exam preparation.  My current class is nearly finished and they have all done very well. 

Please tell us about one student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress.

Ines Marder [pictured next to Mike in the black top] has made outstanding progress – her first practice reading exam was quite low, but 10 weeks later she nearly got a perfect score on a similar test!

What do you enjoy most about teaching at GV Noosa?

I enjoy the students from the various countries and cultures – all seem happy and eager to learn English.

If you weren’t a teacher, which job do you think you’d be doing now?

If I wasn’t a teacher I suppose I’d be practicing law in Brisbane, but I love living in Noosa for the easy-going lifestyle and the access to the outstanding beaches.

What is your favourite cafe, restaurant, shop or place in Noosa?

My favourite spot in Noosa is the Krung Thep Thai restaurant – the food is amazingly delicious!

At GV Noosa we are lucky to have some fantastic, dedicated and highly inspirational teachers. Our regular ‘Teacher Feature’ is a great way to learn more about them, as well as the classes and the students they teach.

First in the hot-seat is everyone’s favourite ADoS, Nina…

How long have you been teaching at GV Noosa and what did you do before you worked here?I started teaching at GV Noosa in 2005.  Before this I worked in a language school in Basel, Switzerland.

Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?

I grew up with 2 languages – Russian and English.  My Russian parents were born in China and migrated to Australia in the early 1960’s.  Russian was spoken at home, but all my studies were in English.

When I went to live in Germany I realized that I had to learn to speak the language. The biggest challenge was finding the courage to put into practice what I had learnt. I would sit at home and practice saying “Please could I have 2 bread rolls” in German.  When I finally felt confident enough, I would put on my coat and go to the bakery only to find that it was closed for the ‘mid-day break’.  So, I would go home and panic until the bakery opened again.

You have to forget being shy or afraid that you will make mistakes.  Just start speaking!

Which class are you teaching at the moment?

At the moment I am teaching the ‘Fast Track to Cambridge’ class, together with 3 other Cambridge teachers.  Each of us is focusing on one of the skills tested in the Cambridge exams ie reading, writing, listening, grammar and speaking.  This is a class for students who are thinking of applying for the Cambridge First Certificate examination preparation class. 

Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…It is impossible to pick one ‘special’ student.  They are all making outstanding progress.  The work we are giving this particular class is challenging, but each student is meeting the challenge. 

What do you most enjoy about teaching at GV Noosa?

The best thing about teaching at GV Noosa is my colleagues.  Our staff room is filled with extremely interesting, funny and talented teachers.

If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?

There are many jobs I could do – but none that I would enjoy as much as working here at GV Noosa.  This is probably one of the best work environments in Noosa – because of my colleagues and the students.

What do you like most about living on the Sunshine Coast?

The sun, the blue, blue sky, the beautiful colours – this is something I REALLY missed during my time in Europe.

What is your favourite café, restaurant, shop or place in Noosa?

My favourite shop is ALDI because it reminds me of my time in Germany and my favourite restaurant is the Wok in Noosa – I can eat my noodles and watch GV students cross the road from Irish Murphy’s to the Koala Bar.

For more information about Wok in Noosa, take a look at:

http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/?action=venue&venue_url=the_wok_in_noosa

Our hard-working DOS, Becky, is in the Noosa News this week. 

Check out the article here.  Take the time to have a read through the Noosa News, by the way – it is a wonderful source of local news and job listings.

Our hard working DOS Becky is off for a week for a well deserved holiday in Bali.

While she’s gone, Nina will be available to deal with any academic issues that you have.

GV Noosa had cause to celebrate last week with the wedding of Lindsay and Matt

In great Sunshine Coast style the wedding was at Maroochydore Beach on a perfect Spring day.  Lindsay looked absolutely fantastic and everyone had a great day.  Lindsay is off for a week now for her honeymoon but will be back next Monday.

Global Village Noosa was nominated this month for a LTM Star Award, placing it in the top 5 language schools in the Southern Hemisphere.

Held in London each year, the LTM Star Awards have long been seen as the ‘Oscars’ of the language industry.  Along with one school in each of Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland and Cape Town, GV Noosa was voted by its agents as providing top level academic and admistrative service to its clients.

This is a real acknowledgement of the work by Becky and her team in developing an absolute world class program here on the Sunshine Coast. 

You can read more about the LTM Star Awards at http://hothousemedia.com/ltm/ltmbackissues/aug08web/aug08preview.htm

Well done to all the GV Noosa team!