Day 6 – Sunday

Sunday was a relaxation day so instead of hanging around the room all day, myself and a friend from the trip decided to have a look around in an area we hadn’t visited before. We found a nice little café and had a sandwich and coffee. Then we just had a wonderful walk around to get our bearings. We also discovered that other than a few coffee places and a pharmacy, everything else was closed.
In the evening we went out to have dinner in one of the places we’d liked to finish off the day.

Day 7 – Monday – week 2

Got to the school at 08:50. The day was slow to start as some of the kids were in late, once they were all in we started the day as we usually do with video’s etc..
Some of the kids were not in very good moods so the day was conducted differently. Instead of a set schedule, gentle music was put on to help keep them calm and they spent the rest of the day playing.

Day 8 – Tuesday – week 2

Yesterday started a bit late again as one kid was a bit late. The day went smoothly with the kids in good form. The play therapists came in but because all the kids were okay they left.

After school finished at 2pm the four of us that are in the same school; went back to the student accommodation. Relaxed for a while then got ready for the ALCAZABA walking tour that started at 4:30 pm. The tour itself was really good and I loved it, I love everything and anything about history so I found it very interesting. Our tour guide was lovely and she was a huge source of information. At the end of our tour we all walked up the hill to the castle. The views are incredible, I’d highly recommend it, I’d also suggest that a bottle of water is taken with you.

Day 9 – Wednesday – week 2

Today all six kids were in on time so the day started on time.

As it’s Wednesday, after the first part of the morning schedule was concluded, we led the kids to the gym room and set up some soft play games that involved crawling through a tunnel, three jumps on a trampoline,walking over small obstacles, sliding down a ramp and then a ball pit where they had to pick out a set number of balls.

After the gym room we then took the kids back to the classroom for their lunch at 11 am. The rest of the day went smoothly with puzzles being constructed, number games being played and general all out fun until home time.

As we have the rest of the day to ourselves, I’m just going to relax and head out for dinner later.

Shopping trip

After work today I decided to take a trip to the shopping center Larios. I got a little lost getting to the shopping center, a little more lost inside and very lost on the way home but we survived nonetheless. I went to Penneys and got some clothes and pajamas and some other bits then had a look around some other shops. I then got food and went home unfortunately my phone died so I couldn’t take as many pictures of the shopping center that I would have liked.

pink 🩷

Erasmus+ Work Placements: Learning by Doing in Málaga

Our students are currently gaining invaluable hands-on experience in Málaga, Spain, as part of their Erasmus+ work placements. These placements are carefully aligned with their vocational area of study and accredited towards their QQI Level 5 Work Experience module. This international opportunity allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings while developing essential skills for their future careers.

Here’s a look at the some of the companies and organizations where our students are gaining practical experience:

🔹 INCLUDD – A forward-thinking organization dedicated to inclusion and accessibility. Students here are working on projects that promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities, gaining insight into inclusive education and social innovation.

🔹 CEIP Prácticas Nº1 Málaga – This vibrant primary school provides an immersive learning environment for students interested in education and childcare. They are actively assisting teachers, supporting students, and gaining practical classroom management experience.

🔹 AMFREMAR – A social organization committed to supporting vulnerable communities through food distribution and social programs. Our students are contributing to community initiatives, learning about social care, and making a meaningful impact.

🔹 Veterinaria Velázquez Málaga – For students with an interest in animal care, this veterinary clinic provides hands-on experience in assisting with pet care, customer service, and clinical procedures under the guidance of experienced professionals.

🔹 Escuela Infantil Victoria Elena (Website) – A nursery school where students engage in early childhood education, fostering child development through play-based learning.

These placements not only enhance students’ professional skills but also offer them a chance to experience Spanish culture, develop independence, and build international networks. Their time in Málaga is proving to be an enriching experience, blending learning with adventure!

Exploring the Cultural Treasures: An Erasmus+ Journey

Our Erasmus+ mobility in Málaga, Spain, has been a remarkable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories. Each experience has brought our students closer to the vibrant history and charm of Andalusia. Here are some highlights of our journey.

A Sail with Dolphins on the Costa del Sol

One of the most magical moments was our boat trip along the Costa del Sol, where we were fortunate to spot playful dolphins gliding through the crystal-clear waters. The tranquillity of the Mediterranean Sea and the beauty of nature created an experience that left us all in awe.

Exploring the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle

The historic Alcazaba of Málaga, a Moorish fortress-palace, was a highlight of our cultural journey. Walking through its ancient walls and climbing to the Gibralfaro Castle offered stunning panoramic views of the city and its coastline. This iconic landmark gave us a deeper appreciation for Málaga’s rich historical layers

The Beauty of Nerja and its Caves

A trip to Nerja unveiled the natural wonders of the Nerja Caves, an underground world of stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring these caves was like stepping into a hidden realm, filled with echoes of history and geological marvels.

A short trip the Whitewashed Village of Frigiliana

The picturesque village of Frigiliana, known for its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets, was a step into Andalusia’s charming rural life. The students enjoyed wandering through the winding alleys, soaking in the breathtaking views of the mountains.

Work experience

Tomorrow (30th) the school day of non-violence and peace is celebrated all across schools in Spain. Yesterday (28th) I helped the children do some finger painting as they were decorating peace signs then I put them up to dry. Today I cut them out and tied string to them for the children to wear as necklaces.

The view from a blue block one of the children insisted i used

I found it quite interesting to learn about when I did my own research on the day and found out it was created on the anniversary of Gandhi’s death in 1964.

Tuesday the 28th of January.

I started today by waking up around 6 in the morning, having a small breakfast, and then onto my bus to be at work for 8:30.

Work was more tedious than usual as the service users were fussy and kicking off.

It did not keep me down as I was looking forward to the hike after my shift.

The tour included some interesting sights, a unique history lesson from someone extremely knowledgeable, and a location beside a trail that leads up to a viewpoint, otherwise known as our hiking spot.

It was a great day, and I hope i have time to come again before leaving to return home.

Wednesday 29th January

Today on my way to work, I ran into my 4th grade class walking through town with the teachers walking to their coach. They were going on a school trip I was not aware of. I followed along anyways and we ended up at some theatre.

On the way down to the place, a child got sick on the bus which then had all the other children gagging. We were only 5 minutes left away at the time so the driver just kept going.

Once the show started, I copped it was like a showcase for musical instruments worldwide with one man playing it and the orchestra in the background backing him up. It sounded unreal. The kids weren’t too interested with having to constantly ask them to be quiet or to stop messing.

The show lasted around 2 hours and afterwards the main fella of the show stood outside the building to get pictures with each school group. The child with autism in my class who i’ve been with all today took a liking to him a lot and even seem him as some celebrity. Once me and the child got a bit closer he lept at him and wrapped his arms around this guys chest. The child was balling. He thought he met his idol or something. After only 5 minutes of trying to get him off we went back to our coach.

For the rest of the school day the kids had their 45 minutes recess then an hour and reading and an hour of writing.